BECOME A REGISTERED RADIOLOGIST ASSISTANT

As patient demand increases for medical imaging services, radiology teams and resources can be stretched thin. To improve efficiency and patient care, many medical facilities look to registered radiologist assistants (R.R.A.s) to provide advanced level support to radiologists. To become an R.R.A., you must complete an advanced educational program and meet a range of additional requirements. Your job responsibilities might include assessing and managing patients, performing select clinical procedures, and reporting initial findings to a radiologist. 

As an R.R.A., you’ll be an important part of a medical team, performing many procedures that a radiologist would otherwise do. This rewarding career will continue to challenge you and enable you to advance in your profession. 

Looking for information about how radiology practitioner assistants (RPAs) can pursue an R.R.A. credential? Go here to learn about the RPA to R.R.A. eligibility pathway.

How To Get Started On an R.R.A. Credential

When you’re ready to pursue an R.R.A. credential, make sure you meet or are working toward the following requirements: 

  • A master’s degree or higher
  • Certification and registration with ARRT in Radiography
  • At least one year of full-time radiography clinical experience, which you obtained after earning your Radiography certification and registration
  • Completion of an ARRT-approved radiologist assistant education program (including completing requirements for didactic competence and clinical education)
  • Compliance with the ARRT Standards of Ethics
  • Passing of the R.R.A. exam (view the schedule for the next R.R.A. exam dates)

DOCUMENTS TO HELP GUIDE YOU

As you progress, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the documents below. They’ll help you understand the requirements and the application process: 

R.R.A. ELIGIBILITY CHECKLIST & PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS

  • R.R.A. Application Instruction Packet
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    R.R.A. APPLICATION

    Note: RPA candidates should use the RPA to R.R.A. pathway application, which can be found on this page.

  • October 2026 R.R.A. Exam Application (postmark by August 12)
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  • January 2027 R.R.A. Exam Application (postmark by November 11)
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    R.R.A. HANDBOOK AND OTHER REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

  • Registered Radiologist Assistant (R.R.A.) Handbook
  • Examination Content Specifications
  • Entry Level Clinical Activities
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    R.R.A. REAPPLICATION 

  • R.R.A. Reapplication
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    QUESTIONS?

    Earning an R.R.A. credential is challenging, yet very rewarding. If you have questions along the way, we’re here to help. Take a look at our R.R.A. FAQs,  send us a message, or call us for more information.