Tennessee Radiologic Technologist License — Requirements and Application

ByAllied License Guide Editorial Team
Editorial Note: This page covers initial licensure as a radiologic technologist in Tennessee, governed by the Tennessee Radiologic Imaging and Radiation Therapy Board of Examiners under the Tennessee Department of Health. Data on this page is based on Tennessee Board and administrative rule sources reviewed in May 2026, including Chapter 1200-41-01 (Rules of the Radiologic Imaging and Radiation Therapy Board). This page is editorially reviewed by an ARDMS-credentialed sonographer and UC Berkeley graduate as part of AlliedLicenseGuide.com’s allied health licensing database. View the primary source at Tennessee Department of Health.
Who this guide is for:
  • Radiologic technologists applying for initial Tennessee licensure for the first time
  • Travel RTs researching what state credential is required before accepting a Tennessee assignment
  • Out-of-state RTs relocating to Tennessee who need to understand the endorsement process

Tennessee Radiologic Technologist Licensure — At a Glance

State License Required? Yes — Tennessee requires licensure to perform radiologic imaging and radiation therapy procedures
Credential Name Full License — issued by the Tennessee Radiologic Imaging and Radiation Therapy Board of Examiners; also issues Limited X-Ray Machine Operator, MRI Technologist, Nuclear Medicine Technologist, and Radiation Therapist credentials
Governing Body Tennessee Radiologic Imaging and Radiation Therapy Board of Examiners, Tennessee Department of Health
Licensing Pathways National certification pathway (ARRT or equivalent); reciprocity/endorsement for applicants licensed in another state with standards determined by the Board to be equivalent
Application Fee $145 total ($100 application fee + $45 regulatory fee) per Chapter 1200-41-01-.06 reviewed May 2026 — verify current fees with the Board before submitting
ARRT Certification Accepted — current active ARRT certification satisfies Tennessee’s national certification requirement; no separate Tennessee state exam required for Full License applicants
Application Method Online via Tennessee LARS (Licensure and Regulatory System); mail also available
Background Check Criminal history disclosure required on application; Tennessee may require fingerprint-based criminal background screening for some applicants — verify current screening requirements directly with the Board before applying
Processing Time Not publicly published — file must be complete before review; plan for several weeks; contact the Board directly for current estimates
Interstate Compact No MRTC participation identified in Tennessee Board materials reviewed May 2026
Governing Authority T.C.A. § 63-30-101 et seq.; Chapter 1200-41-01 (Rules of the Radiologic Imaging and Radiation Therapy Board)
Renewal Cycle Every 2 years — expires last day of birth month; see the Tennessee renewal page for full details

Tennessee requires radiologic technologists to hold an active license issued by the Tennessee Radiologic Imaging and Radiation Therapy Board of Examiners before practicing in the state. The Board operates under the Tennessee Department of Health and administers licensure under T.C.A. § 63-30-101 et seq. and Chapter 1200-41-01 administrative rules.

For ARRT-certified technologists, Tennessee’s licensing process is credential-based — current active ARRT certification satisfies Tennessee’s examination requirement, and no separate Tennessee state exam is required for a Full License. Tennessee also offers a reciprocity/endorsement pathway for out-of-state licensed RTs from states with standards determined by the Board to be equivalent.

What Makes Tennessee Different

Two aspects of Tennessee’s licensing framework stand out. First, Tennessee application materials reviewed May 2026 indicate criminal background screening requirements — which may include fingerprint-based screening depending on the applicant’s situation. Verify current background check requirements directly with the Board before applying. Second, Tennessee application materials indicate a Declaration of Citizenship or lawful-presence documentation requirement under the EVEA — a state-specific step not found in most other RT licensing states. Verify the current form name and requirements in the current Board application packet.

Tennessee Radiologic Technologist Licensing Requirements

Per Tennessee Board and Chapter 1200-41-01 sources reviewed May 2026, applicants for a Tennessee Full License must meet the following requirements:

  • Education: Successful completion of a radiologic technology education program approved by the Board or meeting national certification eligibility requirements — verify current education standards with the Board before applying
  • Certification: Current active national certification from an approved national organization — ARRT certification satisfies this requirement; no separate Tennessee state exam required for Full License applicants
  • Background check: Criminal history must be disclosed on the application; Tennessee may require fingerprint-based criminal background screening for some applicants or license categories — verify current screening requirements directly with the Board before applying
  • Lawful presence: Tennessee application materials reviewed May 2026 indicate a Declaration of Citizenship or lawful-presence documentation requirement under the EVEA — verify the current form name and documentation requirements in the current Board application packet before applying
  • Name matching: Name on application must match legal name on government-issued ID and ARRT certification documentation
  • Application: Submitted online via Tennessee LARS or by mail; $145 total fee payable by Visa/MC/Discover/eCheck online or certified check/money order by mail

Tennessee Radiologic Technology Credential Categories

Tennessee’s Radiologic Imaging and Radiation Therapy Board issues credentials across multiple categories under Chapter 1200-41-01:

  • Full License — standard credential for ARRT-certified radiologic technologists; $145 application fee
  • Limited X-Ray Machine Operator — limited-scope credential; $145 application fee; 12 CE hours per biennium renewal requirement; ARRT limited scope exam used for this pathway
  • MRI Technologist — separate credential category; verify specific requirements with the Board
  • Nuclear Medicine Technologist — separate credential category; verify specific requirements with the Board
  • Radiation Therapist — separate credential category; verify specific requirements with the Board

No separate Tennessee-issued fluoroscopy or mammography permit structure was identified in Board materials reviewed May 2026. Scope of specialty practice is governed by national credential scope and state Board rules rather than separate state-issued permits. Federal MQSA requirements may still apply for mammography practice regardless of state permit structure. Verify current specialty practice requirements with the Board before performing specialty procedures.

