Nationally Certified Multi-Skilled Radiology Technician
CIP Code: 51.0911 • 125 questions • 2.5 hours • Passing score: 70% • Annual renewal
Overview
This credential validates multi-skilled readiness to produce diagnostic radiographic images in hospitals, urgent care, and outpatient centers. Certified Radiology Technicians verify patient identity and exam orders, apply ALARA and radiation safety, position patients, acquire CR/DR images, support contrast procedures per policy, evaluate image quality, and document in PACS/RIS under licensed supervision.
- Nationally recognized Multi-Skilled Stackable
- Listed in the NHWCA National Registry for employer verification
- Annual renewal: $199 • 10 CEU • Active CPR • No lapse
Scope & Safety
Role focuses on patient positioning, image acquisition, and safety. Independent image interpretation or protocol approval is outside scope. Training emphasizes ALARA, shielding/collimation, pregnancy screening, and contrast safety awareness.
Job Description
A Radiology Technician confirms orders and patient ID, prepares rooms and detectors, positions patients for routine views, optimizes exposure factors, acquires and evaluates images, practices radiation protection, supports contrast studies per policy, manages PACS worklists and documentation, and communicates effectively with patients and the care team.
Qualifications (choose one)
- Graduate of a radiography or allied health program with x-ray modules; or
- Trained on the job by an accredited imaging department or urgent care; or
- Experience: 3 months verifiable radiography support experience.
State licensure/registration may be required. All candidates must meet age, ID, and conduct requirements per the NHWCA Candidate Handbook.
Exam Structure & Timing
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Question Count | 125 multiple-choice (100 scored + 25 pilot) |
| Time Limit | 2.5 hours (150 minutes) |
| Passing Score | 70% or higher |
| Delivery | Online or approved testing site, proctored, closed-book |
| Question Style | Scenario-based and knowledge-based items |
Exam Domains & Weighting
| Domain | Weight | Approx. Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Radiation Protection & ALARA (screening, shielding, collimation) | 20% | ~25 |
| Positioning & Image Acquisition (CR/DR) | 25% | ~31 |
| Anatomy, Projections & Image Evaluation | 20% | ~25 |
| Equipment Operation, Exposure Factors & QA | 15% | ~19 |
| Contrast Studies & Patient Care (incl. CPR) | 10% | ~12 |
| PACS/RIS Workflow & Documentation | 10% | ~12 |
Totals reflect 100 scored items; 25 pilot items do not affect score.
Practice Questions (10)
Included with registration inside the candidate portal. These do not affect your score but mirror the style and depth of the live exam.
Renewal
- Cycle: Annual
- Requirements: $199 • 10 CEU • Active CPR • No lapse
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