Top Questions We Hear from Program Directors

We’re committed to making your experience with ARRT smoother throughout the academic year. Here are the top seven questions we receive from Program Directors, along with helpful answers: 

1. How do I update a student’s degree conferral date or program completion date? 

• Before Application Submission: If a student hasn’t submitted an application yet, you can edit their information directly in the student accounts section. 
• After Application Submission: Once a candidate has applied, their name will be moved from the list of reviewed students on the Program Director website to the Program Completion Verification List with the status of “completion date not yet reached.” In this case, you’ll need to send us an email with the changed dates and reason for the change (e.g., specify whether the change applies to the program completion, degree conferral, or both). We will update the system, so you can verify the correct dates. 

Note: Program Directors shouldn’t enter future dates for anticipated completion. 

2. What is the difference between a degree conferral date and a program completion date? 

Understanding the distinction between these dates is crucial for both educators and students: 

• Program Completion Date: This is the date a student completes all educational program requirements, including ARRT didactic and clinical competency requirements. 
• Degree Conferral Date: This is the date listed on a student’s academic transcript and may differ from the program completion and commencement dates. 

3. What should I do if a student fails a class or takes a term off due to a family emergency? 

If a student fails a course, and needs to repeat, do not select "No longer in program." Instead, move their completion date(s) out, even if the exact date is unknown. Ensure a date is entered since leaving it blank is not an option. 

Selecting “No longer in program” is only appropriate if a student is not going to finish the program due to dropping out or being dismissed.  

4. Should I provide ADA documentation guidelines to my students? 

Yes, providing these guidelines early will give students time to gather necessary documents or make appointments with health care providers. It also gives students the opportunity to call us with any questions before submitting their application.  

More information about ADA accommodations can be found in our Handbooks.   

5. Should I accept students who earned their degrees internationally? 

It depends on whether they meet the following requirements: 

• Earned an associate degree or higher: The degree must be from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by ARRT. Acceptable international degrees ALSO require evaluation by an academic credential evaluation service that is a member of AICE, CED, and/or NACES. 

Check if an educational institution meets our requirements here: ARRT-verified educational program. You can also view our international education FAQs page. 

6. Can candidates still apply with a paper application? 

Currently, everyone except R.R.A. candidates can apply online. Paper applications won’t be accepted after Dec. 31, 2025. Candidates can access the online application through their Dashboard. 

7. How can I help make my students’ experience better this academic year? 

Remind students to review their account information before submitting to ensure it’s accurate. Common issues include incorrect Social Security Number, misspelled names, date of birth, or incorrect mailing addresses. To correct a name, students need to submit a name change form. Other corrections must be faxed to 651-681-3297. 

Ensure students understand what ADA accommodations are and advise them to review their applications carefully. Incorrectly indicating a need for accommodations delays application processing and exam scheduling. 

We’re here to help. If you have additional questions, you can reach us at 651.687.0048 or toll-free at 877.560.2778, selecting the option for Program Directors.