Florida Radiology Tech CE Requirements
Radiology, Computed Tomography (CT), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technicians play a vital role in the field of medical imaging in the state of Florida. To ensure the safe and effective practice of these professions, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) has established specific continuing education requirements for licensed technicians. Let's explore the requirements for continuing education license requirements in Florida for these professionals.
In Florida, X-Ray, CT, and MRI technicians are required to hold a valid and current license issued by the DOH to practice in the state. As part of the license renewal process, technicians must complete continuing education courses that are approved by the DOH and meet specific requirements.
To maintain their license, Radiology, CT, and MRI technicians in Florida must complete a total of 13 hours (or credits) of continuing education every two years. This includes 12 hours of general continuing education as approved by the DOH or recognized accrediting agencies, such as the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT®) and a 1 hour of HIV/AIDS Course. (As an option to the HIV course, you may read "Florida's Omnibus AIDS Act: A Brief Legal Guide for Health Care Professionals".)
Continuing education courses can be obtained from various sources, including educational institutions, professional organizations, and online providers. At least 9 of the credits must be technical courses that can cover a wide range of topics, including radiation safety, anatomy, patient care, imaging procedures, radiographic pathology, etc.
Three of the credits may be in personal development like Managing Stress, Getting Organized, Understanding Teamwork, etc., but is not required.
In addition to the general continuing education requirements, Radiology, CT, and MRI technicians in Florida are also required to complete specific courses related to their area of practice. For example, CT technicians must complete a minimum of 8 hours of continuing education related to CT every two years, and MRI technicians must complete a minimum of 8 hours of continuing education related to MRI every two years. These specialized courses are designed to ensure that technicians stay current with the latest advancements in their respective fields.
Technicians must maintain records of their completed continuing education courses and provide proof of completion to the DOH 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, Radiology, CT, and MRI technicians in Florida must also comply with other regulations related to their practice. This includes adhering to the state's regulations on radiation safety, such as the use of appropriate shielding, monitoring of radiation exposure levels, and following established protocols for safe imaging procedures. Technicians 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® or the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT), which requires additional continuing education to remain certified. This is to ensure that technicians are knowledgeable and skilled in their practice and are committed to providing safe and quality care to their patients.
For more information, you can go directly to their website at: https://www.floridahealth.gov/licensing-and-regulation/radiologic-technology/continuing-education/index.html