I would like to start a petition against the CQR SSA requirements for Radiologic Technologists that have graduated in 2011 to present time. We as Radiologic Technologists pride ourselves on the work we do and take it very seriously. We are required to complete 24 continuing education credits every two years. We pay for those ourselves as well as paying for our ARRT card and state license. While the CQR assessment is free, we are still expected to pay for the credits that will be assigned to us after we take the assessment. 

I am aware that the ARRT is not considering this a test, but in many ways it feels very much like one. Although we cannot fail the assessment, we have to take the time out of our busy schedules and prepare. If we do not do well, then we are required to purchase approved CQR credits. These can get very expensive as well as very time consuming.

Also, many Radiologic Technologists have furthered their education and careers by cross training, and sitting for boards in other modalities. In my opinion, CEUs are more beneficial if they pertain to the job these technologists are performing on a daily basis. CEUs are a great way to keep up with the changes and technology in our growing field. Being able to choose which area we best feel will help us in our career has been very beneficial to many technologists.

A personal example..
I have not done regular diagnostic x-ray in about seven years. I graduated in 2011 and dove into Mammography. While I was training for Mammography I did hold jobs in diagnostic x-ray, but once I passed my mammo boards I became strictly a mammo technologist. Why should I be expected to sit down for this CQR on diagnostic x-ray and do so well, that I don't need any additional CE credits? My main focus is Mammography and has been for 7 years. I stay up to date on my CEUs and learn things that pertain to my main field of focus. Spending hours doing CEUs for a field I don't practice in seems like a waste of time and money.

I am unfamiliar with any other healthcare professions that are required to take an assessment every 10 years. Radiologists have fought against re-taking their boards every 10 years and are now no longer required to. Nurses as well as many other healthcare professionals, are not required to complete any sort of 10 year CQR requirements. Some states are even still allowing medical assistants and nurses with only a limited scope x-ray license to complete x-rays. These particular professionals are not required to maintain 24 hours/credits (Radiology related) of any kind or complete the CQR assessment every 10 years.

Unfortunately, these requirements have also discouraged some Radiologic Technologists from acquiring additional registries. In turn, this may stunt the growth of many talented technologists who are capable of learning new modalities, which will then stunt the growth of our field as a whole.

Many of us are working in risky environments and are under a lot of stress during this global pandemic. These requirements have added another burden and more stress upon many technologists. It is my hope by gaining these signatures, our voices can be heard and the ARRT will take into consideration the concerns that many Radiologic Technologists are expressing.