Imaging Assistant Questions

To earn an Imaging Assistant credential, you must be 18+ years old with a high school diploma or GED. You'll also need to fulfill a range of requirements, including those in structured education, clinical competency, examination, and ethics. Learn more about the Imaging Assistant requirements.

You’ll log your clinical experience and structured education activities in our Imaging Assistant documentation tool, which you’ll access from your dashboard.. (We anticipate the Imaging Assistant tool will be available in summer 2026.)

You’ll need to meet all the eligibility requirements before you can apply for Imaging Assistant credentials. Once you do, you’ll use our Imaging Assistant tool—accessed through your online account—to submit your application. After ARRT approves your application, we’ll send instructions for scheduling your exam. 

Learn more by visiting our exam information page or by viewing our exam FAQ section.

Learn more about the ongoing requirements for maintaining your ARRT certification and registration.

If you have additional questions, call us at 651.687.0048. Choose the option for earning an ARRT credential.

The health care landscape is evolving—and so are the needs of imaging teams. As MRI scanning services continue to expand rapidly, the demand for trained on-site assistants has become increasingly urgent. Teleradiology and remote scanning capabilities are reshaping health care delivery, making it more essential than ever to have qualified assistants who support patient safety.  

ARRT developed the Imaging Assistant, Magnetic Resonance credential to:  

• Support patient safety  
• Expand educational opportunities for those entering the field  
• Address workforce shortages by creating a new entry point into medical imaging  

This initiative aligns with ARRT’s vision: exceptional patient care, provided by qualified professionals.  

All ARRT’s credentials are built on a foundation of rigorous standards, ethics, and safety:  

• Developed through a practice analysis with MR technologists, managers, and radiologists  
• Backed by 100+ years of ARRT credibility  
• Designed to meet consistent national standards  
• Includes required ethics education to promote high standards of professional integrity 

ARRT credentials are nationally recognized, reinforcing public confidence. 

Earning this credential offers:  

• Professional recognition in a growing field  
• Job readiness with less on-the-job training required  
• Increased earning potential  
• Career advancement toward roles like MRI technologist  

The Imaging Assistant, Magnetic Resonance will support R.T.s, not replace them. We understand that change can raise concerns. Here’s what R.T.s should know:  

• Imaging assistants do not perform imaging or scanning  
• Imaging assistants free up R.T.s to focus on complex imaging tasks  
• Imaging assistants help reduce errors and improve patient care, which will contribute to building safer, more efficient teams  

Patient Safety
Credentialed assistants reduce risk in MR environments.  

Quality Care
Trained professionals support better outcomes.  

Trust
ARRT credentials are recognized and respected nationwide.