chapter 2

What is accreditation?

A voluntary peer-review process in which an agency recognizes an institution or program for meeting specified educational standards.

What is certification?

A voluntary process where an individual demonstrates professional skills (usually through an exam) and receives recognition from a certifying agency.

What are the “Essentials and Guidelines” in accreditation?

Documents outlining minimum standards for educational program accreditation approved by joint review committee sponsors.

What is a Joint Review Committee (JRC)?

A group appointed by sponsoring organizations to oversee and administer the accreditation process.

What is licensure?

A legal process by which a government (usually a state) grants permission for an individual to practice a profession.

What is a registry in radiologic technology?

A list of individuals who hold certification in a particular profession.

What is a sponsoring organization?

A professional organization that appoints members to a JRC board and supports the accreditation process.

What are standards in accreditation?

Documents specifying minimum requirements for educational program quality as used by JRCs.

What are the four classifications of ensuring quality in radiologic technology?

1. Accreditation

2. Certification

3. Licensure

4. Professional organizations

What is the role of accreditation?

To assess and ensure the high quality of institutional or programmatic offerings via compliance with performance standards.

What is programmatic accreditation and who handles it?

Accreditation focused on specific educational programs; handled by JRCERT, JRCDMS, and JRCNMT.

What does JRCERT stand for and what does it do?

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology; accredits programs in radiography, radiation therapy, medical dosimetry, and MRI.

When was JRCERT established and who governs it?

Established in 1969; governed by a Board of Directors nominated by four sponsoring organizations.

What does JRCDMS do?

Accredits educational programs in diagnostic medical sonography; established in 1979, sponsored by 9 organizations.

What does JRCNMT do?

Accredits nuclear medicine technology programs; established in 1970 and sponsored by 4 organizations.

What does certification assess?

Minimum competencies in professional skills and knowledge, often verified by examination.

Why is certification important?

Required by many employers and essential for listing in national registries; signifies professional competency.

What are common certifications in radiologic sciences?

• Radiography (R)

• Nuclear Medicine (N)

• Radiation Therapy (T)

• Sonography (S, VS, BS)

• CT (CT), MRI (MR)

• Cardiac & Vascular Interventional Tech (CI, VI)

• Quality Management (QM)

• Bone Densitometry (BD)

• Radiologist Assistant (RA)

How are certified professionals identified?

They appear on a national registry and may use credentials like RT(R), RT(MR), RT(T), RT(QM), etc.

What is required to maintain certification?

Continuing education and renewal through the certifying body

What is the ARRT and when was it founded?

American Registry of Radiologic Technologists; founded in 1922.

What is the ARDMS and its role?

American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers; founded in 1975 to certify sonographers.

What is the NMTCB and when was it established?

Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board; established in 1977 to certify nuclear medicine professionals.

What is licensure in medical imaging?

Legal permission from a state to practice; may accept national certification as proof of qualification.

How do state licensure requirements vary?

Each state has different rules. It’s the technologist’s responsibility to verify and comply.

What functions do professional societies serve?

• Education and publications

• Hosting symposia

• Scholarships and research

• Advocacy, malpractice insurance, marketing

• Member welfare

Name key professional societies for technologists.

• AHRA (Healthcare Radiology Admin)

• ASRT (Radiologic Technologists)

• SDMS (Sonography)

• AEIRS (Educators)

• AVIR (Vascular/Interventional)

• ISRRT, ISMRM, SM (Various)

Name key professional societies for radiologists and physicists.

• AMA

• AAPM

• ABR

• ACR

• AIUM

• ARRS

• RSNA

• ASTRO

• ISCD

• SCAR

• SM