"Initial certification alone, however, is not sufficient for assuring ongoing qualifications," DelVecchio notes. Although the concepts of radiation learned in the educational program may remain relevant for decades, the technology of how it is used changes rapidly. "This means that technologists must continue to update their qualifications on an ongoing basis," he adds. Continuing education relevant to their practice is an essential requirement for technologists and is a requirement for maintaining the registration of certification.

"While no medical error is acceptable," DelVecchio asserts, "they do occur. They can result from lack of knowledge and education in some cases. But errors may also result from behavior that lacks the appropriate ethical grounding, which is also essential to assuring ongoing qualifications. Measured by an appropriate standard of ethics, individuals can demonstrate that they have internalized a set of guidelines that reflect the best interests of the patient."


Answering the question -- Is the person exposing you to radiation qualified? -- is a matter of both initial and ongoing evaluation and monitoring of qualifications. Certification programs such as those administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists are important elements in providing the quality of care that all patients and their loved ones should expect.

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists promotes high standards of patient care by recognizing individuals qualified in medical imaging, interventional procedures, and radiation therapy. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minn., ARRT evaluates, certifies, and annually registers more than a quarter-of-a-million radiologic technologists across the United States. For more information, visit www.arrt.org

SOURCE American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
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