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

How to Become a Licensed Radiologic Technologist in Maryland

Maryland requires radiologic technologists to hold a state license issued by the Maryland Board of Physicians through its Medical Radiation Technology section. Both ARRT certification and a valid Maryland license are required before practicing as a radiologic technologist in the state. The Board of Physicians administers licensing for multiple medical professions, and the Medical Radiation Technology section covers radiologic technologists, radiation therapists, and nuclear medicine technologists.

Maryland's healthcare market is one of the most dynamic in the United States. The Baltimore metropolitan area is home to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the University of Maryland Medical System, MedStar Health, and LifeBridge Health — four of the most prestigious health systems in the country. The state also benefits from significant federal government imaging demand, with NIH, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and multiple VA facilities employing imaging staff.

Step 1: Complete a JRCERT-Accredited Radiologic Technology Program

Maryland requires graduation from a JRCERT-accredited radiologic technology program. The standard entry credential is a two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology. A BSRT is available and preferred at Johns Hopkins Hospital and the University of Maryland Medical Center for competitive positions.

Maryland JRCERT-accredited programs include Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC), Montgomery College, Prince George's Community College, and Wor-Wic Community College. Out-of-state JRCERT programs are equally accepted. Your program's documented clinical competency log is required for the ARRT exam application.

Step 2: Earn Your ARRT Certification

Maryland requires current ARRT certification as a prerequisite for state licensure. The primary entry-level credential is R.T.(R). After completing your JRCERT program and clinical competency documentation, apply for the ARRT exam (approximately $225 fee) at a Prometric testing center.

Maryland's competitive market strongly rewards specialty certifications. R.T.(CT), R.T.(MR), and interventional/vascular experience are particularly valued at academic medical centers. R.T.(M) is in demand at Johns Hopkins Breast Center and University of Maryland cancer programs. R.T.(NM) positions are abundant given the density of academic and federal facilities. All ARRT credentials require 24 CE credits per two-year renewal cycle.

Step 3: Apply for Your Maryland State License

After receiving ARRT certification, submit your Maryland license application to the Maryland Board of Physicians Medical Radiation Technology section. The application requires ARRT certification documentation, educational program verification, and the state fee (approximately $75–$100 as of 2026). New license processing typically takes four to eight weeks.

Maryland licenses renew biennially. Renewal requires current ARRT certification and payment of the Board of Physicians renewal fee. Maryland's administrative processes are managed through the Board of Physicians' online portal. Track both renewal cycles proactively — the Board does not automatically receive ARRT renewal confirmations.

Continuing Education Requirements

ARRT's 24 CE credits per two-year cycle is the governing continuing education requirement for Maryland radiologic technologists. Maryland renewal is conditioned on maintaining current ARRT certification. Major Maryland employers — particularly Johns Hopkins, UMMS, and MedStar — layer significant annual facility competency requirements on top of ARRT's CE baseline, including radiation safety, contrast protocols, and patient identification standards.

Radiologic Technologist Specializations in Maryland

Maryland's academic medical center concentration makes it one of the best states in the country for advanced imaging specialization. CT is the highest-volume specialty, present everywhere from Johns Hopkins to suburban outpatient centers. MRI positions are competitive and well-compensated, especially at Hopkins and UMMS where research protocols create specialized scanning demands.

Interventional radiology and neuro-interventional positions at Johns Hopkins Hospital, University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown, and MedStar Georgetown command premium compensation. Nuclear medicine positions are abundant relative to most states, driven by federal research at NIH Clinical Center (Bethesda) and Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System. Mammography positions are strong at dedicated breast imaging centers affiliated with Maryland's major cancer programs.

Maryland Salary Ranges

General radiologic technologists in Maryland earn $60,000–$82,000 annually. Baltimore metro positions typically pay $63,000–$86,000. The DC suburbs (Montgomery and Prince George's Counties) pay $65,000–$90,000, reflecting the federal sector and high cost of living. CT and MRI specialists earn $72,000–$95,000. Senior interventional techs at academic centers can exceed $100,000.

Travel radiologic technologist assignments in Maryland pay $48–$68 per hour all-in. Maryland assignments are competitive due to proximity to DC and Baltimore. Western Maryland rural assignments — particularly at hospitals in Hagerstown, Cumberland, and Oakland — generate consistent travel demand from agencies.

Top Employers

Johns Hopkins Medicine is Maryland's most prestigious employer and one of the most recognized health systems in the world. University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) includes University of Maryland Medical Center, Shock Trauma, and statewide community hospitals. MedStar Health operates nine hospitals in Maryland including MedStar Franklin Square, MedStar Harbor, and MedStar Good Samaritan. LifeBridge Health (Sinai Hospital, Northwest Hospital) is a major Baltimore employer.

Luminis Health (Anne Arundel Medical Center) anchors the Annapolis market. Adventist HealthCare serves the DC suburbs. NIH Clinical Center (federal) and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (federal) are major federal employers that hire civilian RT staff. The VA Maryland Health Care System employs RTs at Baltimore and Perry Point campuses. Outpatient imaging at Radnet, dedicated imaging centers, and Johns Hopkins community radiology affiliates rounds out the Maryland landscape.