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

How to Become a Licensed Radiologic Technologist in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania mandates state licensure for radiologic technologists, administered through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP), Bureau of Radiation Protection. Pennsylvania is one of the most complex licensing states for radiologic technologists due to its additional requirement under Act 31, which mandates child abuse recognition and reporting CE for all licensed healthcare professionals. This guide walks through every requirement for 2026.

Step 1: Complete a JRCERT-Accredited Program

Pennsylvania applicants must graduate from a radiologic technology program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Pennsylvania has one of the nation's densest concentrations of accredited programs, with offerings at community colleges, universities, and hospital-based schools throughout the state. Programs at institutions affiliated with UPMC, Jefferson Health, and regional community colleges are common entry points. The standard program is a two-year Associate of Applied Science, though bachelor's degree pathways are available at select four-year institutions. Programs integrate radiation physics, anatomy, positioning, image analysis, and clinical rotations. JRCERT accreditation is required for ARRT eligibility and state license application.

Step 2: Earn Your ARRT Certification

Pass the ARRT Radiography (R) examination through Pearson VUE. The exam is 200 questions covering imaging procedures, equipment, patient care, and radiation protection. You must document clinical competencies completed during your accredited program and satisfy ARRT's ethics requirements before you can sit. Pennsylvania's licensing authority requires a current, valid ARRT credential as part of the state application. ARRT credentials must be maintained in good standing — any revocation or suspension will affect your ability to hold or renew a Pennsylvania license.

Step 3: Apply for Your Pennsylvania License

Submit your application to the PA DEP Bureau of Radiation Protection. The Pennsylvania application requires your ARRT certification documentation, official program transcripts, a completed application form, and a licensing fee of approximately $75–$100. Pennsylvania also requires applicants — and all licensed RT practitioners — to complete Act 31 training, which is a mandatory child abuse recognition and reporting education course required of all licensed health care professionals in the Commonwealth. Act 31 training (typically 3–4 hours for initial training) must be completed before or shortly after licensure, with ongoing CE required at renewal. Out-of-state applicants may apply for licensure by reciprocity. Allow 3–5 weeks for PA DEP processing. Licenses renew biennially.

Continuing Education Requirements

Pennsylvania radiologic technologists must complete 24 CE credits per two-year renewal cycle. This total must include completion of Act 31 continuing education (child abuse recognition and reporting) at each renewal cycle — typically 2 hours of Act 31-specific training embedded within your overall CE hours. The remaining CE must be relevant to radiologic technology practice and consistent with ARRT standards. Accepted formats include ASRT-approved online courses, professional conferences, in-service education, and accredited academic programs. Pennsylvania is one of few states with a mandatory specific-topic CE requirement (Act 31), so plan your CE calendar accordingly to avoid last-minute compliance issues.

Radiologic Technologist Specializations in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's healthcare ecosystem — anchored by one of the largest academic medical center networks in the US — creates exceptional demand for specialized RT credentials. CT and MRI are the foundation advanced specializations for career advancement. UPMC's network alone operates dozens of imaging centers requiring certified subspecialty technologists. Vascular-interventional radiography, mammography, cardiac catheterization lab support, and nuclear medicine technology are all in active demand in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and other metropolitan areas. Pennsylvania's large population of aging adults creates strong mammography and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan demand in outpatient and community settings.

Pennsylvania Salary Ranges

Pennsylvania radiologic technologists earn between $55,000 and $82,000 annually. Philadelphia-area and Pittsburgh-area positions at major academic medical centers offer the highest compensation, with experienced CT/MRI technologists commonly reaching $75,000–$82,000. Central Pennsylvania (Harrisburg, Hershey, Lancaster) is a mid-tier market averaging $60,000–$68,000. Rural Pennsylvania positions may carry incentive pay to attract candidates. Statewide median is approximately $65,000–$68,000. Travel RT assignments in Pennsylvania pay $42–$60/hour, with Philadelphia metro positions at the higher end of the range.

Top Employers

Pennsylvania's radiologic technologist market is dominated by large integrated health systems:

• UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center) — One of the nation's largest integrated health systems with flagship hospitals in Pittsburgh and dozens of regional facilities statewide; consistently among the top RT employers in Pennsylvania.
• Penn Medicine — Philadelphia-based academic health system including the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania Hospital; known for advanced imaging programs.
• Jefferson Health — Philadelphia-region system with Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals and regional campuses across southeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey.
• Geisinger Health — Central and northeastern Pennsylvania's dominant integrated health system, with Level 1 Trauma capabilities and extensive outpatient imaging.
• Main Line Health / Tower Health / WellSpan Health — Regional systems in the Philadelphia suburbs and south-central PA respectively, collectively employing hundreds of RT staff.