Eligibility requirements for American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification in radiography, nuclear medicine technology and radiation therapy will call for candidates to have earned an associate degree (or more advanced degree) from an appropriately accredited institution.

The change in eligibility requirements will be published in the 2009 Annual Report for Registered Technologists to seek public comments. If adopted, the revised eligibility requirement would be incorporated in the August 2009 update of the ARRT Rules and Regulations, with an implementation date of Jan. 1, 2015.

The ARRT acknowledged that the decision is not based on unequivocal, empirical evidence linking professional competence and academic degrees or on the belief that non-degree-granting programs are in any way deficient.

The degree will not need to be in radiologic sciences, and it can be earned before entering the educational program or after graduation from the program. The degree requirement will apply to graduates on or after Jan. 1, 2015. Individuals who complete a recognized non-degree granting program and apply for ARRT certification prior to that date will not be subject to the degree requirement, according to the registry.