License versus Non-License States

Abstract

Technologists in the imaging modalities (radiology, computed tomography (CT),
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, nuclear medicine, etc.), mostly are required to
obtain a certification and state license for whichever state they may work. There are, however,
some states that have passed litigation that allow for workers in the imaging sciences to administer
ionizing radiation without any formal education or training. There are currently eleven
state that do not require any form of qualification to administer ionizing radiation.1 In those
states organizations can hire anyone to administer ionizing radiation to the public, as oppose to
licensure states that require a minimum of two years of education and certification of a national
board exam to do the same. This writing will compare the pros and cons of requiring a license
and not requiring one.