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

How to Become a Licensed Radiologic Technologist in Massachusetts

Massachusetts requires radiologic technologists to hold a state license issued by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Radiation Therapy, which oversees licensure for radiologic technologists, radiation therapists, and nuclear medicine technologists in the Commonwealth. Both ARRT certification and a valid Massachusetts license are required before practicing. Massachusetts is notable for its high regulatory standards and strict enforcement, consistent with its status as one of the most heavily regulated healthcare states in the country.

Massachusetts is home to one of the most competitive and best-compensated imaging markets in the United States. The Boston metro area hosts Mass General Brigham, Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Tufts Medical Center — institutions that are globally recognized. This market concentration drives both exceptional salary levels and high employer expectations for credential quality.

Step 1: Complete a JRCERT-Accredited Radiologic Technology Program

Massachusetts requires graduation from a JRCERT-accredited radiologic technology program. The entry credential is a two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology. A BSRT is available and strongly preferred at Mass General, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Dana-Farber for competitive and senior roles.

Massachusetts JRCERT-accredited programs include Bunker Hill Community College, Springfield Technical Community College, Quinsigamond Community College (Worcester), Middlesex Community College, and Massasoit Community College. Out-of-state JRCERT graduates are eligible for Massachusetts licensure. Your clinical competency log from the program is required for the ARRT exam application.

Step 2: Earn Your ARRT Certification

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

Massachusetts's competitive market makes specialty certifications effectively mandatory for career advancement. R.T.(CT) is expected for most senior positions. R.T.(MR) is in exceptional demand given the research-intensive environment at Boston hospitals where MRI protocols are frequently complex and novel. R.T.(M) is highly valued given the density of breast cancer programs. R.T.(NM) is a strong career path at academic centers with active oncology programs. All ARRT credentials require 24 CE credits per two-year renewal cycle.

Step 3: Apply for Your Massachusetts State License

After receiving ARRT certification, submit your license application to the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Radiation Therapy. The application requires ARRT certification documentation, educational program verification, and the state fee (approximately $75–$125 as of 2026 — Massachusetts fees are among the highest in the region). Processing time for new applications is typically six to ten weeks.

Massachusetts licenses are renewed biennially. Renewal requires current ARRT certification and payment of the Board's renewal fee. Massachusetts's Board of Registration is part of the Division of Professional Licensure and uses an online portal for applications and renewals. Track both renewal cycles proactively — the Board does not automatically receive ARRT status updates.

Continuing Education Requirements

ARRT's 24 CE credits per two-year cycle is the governing continuing education standard for Massachusetts radiologic technologists. Massachusetts state renewal is conditioned on maintaining current ARRT certification. Boston-area health systems — particularly Mass General Brigham and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute — layer substantial annual competency requirements on top of ARRT's CE baseline, including protocol-specific training, radiation safety updates, and patient safety standards.

Radiologic Technologist Specializations in Massachusetts

Massachusetts offers the broadest range of imaging specialization opportunities in New England. CT is the highest-volume specialty. MRI is particularly rich in Massachusetts due to the research environment at Harvard-affiliated hospitals — MRI technologists with experience in advanced protocols, functional MRI, cardiac MRI, or pediatric MRI command premium compensation.

Mammography positions are abundant and well-compensated at Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center's affiliate network and Mass General's breast imaging program. Interventional radiology and vascular surgery support positions at Mass General, Brigham and Women's, and Beth Israel are among the most competitive positions in the Boston market. Nuclear medicine positions at the major academic centers support both clinical and research imaging programs, with PET/CT in particularly high demand.

Massachusetts Salary Ranges

General radiologic technologists in Massachusetts earn $63,000–$85,000 annually, among the highest base ranges in the country. Boston metro positions pay $68,000–$95,000. CT and MRI specialists at major academic centers earn $78,000–$105,000. Senior interventional technologists and lead MRI technologists at Harvard-affiliated hospitals have regularly reported compensation above $110,000 including differentials.

Travel radiologic technologist assignments in Massachusetts pay $50–$72 per hour all-in. Boston-area travel assignments are competitive, but western Massachusetts — Springfield, Pittsfield, and the Pioneer Valley — generates consistent travel demand. Cape Cod and the Islands (Martha's Vineyard Hospital, Nantucket Cottage Hospital) produce seasonal travel demand surges in summer with premium compensation.

Top Employers

Mass General Brigham is Massachusetts's largest health system, comprising Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Newton-Wellesley, North Shore Medical Center, and numerous community affiliates — making it the dominant imaging employer in the state. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a world-renowned oncology employer with strong PET/CT and radiation therapy imaging programs. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is a major academic employer and Level I trauma center.

Tufts Medical Center and Boston Medical Center serve as the academic medical centers for the Tufts and Boston University health systems. UMass Memorial Medical Center (Worcester) anchors the central Massachusetts market. Baystate Health (Springfield) is the major western Massachusetts employer. The VA Boston Healthcare System is the federal employer. Children's Hospital Boston is the premier pediatric imaging employer in New England. Outpatient imaging at Radnet, Shields Health Care Group, and hospital-affiliated imaging centers creates a significant share of total Massachusetts RT employment.