How to Get Your Radiologic Technologist License in Arizona (2026)

## How to Become a Licensed Radiologic Technologist in Arizona Radiologic technologists in Arizona perform X-rays, fluoroscopy, CT, MRI, mammography, and nuclear medicine imaging across hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and specialty clinics in the Phoenix metro, Tucson, and throughout the state's growing healthcare markets. Arizona requires both ARRT certification and a state license from the Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency (ARRA) before you may practice independently. ### Step 1: Complete a JRCERT-Accredited Radiologic Technology Program You must graduate from a program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Most candidates complete a two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology. A Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology (BSRT) is also available and is preferred for those targeting CT, MRI, or management advancement. JRCERT programs include clinical rotations where students must complete required competency assessments covering patient positioning, exposure technique, image critique, and patient care. Arizona's major programs include those at Gateway Community College, Pima Medical Institute, and hospital-affiliated programs affiliated with Banner and other large systems. Verify JRCERT accreditation status before enrolling. ### Step 2: Earn Your ARRT Certification The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) issues the primary credential required for Arizona practice: **R.T.(R) — Radiographer**, which covers general X-ray and fluoroscopy. ARRT exam details: - Fee: approximately $225 - Format: computer-based, approximately 3 hours - Requires JRCERT program completion and ethics clearance Beyond R.T.(R), specialty credentials include R.T.(CT) for CT, R.T.(MR) for MRI, R.T.(M) for mammography, and R.T.(NM) for nuclear medicine. Arizona's large Phoenix and Tucson markets support active demand for all specialties. ARRT requires **24 CE credits every two years** to maintain registration. ### Step 3: Apply for Your Arizona License The licensing authority is the **Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency (ARRA)**. You must hold an ARRA license before practicing as a radiologic technologist in Arizona. Application requirements: - Completed ARRA license application - State licensure fee (typically $75–$100; confirm the current fee on the ARRA website) - Proof of ARRT R.T.(R) certification - Proof of graduation from a JRCERT-accredited program - Criminal background check authorization - Some specialties and settings may require additional permits — notably, operators performing fluoroscopy may need separate documentation or sign-offs per ARRA rules ARRA licenses are subject to renewal. Keep your renewal current to maintain uninterrupted practice authority in Arizona. ### Continuing Education Requirements Arizona generally follows ARRT's 24 CE credit per two-year cycle as its continuing education standard, which means meeting ARRT's renewal requirement typically satisfies the state CE obligation as well. Verify the current state CE requirement with ARRA directly, as rule updates can change specific requirements. CE credits can be earned through ASRT online coursework, vendor-sponsored programs on ARRT's approved list, state and regional imaging conferences, and JRCERT-accredited continuing education workshops. ### Radiologic Technologist Specializations in Arizona Arizona's large and growing population — particularly the Phoenix metropolitan area, one of the fastest-growing markets in the country — drives strong demand across all modalities: - **CT Technologist (R.T.(CT)):** High-volume emergency departments, trauma centers, and oncology programs throughout Banner, Dignity, HonorHealth, and other major systems create consistent CT demand. - **MRI Technologist (R.T.(MR)):** Strong urban demand in Phoenix and Tucson; orthopedic, neurology, and sports medicine imaging centers are active employers. - **Mammography (R.T.(M)):** Breast health programs at every major system; 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) expertise is increasingly standard. - **Interventional Radiology:** Cath labs at tertiary care centers and specialized IR practices pay at the top of the RT range in Arizona. - **Nuclear Medicine (R.T.(NM)):** Cancer centers including HonorHealth Cancer Care and Banner MD Anderson drive PET/CT demand. ### Arizona Radiologic Technologist Salary Ranges Arizona wages are competitive with the Southwest regional market: - **General radiographer (R.T.(R)):** $58,000–$74,000 - **CT technologist:** $68,000–$85,000 - **MRI technologist:** $70,000–$90,000 - **Interventional radiology tech:** $75,000–$98,000+ - **Travel/contract RT:** $45–$65 per hour; Phoenix and Tucson are consistent travel RT destinations The Phoenix market in particular competes vigorously for experienced technologists, and sign-on bonuses are common at major systems. ### Top Employers for Radiologic Technologists in Arizona - **Banner Health (Phoenix and statewide):** The dominant integrated health system in Arizona; Banner University Medical Center and multiple Banner regional campuses employ large imaging departments - **Dignity Health (Phoenix, Chandler, Gilbert):** Chandler Regional, Mercy Gilbert, and St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center are major sites - **HonorHealth (Scottsdale and Phoenix metro):** HonorHealth Scottsdale and multiple campuses; cancer center and orthopedic imaging demand - **Valleywise Health (Phoenix):** Arizona's only Level 1 trauma center operated by a public hospital district; high-volume imaging - **University of Arizona Health Network (Tucson):** Academic medical center with full imaging services including research protocols - **Tucson Medical Center / Carondelet Health Network:** Major Tucson-market employers - **VA Healthcare System:** Phoenix and Tucson VA facilities are stable federal employers for credentialed techs - **Outpatient imaging centers:** RadNet-affiliated and independent imaging centers throughout the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas - **Mobile imaging companies:** Serve long-term care and rural communities across Arizona