Radiology, Computed Technology, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are critical components of modern medical imaging. In the state of Texas, these professionals are required to hold a license and undergo continuing education to ensure they stay up to date with the latest advancements in their field of study. Let's explore the requirements for continuing education license requirements for these technicians in Texas.
These professions are regulated by the Texas Medical Board (TMB) and are required to maintain a current and valid license to practice in the state. In order to obtain and renew their license, technicians must meet specific continuing education requirements. These requirements are designed to ensure that professionals stay current with the latest developments in their field and provide safe and effective patient care.
To maintain their license, licensees must complete a minimum of 24 hours (also referred to as credits or CEU’s) of continuing education every two years.
All credits must be approved by a recognized accrediting agency or a provider approved by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT®).
Continuing education courses can be obtained from a variety of sources, including educational institutions, professional organizations, and online providers. These courses cover a wide range of topics, including advancements in imaging production, radiation protection and safety, patient care, anatomy and physiology, and professional ethics.
At least 12 of these hours must be “direct credits”. Direct credits are defined as: ..."activities which are directly related to the use and application of ionizing forms of radiation to produce diagnostic images and/or administer treatment to human beings for medical purposes. For the purpose of this section, directly related topics include, but are not limited to: radiation safety, radiation biology and radiation physics; anatomical positioning; radiographic exposure technique; radiological exposure technique; emerging imaging modality study; patient care associated with a radiologic procedure; radio-pharmaceutics, pharmaceutics, and contrast media application; computer function and application in radiology; mammography applications; nuclear medicine application; and radiation therapy applications."
Indirect credits are defined as: ..."indirectly related topics include, but are not limited to, patient care, computer science, computer literacy, introduction to computers or computer software, physics, human behavioral sciences, mathematics, communication skills, public speaking, technical writing, management, administration, accounting, ethics, adult education, medical sciences, and health sciences. Other courses may be accepted for credit provided there is a demonstrated benefit to patient care."
In addition to the general continuing education requirements, imaging technicians in Texas are also required to complete specific courses related to their respective areas of practice. For example, MRI technicians must complete at least 16 hours of education in magnetic resonance imaging every four years, and at least eight of those hours must be related to the clinical use of MRI.
It's important for technicians to carefully select continuing education courses that are approved by the TMB or recognized accrediting agencies. Failure to complete the required continuing education can result in the denial or suspension of a license, which can impact a technician's ability to practice their profession legally.
Technicians are also required to maintain records of their completed continuing education courses and provide proof of completion to the TMB upon request. This includes documentation of the course name, course provider, course dates, and the number of hours completed.
In addition to the continuing education requirements, X-Ray, CT and MRI technicians are also required to comply with other regulations related to their practice. For example, they must adhere to the state's regulations on radiation safety, including the use of appropriate shielding and monitoring of radiation exposure levels. They must also comply with federal regulations related to patient privacy, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Furthermore, technicians must maintain their certification with the appropriate national certifying agency, such as the ARRT®, which may have additional continuing education requirements.
To summarize, Radiology, Computed Technology, and MRI technicians in Texas are required to meet specific continuing education requirements to maintain their license to practice. These requirements include completing at least 24 hours (or credits) of continuing education every two years, with at least 12 hours (credits) being directly related to their field of practice. Technicians must also comply with other regulations related to radiation safety, patient privacy, and maintaining their certification with national certifying agencies. The goal, of course, is to ensure that all imaging professionals are providing safe and effective care to their patients and staying current with the latest advancements in their field.