How to Apply for a Tennessee Radiologic Technologist License

  1. Create an account in the Tennessee LARS (Licensure and Regulatory System) online portal
  2. Complete the online application — select Full License or appropriate credential category
  3. Submit ARRT certification documentation
  4. Complete any criminal history disclosure and background screening requirements — verify current requirements with the Board
  5. Complete lawful-presence documentation requirements — verify current form requirements in the Board application packet
  6. Disclose all criminal history as required on the application
  7. Pay the $145 total application fee online (Visa/MC/Discover/eCheck) or by certified check/money order for mail submissions
  8. Allow several weeks for processing — application file must be complete before review begins

Practical Notes for Tennessee Licensure Applicants

From the field: These notes reflect practical considerations beyond the official requirements — things that affect your application timeline and planning as a working RT.
  • The EVEA citizenship declaration adds a step most states don’t require. Tennessee application materials reviewed May 2026 indicate a Declaration of Citizenship or lawful-presence documentation requirement under the EVEA. Verify the current form name and required documentation in the current Board application packet before submitting.
  • Background screening may add timeline uncertainty. Tennessee application materials reviewed May 2026 indicate criminal background screening requirements — verify the current process and any fingerprint requirements directly with the Board before applying. If fingerprint submission is required, schedule it early as processing can add to your overall application timeline.
  • ARRT certification is the practical gateway. Current active ARRT certification satisfies Tennessee’s examination requirement for a Full License. Keep your ARRT registration current and active before applying.
  • Reciprocity/endorsement is available for out-of-state RTs. Tennessee offers an endorsement pathway for applicants currently licensed in another state with standards determined by the Board to be equivalent. You still must complete the full Tennessee application including background screening and lawful-presence documentation — there is no automatic license transfer.
  • Processing time is not published — apply early. Tennessee does not publish a guaranteed processing timeline. The application file must be complete before review begins. Apply well in advance of your assignment start date.
  • No interstate compact — Tennessee license required. No MRTC participation was identified in Tennessee Board materials reviewed May 2026. Out-of-state RTs must obtain a Tennessee license regardless of other state credentials held.

Relevant Statutes and Regulations

  • T.C.A. § 63-30-101 et seq. — Tennessee Radiologic Imaging and Radiation Therapy Board Act
  • Chapter 1200-41-01 — Rules of the Radiologic Imaging and Radiation Therapy Board
  • Chapter 1200-41-01-.04 — Licensing requirements
  • Chapter 1200-41-01-.06 — Fees
  • Chapter 1200-41-01-.08 — Continuing education requirements

Related Pages

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Tennessee require a state license to practice as a radiologic technologist?

Yes. Tennessee requires an active Full License issued by the Tennessee Radiologic Imaging and Radiation Therapy Board of Examiners before performing radiologic imaging or radiation therapy procedures in the state. Source: Tennessee Department of Health Radiologic Imaging Board

Does my ARRT certification qualify me for a Tennessee license?

Yes. Current active ARRT certification satisfies Tennessee’s examination requirement for a Full License — no separate Tennessee state exam is required for ARRT holders. You must still complete the full Tennessee application including any required criminal history screening and lawful-presence documentation. Source: Tennessee Department of Health Radiologic Imaging Board

What is the Tennessee radiologic technologist license application fee?

The total application fee is $145 — comprising a $100 application fee plus a $45 regulatory fee — per Chapter 1200-41-01-.06 reviewed May 2026. Verify current fees with the Board before submitting. Source: Chapter 1200-41-01-.06 Fees

Does Tennessee require a background check for RT licensure?

Tennessee application materials reviewed May 2026 indicate criminal history disclosure requirements and may require fingerprint-based criminal background screening for some applicants. Verify current screening requirements directly with the Board before applying. Source: Tennessee Department of Health Radiologic Imaging Board

What is the EVEA requirement for Tennessee RT licensure?

Tennessee application materials reviewed May 2026 indicate a Declaration of Citizenship or lawful-presence documentation requirement under the EVEA. Verify the current form name and required documentation in the current Board application packet before applying. Source: Tennessee Department of Health Radiologic Imaging Board

Is Tennessee part of the Medical Radiation Technologist Compact?

No MRTC participation was identified in Tennessee Board materials reviewed May 2026. Out-of-state RTs must obtain a Tennessee license directly through the Board. Verify current compact status with the Board before planning multi-state practice. Source: Tennessee Department of Health Radiologic Imaging Board

Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and is based on Tennessee Board and administrative rule sources reviewed in May 2026. Licensing requirements, fees, and procedures are subject to change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Tennessee Radiologic Imaging and Radiation Therapy Board of Examiners before submitting an application. This page does not constitute legal or professional licensing advice. Verify at Tennessee Department of Health →
Change Log: 2026-05-24 — Page created. Data based on Tennessee Board and Chapter 1200-41-01 administrative rule sources reviewed May 2026. Fees confirmed from Chapter 1200-41-01-.06. Contact phone flagged for verification — (615) 532-4384 per Perplexity; (617) area code from ChatGPT is Massachusetts area code and appears incorrect. Review cadence: 12 months (low volatility).

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