Overview
JRCERT and JRCNMT
Medical-imaging education has two main accreditors. The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) accredits programs in radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance, and medical dosimetry, and the Joint Review Committee on Education Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT) accredits nuclear medicine programs. JRCERT is USDE-recognized.
The Gate
Accreditation, ARRT, and licensure
Graduating from an accredited program is the route to certification and, in many states, licensure. The ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) offers primary certification in radiography, radiation therapy, MRI, and nuclear medicine, while the NMTCB also certifies nuclear medicine. Most imaging jobs and state licenses require ARRT (or NMTCB) certification, which in turn requires an accredited program.
The Scope
What each accreditor covers
- JRCERTRadiography, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance (MRI), and medical dosimetry programs.
- JRCNMTNuclear medicine technology programs, leading to ARRT or NMTCB certification.
- Sonography noteDiagnostic medical sonography programs are accredited through CAAHEP (see allied health), leading to ARDMS or ARRT certification.
Do It Yourself
Verify a program
Go Deeper
Official sources
Questions
Frequently asked questions
- Who accredits radiologic technology programs? The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) accredits radiography, radiation therapy, MRI, and medical dosimetry programs; JRCNMT accredits nuclear medicine. JRCERT is USDE-recognized.
- Do I need an accredited program to be certified? In most cases, yes. ARRT (and NMTCB) certification generally requires graduation from an accredited program, and most jobs and state licenses require certification.
- What is the ARRT? The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, the main certification body for radiography, radiation therapy, MRI, and nuclear medicine technologists.
- Who accredits nuclear medicine programs? The Joint Review Committee on Education Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT); graduates pursue ARRT or NMTCB certification.
- Who accredits sonography programs? Diagnostic medical sonography programs are accredited through CAAHEP; graduates pursue ARDMS or ARRT certification. See the allied-health page.
- Do states license imaging technologists? Many states license radiologic technologists, generally requiring ARRT certification from an accredited program. Rules vary by state and modality.
- Is JRCERT recognized by the government? Yes. JRCERT is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- How do I verify an imaging program? Search the JRCERT or JRCNMT directory and confirm certification eligibility with ARRT (or NMTCB) and your state.