"Retire" Credentials Questions
We know you’re proud to be a Registered Technologist. You worked hard to earn and maintain your ARRT credential(s).
However, when you decide not to renew your credential(s), you’ll no longer meet the requirements for being a Registered Technologist (R.T.).
There are three main reasons that, once you let your credential go, you won’t be able to use the Registered Technologist or R.T. designations.
- Employers and patients expect the term R.T. to apply to people whose ARRT credentials are current.
- Holding an ARRT credential means you meet all our certification requirements—including completing biennial continuing education and possibly Continuing Qualifications Requirements. (Learn more in the ARRT Rules and Regulations.)
- The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA)—the accrediting body of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence—accredits many of our programs. The NCCA Standards were developed to help ensure the health, welfare, and safety of the public. To maintain that accreditation, we must follow the NCCA Standards which include the expectation that Registered Technologists meet all requirements for maintaining certification and registration.
We understand it can be disappointing to no longer be able to use the R.T. credential. If you’d like to maintain your credential, you may continue to meet our ongoing requirements (including annual renewal)—even if you’re no longer working in the field.
If you don’t plan to maintain your ARRT certification and registration, however, you can request a Certificate of Recognition to commemorate your work as an R.T.
The R.T. and R.R.A. credentials are unlike credentials earned from an academic program. Your ARRT certification and registration signifies that you’re currently qualified to administer patient care as designated by the credential. If you discontinue your certification and registration, you’re no longer able to use the R.T. or R.R.A. designation. If you do, people could misinterpret your use as a claim that you’re currently qualified to provide care.
Your commitment to high quality patient care throughout your career is highly commendable. Although your pride in your accomplishments will stay with you when you leave the profession, you’ll no longer be certified and registered. Therefore we’ll officially and respectfully discontinue your credentials.
If you’re retiring or have become disabled, and you don’t want a career recognition certificate, you don’t need to take any further action. Simply let your certification and registration lapse by not completing the online renewal process.