Pennsylvania Radiologic Technologist License Requirements 2026

Pennsylvania does not currently require radiologic technologists to hold a state license to practice. There is no dedicated Pennsylvania RT licensing board, and no state application, fee, or renewal cycle applies to routine RT practice in the state. For most working RTs and travel RTs, this means Pennsylvania is one of the simpler states to work in from a licensing compliance standpoint — your ARRT certification and employer credentialing requirements are the primary compliance focus, not a state license.

What “No State License Required” Means in Practice

Pennsylvania is among a minority of states that do not have a dedicated radiologic technologist licensing requirement. This does not mean there are no requirements — it means the requirements that do exist operate at the facility and equipment operator level rather than through a state RT license.

For most RTs working in Pennsylvania, the practical compliance picture looks like this:

• ARRT certification is expected by the vast majority of Pennsylvania employers and facilities as the baseline professional credential, even though it is not state-mandated
• Facility credentialing requirements vary by employer — hospitals, imaging centers, and other facilities set their own standards
• Pennsylvania DEP radiation regulations apply to equipment operators at the facility level, including CE requirements
• No state license application, fee, or renewal is required for routine RT practice

Pennsylvania DEP Requirements for X-Ray Equipment Operators

While Pennsylvania does not issue a state RT license, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulates the use of radiation-producing equipment in the state. These regulations apply to facilities and the individuals who operate X-ray equipment within them.

According to Pennsylvania DEP regulations, operators of diagnostic X-ray equipment must be:

• Adequately instructed in safe operating procedures
• Competent in the safe use of the equipment
• Current on continuing education in radiation safety, biological effects of radiation, quality assurance, and quality control — required at least every four years

These requirements are established under 25 Pa. Code 221.11(b). Source: Pennsylvania DEP Continuing Education Requirements

These requirements apply to any person operating an X-ray system under Pennsylvania’s regulations. Facilities are responsible for ensuring their operators meet these standards — the DEP oversees compliance at the facility level through equipment registration and inspection programs.

Fluoroscopy: Stricter Requirements Apply

Pennsylvania’s DEP regulations are more specific for fluoroscopy than for routine diagnostic X-ray. Operation of fluoroscopic equipment is limited to qualified individuals, which Pennsylvania defines to include:

• A licensed practitioner
• A recognized radiologist assistant
• An ARRT-certified individual operating under the personal supervision of a licensed practitioner
• A trainee or student under supervision

If your RT practice includes fluoroscopy, confirm the specific supervision and qualification requirements with your employer and verify current DEP regulations before beginning work in Pennsylvania.

Pending Legislation: Proposed RT Licensure

A bill introduced in Pennsylvania in 2024 would have required licensure for medical imaging professionals through the State Board of Medicine. As of May 2026, this legislation had not been enacted into law and a mandatory state RT license was not yet in effect. However, this indicates legislative interest in establishing RT licensure in Pennsylvania — which would significantly change the compliance picture for RTs working in the state if passed.

RTs planning long-term careers or practices in Pennsylvania should monitor the status of RT licensure legislation through official Pennsylvania sources. Verify the current legislative status before relying on the “no license required” status for future planning.

Practical Notes for Working Radiologic Technologists

• No state license does not mean no requirements. Pennsylvania facilities and employers set their own credentialing standards. Most will require ARRT certification regardless of the state licensing situation. Confirm requirements with your specific employer or staffing agency before assuming no documentation is needed.
• Travel RTs: Pennsylvania is a relatively easy state to pick up. Without a state license application, fee, or processing time to manage, Pennsylvania assignments have one less compliance step than states like Ohio. Your ARRT certification and agency credentialing are typically sufficient to start working.
• Fluoroscopy scope matters. If your assignment includes fluoroscopy, the DEP supervision requirements are more specific. Confirm with your employer that the supervision structure meets Pennsylvania DEP standards before performing fluoroscopic procedures independently.
• Watch for legislative changes. The 2024 licensure proposal signals that Pennsylvania may eventually require state RT licensure. If you work in Pennsylvania regularly, keep an eye on legislative developments — a licensing requirement could create an application and processing timeline that affects future assignment planning.
• DEP CE requirements apply at the facility level. The every-four-years CE requirement for X-ray operators is a facility compliance obligation, not an individual license renewal. Your ARRT CE maintenance typically satisfies the radiation safety education components — confirm with your employer how they document compliance.

Related Pages

• Ohio Radiologic Technologist License Requirements — Initial Licensing
• Radiologic Technologist Licensing by State — Complete Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Pennsylvania state license to work as a radiologic technologist in Pennsylvania?

No. Pennsylvania does not currently require radiologic technologists to hold a state license for routine RT practice. There is no dedicated Pennsylvania RT licensing board and no state application or fee required. Employer and facility credentialing requirements still apply.

Does Pennsylvania require ARRT certification?

Pennsylvania does not mandate ARRT certification through state law for routine RT practice. However, the majority of Pennsylvania employers and facilities require ARRT certification as a condition of employment regardless of state licensing requirements. Confirm requirements with your specific employer.

What are Pennsylvania’s DEP requirements for X-ray operators?

Pennsylvania DEP regulations require X-ray equipment operators to be adequately instructed in safe operating procedures, competent in safe use, and current on continuing education in radiation safety, biological effects, quality assurance, and quality control at least every four years. These are facility-level compliance requirements overseen by the DEP.

Are there special requirements for fluoroscopy in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Pennsylvania DEP regulations are more restrictive for fluoroscopy. ARRT-certified individuals may operate fluoroscopic equipment under the personal supervision of a licensed practitioner. Confirm the specific supervision requirements with your employer before performing fluoroscopy in Pennsylvania.

Is Pennsylvania considering requiring RT licensure?

A bill introduced in 2024 proposed requiring licensure for medical imaging professionals in Pennsylvania through the State Board of Medicine. As of May 2026, this legislation had not been enacted. Monitor current legislative status through official Pennsylvania sources for the most current information.

Can I work in Pennsylvania as a travel RT without a Pennsylvania license?

Based on current Pennsylvania requirements as of May 2026, a state RT license is not required for routine radiologic technologist practice in Pennsylvania. Travel RTs typically need ARRT certification and must meet their agency’s and facility’s credentialing requirements. Verify current requirements with your staffing agency and the specific facility before starting an assignment.