Oregon Radiologic Technologist License — Requirements and Application
- Radiologic technologists applying for initial Oregon licensure for the first time
- Travel RTs researching what state credential is required before accepting an Oregon assignment
- Out-of-state RTs relocating to Oregon who need to understand the endorsement process
Oregon Radiologic Technologist License — At a Glance
| State License Required? | Yes — per OBMI: “a person must hold a License issued by OBMI in order to perform radiological procedures” |
| Credential Name | Permanent Medical Imaging License — issued by the Oregon Board of Medical Imaging (OBMI) |
| Governing Body | Oregon Board of Medical Imaging (OBMI) |
| Licensing Pathways | Initial credential-based licensure (ARRT-recognized); licensure without examination for out-of-state radiographers meeting comparable standards per ORS 688.495 |
| Application Fee | $9 per month — prorated based on birth month; full 24-month cycle approximately $216 (derived from $9/month × 24 months — verify current rate with OBMI); first license fee prorated to birth-month renewal cycle |
| ARRT Certification | Accepted — ARRT is a board-recognized credentialing organization; no separate Oregon state exam identified |
| Application Method | Online via OBMI Self-Service Licensing Portal |
| Background Check | Required — fingerprint-based via Fieldprint; fingerprint cards not accepted; license not issued until Oregon State Police fingerprint verification complete; no exceptions per OBMI |
| Processing Time | Not formally published — delayed by Oregon State Police fingerprint background check completion; no license issued until OSP verification complete |
| Interstate Compact | No interstate licensure compact for radiologic technologists identified in Oregon sources reviewed May 2026 |
| Governing Authority | ORS 688.405–688.605; OAR Chapter 337 |
| Renewal Cycle | Biennial — expires first day of birth month every two years; see the Oregon renewal page for full details |
Oregon requires radiologic technologists to hold an active Permanent Medical Imaging License issued by the Oregon Board of Medical Imaging (OBMI) before performing radiological procedures in the state. ARRT is a board-recognized credentialing organization — no separate Oregon state exam is required for ARRT-certified radiographers. See the At-a-Glance table above for current fee structure and requirements.
Oregon’s licensing framework has two operationally significant features. First, Oregon’s fee structure is unusual — fees are calculated at $9 per month and prorated to the applicant’s birth month, meaning your initial license fee varies depending on how many months remain until your first renewal. Second, the Oregon State Police fingerprint background check is a hard gate — no license is issued until OSP verification is complete, with no exceptions per OBMI.
What Makes Oregon Different
Oregon’s monthly-prorated fee structure is genuinely distinctive. Unlike most states that charge a flat application fee, Oregon calculates license fees at $9 per month prorated to your birth month renewal cycle. Your first license fee may be significantly less than the full biennial amount depending on when in the cycle you apply — but a full two-year cycle is approximately $216 based on the current monthly rate — verify current fees with OBMI before submitting.
Oregon also has one of the stricter expired-license policies in the region. Licenses expired for more than two years require a full new application including new fingerprinting — you cannot simply pay a late fee and reinstate. OBMI’s own guidance is explicit: “DO NOT GO TO WORK AND PRACTICE MEDICAL IMAGING” if your license has lapsed.
