Connecticut Radiologic Technologist (Radiographer) License — Requirements & Application

Connecticut requires an individual state license for radiologic technologists — see the At-a-Glance table above for the credential name, governing agency, and fee. The official credential is called “Radiographer,” issued by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH), Practitioner Licensing and Investigations Section. Once licensed, see our Connecticut Radiologic Technologist License Renewal Guide for how to keep your license active.

Like most licensed states, Connecticut relies on ARRT certification rather than a separate state competency exam — applicants must pass the ARRT examination in Radiography or Radiation Therapy Technology, and DPH does not administer its own clinical exam.

What Makes Connecticut Different

Connecticut’s official credential name is “Radiographer,” not “Radiologic Technologist” — the broader title appears in the chapter name of the governing statute, but the license itself is issued as a Radiographer license. Connecticut also does not officially use the terms “endorsement” or “reciprocity.” Instead, DPH provides a separate application pathway for applicants who have been licensed in another jurisdiction for four or more years — the pathway exists, it’s just not labeled that way on official forms.

Connecticut is also notably hands-off on continuing education oversight: DPH does not review or pre-approve CE courses. Licensees simply attest at renewal that they’ve met the requirement, and documentation is only submitted if specifically requested. This is a lighter-touch model than states that publish an approved-provider list.

Separately, a legislative task force studied Connecticut’s radiologic technologist, nuclear medicine technologist, and respiratory care workforce shortage and issued a final report in early 2025. Its recommendations focused on funding, training-program capacity, and recruitment — not licensing rule changes — so nothing here has altered the requirements on this page as of this review.

Interstate Portability

No interstate licensure compact currently exists for radiologic technologists nationally, so this doesn’t single out Connecticut — no state can offer RT compact privileges yet. Applicants already licensed in another state for at least four years can use Connecticut’s dedicated pathway for that situation, though DPH does not frame it as endorsement or reciprocity. Travel RTs still need an active Connecticut license before practicing in the state; ARRT certification alone does not substitute for state licensure.

Requirements for Connecticut RT Licensure

• Education: Graduation from a JRCERT-accredited radiologic technology program, or another program deemed equivalent by ARRT
• National certification: Successful completion of the ARRT examination in Radiography or Radiation Therapy Technology
• Disciplinary standing: No fingerprint-based criminal background check requirement was identified in the publicly available DPH licensing requirements. Separately, no license will be issued to an applicant against whom professional disciplinary action is pending, or who is the subject of an unresolved complaint in Connecticut or any other state or territory
• Application fee: $200, submitted through the online application

New graduates who’ve completed an accredited program but haven’t yet received ARRT exam results can practice under Connecticut’s temporary practice allowance: up to 120 calendar days after graduation, while working in a hospital or similar organization with adequate supervision. No physical temporary permit is issued — eligibility is tracked by the employer — and if the graduate fails the ARRT exam, temporary practice privileges cease immediately. This provision applies only to new graduates, not to out-of-state licensees or reinstatement applicants.

How to Apply for a Connecticut RT License

1. Complete a JRCERT-accredited radiologic technology program (or another program deemed equivalent by ARRT) and pass the ARRT Radiography or Radiation Therapy Technology exam
2. Review DPH’s general licensing policies, then apply through the DPH eLicense system — data collection consistently points to online-only submission for this license, but confirm current availability of any paper option directly with DPH if needed
3. Upload a photograph and required supporting documentation as prompted by the online application
4. Pay the $200 non-refundable application fee online
5. Await DPH’s eligibility determination — no published standard processing time is available, so build in buffer before a planned start date, and contact DPH directly for a current estimate

Practical Notes for Connecticut Licensing

• Applications go through DPH’s eLicense system. All three independent data-collection passes and DPH’s own reinstatement guidance point to online-only submission through eLicense for this license type — if you’re expecting a downloadable PDF application, confirm current availability with DPH directly before assuming one exists.
• Processing time isn’t published — plan accordingly. DPH does not post a standard turnaround time on its public pages. If you’re coordinating a start date with an employer or travel assignment, contact DPH directly for a current estimate.
• “Disciplinary history check” is not the same as a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Connecticut’s statute bars licensure if disciplinary action is pending or an unresolved complaint exists elsewhere — that’s a professional-standing check. No fingerprint-based criminal background check requirement was identified in the publicly available DPH licensing requirements. Don’t assume the two are interchangeable when comparing states.
• The 120-day temporary practice allowance isn’t a printed permit. There’s no document DPH issues — employers should verify that an individual’s temporary practice eligibility remains valid throughout the 120-day period, so confirm with HR or your credentialing office exactly when your window started.

Relevant Statutes

• Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 376c — Radiographers, Radiologic Technologists, Radiologist Assistants and Nuclear Medicine Technologists
• Radiographer Licensure — Temporary Practice for New Graduates — DPH guidance on CGS §20-74bb(f)

Related Pages

• Connecticut Radiologic Technologist License Renewal — Requirements and Process
• Radiologic Technologist Licensing by State — Complete Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Connecticut require a state license for radiologic technologists?

Yes. Connecticut law states that no person shall operate a medical x-ray system unless they have obtained a license as a radiographer from the Department of Public Health. Source: CGS §20-74bb(a)

What is Connecticut’s RT license actually called?

The official credential is called “Radiographer.” The chapter of law that governs it is titled for Radiographers, Radiologic Technologists, Radiologist Assistants and Nuclear Medicine Technologists, but the individual license issued is a Radiographer license. Source: DPH

Do I need to pass a separate Connecticut state exam?

No. Connecticut requires successful completion of the ARRT examination in Radiography or Radiation Therapy Technology and does not administer its own separate clinical exam. Source: DPH

How much does a Connecticut RT license application cost?

The initial application fee is $200, payable online through the DPH eLicense system. Source: CGS §20-74bb

Is there an interstate compact for radiologic technologists that includes Connecticut?

No. There is currently no interstate licensure compact for radiologic technologists in the United States, so Connecticut licensure must be obtained individually regardless of licenses held in other states. Source: DPH

Can I start working in Connecticut before I get my ARRT exam results?

Yes, if you’re a new graduate. Connecticut allows temporary practice for up to 120 calendar days after graduation while working under adequate supervision in a hospital or similar organization. No physical permit is issued, and privileges cease immediately if you fail the ARRT exam. This provision does not apply to out-of-state licensees or reinstatement applicants. Source: DPH, CGS §20-74bb(f)