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

## How to Become a Licensed Radiologic Technologist in California Radiologic technologists in California perform X-rays, fluoroscopy, CT, MRI, mammography, and nuclear medicine imaging across one of the nation's largest and most diverse healthcare markets. California requires both ARRT certification and a state license through the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Radiologic Health Branch. California also has a separate fluoroscopy permit process, making the licensing pathway slightly more involved than most states. ### 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). The standard pathway is a two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology, though a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology (BSRT) is increasingly preferred for advancement to CT, MRI, and management roles. California has an extensive network of JRCERT-accredited programs at community colleges and hospital-affiliated schools throughout Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, and the Central Valley. All programs include supervised clinical rotations requiring competency evaluations in patient positioning, technique, image quality assessment, and patient care. Confirm your program's active JRCERT accreditation before enrolling. ### Step 2: Earn Your ARRT Certification The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) issues the primary credential required for California licensure: **R.T.(R) — Radiographer**, covering general X-ray and fluoroscopy. ARRT exam details: - Fee: approximately $225 - Format: computer-based, approximately 3 hours - Eligibility requires JRCERT graduation and ethics clearance After 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. California's large urban markets — particularly Los Angeles and the Bay Area — support strong demand for every specialty. ARRT requires **24 CE credits every two years** to maintain registration. ### Step 3: Apply for Your California License The licensing authority is the **California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Radiologic Health Branch**. California issues specific license types; the standard for radiographers is the Certified Radiologic Technologist (CRT) certificate. Requirements: - Completed application to CDPH Radiologic Health Branch - State fee (typically $100–$150; verify the current fee on the CDPH website) - Proof of ARRT R.T.(R) certification - Proof of JRCERT-accredited program completion - Criminal background check **Fluoroscopy Permit (California-specific):** California requires a separate fluoroscopy permit for technologists who operate fluoroscopic equipment. This involves passing a state-specific fluoroscopy examination administered by CDPH. Many California imaging jobs require both the CRT and the fluoroscopy permit — pursue the fluoroscopy exam early in your career to maximize your employability. Keep your license and permit renewals current with CDPH to maintain uninterrupted practice authorization. ### Continuing Education Requirements California's CE requirements follow ARRT's 24 CE per two-year cycle as the base standard. Verify any additional state-specific CE requirements with CDPH, as California periodically updates its requirements. The fluoroscopy permit may have its own renewal CE component — confirm current requirements with CDPH. CE credits can be earned through ASRT online courses, state conferences (CSRT — California Society of Radiologic Technologists), vendor-sponsored ARRT-approved programs, and JRCERT workshops. ### Radiologic Technologist Specializations in California California's scale and diversity create opportunities in every imaging specialty: - **CT Technologist (R.T.(CT)):** California's Level 1 trauma centers, large oncology programs, and emergency departments generate among the highest CT volumes in the country. - **MRI Technologist (R.T.(MR)):** Strong demand in LA, Bay Area, and San Diego markets; orthopedic, neurology, and research imaging all contribute. - **Mammography (R.T.(M)):** Women's health programs at Kaiser, Cedars-Sinai, and regional health systems; breast health is a priority service line statewide. - **Interventional Radiology:** IR and vascular imaging positions at major California academic centers are among the highest-paying RT roles in the country. - **Nuclear Medicine (R.T.(NM)):** Major cancer centers including UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCSF, and City of Hope drive robust PET/CT demand. ### California Radiologic Technologist Salary Ranges California consistently ranks among the highest-paying states for radiologic technologists: - **General radiographer (R.T.(R)):** $72,000–$92,000 in major metro areas - **CT technologist:** $82,000–$105,000 - **MRI technologist:** $85,000–$110,000 - **Interventional radiology tech:** $90,000–$120,000+ - **Travel/contract RT:** $55–$80 per hour; California is a top travel RT destination, with agency rates further elevated by the state's high cost of living Union representation (SEIU, CNA-affiliated) at many California hospitals can add additional compensation and benefit protections. ### Top Employers for Radiologic Technologists in California - **Kaiser Permanente (statewide):** The dominant integrated health plan/system in California; among the largest RT employers in the state, with campuses throughout Southern California, the Bay Area, and Northern California - **Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (Los Angeles):** One of the most prestigious academic-affiliated community hospitals in the nation; comprehensive imaging - **UCLA Health (Los Angeles):** Academic medical center with full imaging services and active research protocols - **UCSF Health (San Francisco):** Top-ranked academic medical center; advanced imaging and research - **UC San Diego Health:** San Diego's academic medical center - **Dignity Health (statewide, part of CommonSpirit):** Multiple California campuses from Sacramento to Los Angeles - **Providence California (Southern and Northern California):** Multi-campus system - **Sutter Health (Northern California):** Large integrated system in Sacramento, Bay Area, and Central Valley - **VA Healthcare System:** Multiple California VA medical centers (LA, San Francisco, San Diego, Fresno) are major federal employers - **Outpatient imaging centers:** RadNet operates one of the largest outpatient imaging networks in California; Radiology Associates and regional radiology groups are also major employers