RESEARCH

ARRT-CONDUCTED RESEARCH

ARRT prides itself on being a mission-driven and evidence-based decision maker. A critical part of developing and maintaining high quality examinations involves active participation in, and critical review of, research that is relevant to developing and maintaining high-quality certification and registration programs. Conducting research is beneficial both to ARRT as well as to the professional community. The research that ARRT has done in equating low-volume exams has benefited other credentialing organizations, and the results of applied research studies serve to directly inform the decision making processes at ARRT.

PRACTICE ANALYSIS STUDIES: 
Each ARRT certification and registration program is based upon a practice analysis study.

ARRT-FACILITATED RESEARCH

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA/NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE RESEARCH

The United States Radiologic Technologists (USRT) Study is ongoing research that includes 146,000 radiologic technologists who were registered with ARRT for at least two years prior to 1982.

The study joins the resources and expertise of the University of Minnesota, the National Cancer Institute, and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), and is the largest and most comprehensive study of people who are exposed to radiation in medical jobs in the world. It is also unique as a health study because people from all 50 states in the U.S. are participating.

The original goal of the study was to determine whether repeated low-dose occupational ionizing radiation exposure, such as that potentially experienced by radiologic technologists, was related to cancer and other health conditions.

Since its beginning in 1983, the focus of the study has evolved as biomedical science has advanced. The potential health consequences of occupational ionizing radiation exposure can now be examined with a better understanding of the molecular biology of cancer. It is well recognized that risks from environmental and occupational exposures are not equal across all people, with susceptibility influenced by a person’s genetic makeup and other factors.

In this context, the USRT Study continues to contribute to the understanding of how ionizing radiation affects human health.

To learn more, visit https://dceg.cancer.gov/research/who-we-study/cohorts/us-radiologic-technologists

R.T. MAILING LISTS AVAILABLE FOR YOUR RESEARCH STUDY

ARRT also supports the efforts of other individuals and organizations doing research on the profession by providing mailing lists for surveying samples of Registered Technologists. The samples may be stratified based upon any of the demographic factors that ARRT collects through its annual certification and registration process. Researchers must submit a formal research proposal for review and approval prior to requesting a mailing list. Submit proposals to the ARRT Chief Executive Officer, 1255 Northland Drive, St. Paul, MN 55120. Call 651.687.0048, ext. 3122, for more information.