Oregon Radiologic Technologist Licensing Requirements
Per OBMI sources reviewed May 2026:
- Credential: Must hold a credential issued by a board-recognized credentialing organization — ARRT is a recognized credentialing organization for radiography; photocopy of registry card required with application
- Background check: Fingerprint-based background check required via Fieldprint; fingerprint cards not accepted; license not issued until Oregon State Police completes verification — no exceptions
- Criminal history disclosure: Applicants with any past criminal history (even if charges were dropped or dismissed) must submit: copy of police report(s) for each arrest; copy of court documents for each arrest; signed personal letter of explanation
- Photo ID: Required with application
- Fee: $9 per month prorated to birth month — approximately $216 for a full biennial cycle; first license fee prorated based on months remaining to birth-month renewal
- Application: Submitted online via OBMI Self-Service Licensing Portal
Temporary License Pathway
Oregon also offers a Temporary License for applicants who have completed their education but have not yet passed their registry exam or completed required clinical experience. Key notes:
- Temporary License requires an employer before applying — you must already have employment lined up
- Fingerprint background check required for Temporary License — same as permanent license
- Must apply for Permanent Initial License within 30 days of obtaining ARRT credentials
- If you already submitted fingerprints for your Temporary License, you do not need to resubmit for the Permanent License
How to Apply for an Oregon Permanent Medical Imaging License
- Access the OBMI Self-Service Licensing Portal at obmi.us.thentiacloud.net/webs/obmi/
- Complete the Permanent Initial License application online
- Upload photocopy of your ARRT registry card and photo ID
- Disclose any criminal history with required documentation
- Complete fingerprinting at a Fieldprint location — instructions provided in the application; fingerprint cards not accepted
- Pay the prorated license fee online — approximately $9 per month remaining to your birth-month renewal date
- Wait for Oregon State Police fingerprint verification — license not issued until this step is complete
Practical Notes for Oregon Licensure Applicants
- Your initial fee depends on when you apply. Oregon prorates your first license fee at $9 per month to your birth-month renewal cycle. If your birthday is in 3 months, you pay approximately $27. If it is in 23 months, you pay approximately $207. Calculate your fee before budgeting for your Oregon application.
- Fingerprint processing controls your timeline. Oregon will not issue your license until Oregon State Police completes fingerprint verification — no exceptions per OBMI. Schedule your Fieldprint appointment as early as possible and plan for timeline uncertainty beyond your control.
- Criminal history — disclose everything, even dismissed charges. Oregon requires documentation for any past arrest regardless of outcome. If you have any criminal history, prepare your police reports, court documents, and personal explanation letter before starting your application.
- No interstate compact identified. Oregon does not participate in a radiologic technologist compact based on sources reviewed May 2026. Out-of-state RTs must obtain an Oregon license — the endorsement pathway (ORS 688.495) may streamline this for applicants already licensed in comparable states.
- Travel RTs: plan well ahead. The fingerprint verification dependency makes Oregon’s processing timeline unpredictable. Apply significantly in advance of your assignment start date — do not assume a standard turnaround.
- Expired over 2 years: full new application required. If your Oregon license has been expired for more than two years, you must reapply as a new applicant including new fingerprinting. There is no late-fee reinstatement pathway beyond the 2-year mark.
Relevant Statutes and Regulations
- ORS 688.405–688.605 — Oregon Medical Imaging Practice Act
- ORS 688.495 — Licensure without examination (endorsement pathway)
- OAR Chapter 337 — Oregon Board of Medical Imaging administrative rules
Related Pages
- Oregon Radiologic Technologist License Renewal
- Washington Radiologic Technologist License Requirements
- California Radiologic Technologist License Requirements
- Radiologic Technologist Licensing by State — Complete Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Oregon require a state license to practice as a radiologic technologist?
Yes. Per OBMI: “a person must hold a License issued by OBMI in order to perform radiological procedures.” Practice without a valid license is prohibited. Source: OBMI Permanent License
What is the Oregon radiologic technologist license fee?
Oregon license fees are calculated at $9 per month, prorated to your birth-month renewal cycle. A full biennial cycle costs approximately $216. Your initial fee may be significantly less depending on how many months remain until your first renewal. Verify current fees with OBMI before submitting. Source: OBMI Permanent License
Does my ARRT certification qualify me for an Oregon license?
Yes. ARRT is a board-recognized credentialing organization under Oregon’s licensing framework — no separate Oregon state exam is required for ARRT-certified radiographers. A photocopy of your registry card is required with your application. Source: OBMI Permanent License
How long does it take to get an Oregon radiologic technologist license?
OBMI does not publish a formal processing timeline. Per OBMI: “OBMI will not issue a License until your background check is completed and that includes waiting until the Oregon State Police completes your fingerprint background. There are no exceptions.” Plan for timeline uncertainty and apply well in advance of your intended start date. Source: OBMI Permanent License
Is Oregon part of the Medical Radiation Technologist Compact?
No interstate licensure compact for radiologic technologists was identified in Oregon sources reviewed May 2026. Out-of-state RTs must obtain an Oregon license through OBMI. Verify current compact status with OBMI before planning multi-state practice. Source: Oregon Board of Medical Imaging