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Ohio Department of Health

Radiologic Licensure
Frequently Asked Questions

1.      Can I apply, amend or renew online?

Yes.  You are able to apply, amend or renew online.  The enhanced Web site allows you to upload your required documentation and pay online. 

 

2.     Can I pay online?

Yes, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) accepts credit and debit cards, as well as electronic checks.

 

3.     Who do I contact if I have problems applying online?

You may contact the Ohio Department of Health Help Desk at (614) 752-5190 and identify that you are having problems with the "Radiologic Licensure Online Application Process". If you are having non-technical problems regarding your license, please direct your calls to the Licensure Program at (614) 752-4319.

 

4.     I heard ODH is no longer issuing pocket license cards.  How can I show proof to my employer that I am licensed?

ODH will send each licensee an approval letter that contains all pertinent license information such as category, license number, issue date and expiration date.  You may view and print your own license certificate online.   Additionally, employers may search for active licensees online. 

 

5.     Can a license be verified online?

Yes. Information regarding the licensee name, category, issue date and expiration date is available online. You will need the individual’s name in order to search.

 

6.     I heard that general X-ray machine operators (GXMO) may operate digital equipment.  Is this true?

Yes, GXMOs may operate digital equipment provided they have completed at least one GXMO clinical educational program accredited by the ODH specific to the procedures they perform.  The ODH has approved clinical educational programs for the following competency based clinical training modules:  chest and abdomen, extremities, skull and sinuses, spine, podiatry, and Bbne densitometry.

 

Students enrolled in an accredited radiologic technology program may submit a signed affidavit from their program director as proof that one or more of the competency-based clinical training modules has been met.

 

7.     I am already a licensed GXMO.  How can I get a license to operate digital equipment?

You must complete at least one GXMO clinical educational program specific to the procedures you perform.  ODH has approved clinical educational programs for the following competency based clinical training modules:  chest and abdomen, extremities, skull and sinuses, spine, podiatry, and bone densitometry. 

 

After completion of the clinical course, you may then amend your license online and submit or upload your clinical course certificate(s) to the ODH in order to include the clinical module(s) on your license. 

 

 

8.      My American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) card will expire at the end of my birth month. Do you want me to wait for the new ARRT card before I send in the renewal for my Ohio license?
Send in the current card that you have before the expiration of your license on your birthday. If the program has any questions, they will contact the ARRT directly.

 

9.      I just took my continuing education (CE) courses. How do I report them to the state? Do I just send them in, and you keep track of them?
ODH will send out a renewal notice approximately 60 days prior to the expiration of the license. Once received, the licensee must submit the renewal fee, renewal application and proof of completing the continuing education requirement to the address on the renewal notice.

 

10.  How many hours of CE must I complete before the expiration of my license?

Currently, all individuals need to complete six hours of CE specific to their license category in order to renew their license. The ODH accepts courses already approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technology (ASRT) and Society of Nuclear Medicine (SNM). The ODH also accepts a current ARRT or NMTCB certification card as proof of meeting Ohio's CE requirements. However, if on CE probation or in retired status with the ARRT or NMTCB, you must provide proof of six hours of approved CE courses by the ODH, ASRT or SNM.

 

Effective Aug. 1, 2008, the CE requirement increases to 12 hours.  For example, if your current license expires on or after Aug. 1, 2008, you must show proof of 12 hours of CE in order to renew your license.

 

11.  I am a new graduate from an accredited radiography school. Am I allowed to work as a technologist for money while I am waiting to take the ARRT exam?
No, unless you hold a current General X-ray Machine Operator (GXMO) license which would limit the individual to perform only standard, diagnostic radiologic procedures. A GXMO is not permitted to perform any of the following procedures: mobile imaging, or any part of special imaging procedures such as a mammography, computer tomography, tomography, fluoroscopy, cinefluorography, contrast media studies.  A GXMO may not use digital equipment such as computer radiography, direct radiography, or direct capture unless the GXMO holds a license that allowing them to operate digital equipment (see Q6 & Q7 above).

 

12.  If I come to Columbus in person (or Federal Express the application) will that expedite the process?
No. The only thing that it will do is cut the mail time. The program cannot expedite the process for individuals who submit their application in person. All funds must go to the accounting department first and, on the average, takes at least seven to 10 days to process the fees before the application is sent to the program for review.

 

13.  Is an unlicensed individual allowed to position the patient and set the technique factors as long as the licensed practitioner makes the exposure?
No. An individual must hold a license if they are positioning the patient and/or setting technique factors.

 

14. If an individual has applied to ODH but has not been able to pass the state exam, is he/she allowed to take X-rays because they are working on obtaining a license?

            No. No one can perform radiologic procedures without a license.

 

If you have other questions, please email BRadiation@odh.ohio.gov

 

Last Updated: 3/20/08

                                                                    Radiologic Licensure Program