Maryland Radiologic Technologist License — Requirements and Application
- Radiologic technologists applying for initial Maryland licensure for the first time
- Travel RTs researching what state credential is required before accepting a Maryland assignment
- Out-of-state RTs relocating to Maryland who need to understand the licensing process
Maryland Radiographer License — At a Glance
| State License Required? | Yes — Maryland requires a state Radiographer license issued by the Maryland Board of Physicians to perform diagnostic radiography on patients |
| Credential Name | Radiographer License — issued by the Maryland Board of Physicians (MBP) |
| Governing Body | Maryland Board of Physicians (MBP) |
| Licensing Pathways | Initial licensure via ARRT certification (or equivalent board-recognized pathway) — out-of-state applicants must submit verification of other state licenses; ARRT certification required under current MBP rules |
| Application Fee | $150 initial license fee per MBP sources reviewed May 2026 — verify current fees with MBP before submitting |
| ARRT Certification | Required — Certification by ARRT (or an equivalent board-recognized pathway) is required for licensure under MBP rules per COMAR 10.32.10; no separate Maryland state exam required for ARRT holders |
| Application Method | Online via Maryland Board of Physicians portal; credit card (Visa, MC, Discover) for online payment; check or money order for paper documents |
| Background Check | Required — fingerprint-based Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) through the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS), covering both State and FBI records |
| Processing Time | Not formally published by MBP — processing times vary based on document completeness and background check processing; some applicants report approximately 3–6 weeks but this is not officially stated by MBP |
| Interstate Compact | No interstate licensure compact for radiologic technologists was identified in Maryland statute or MBP materials reviewed May 2026 |
| Governing Authority | Health Occupations Article §14-5B-01 through §14-5B-21; COMAR 10.32.10 |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years — expires April 30 of odd-numbered years; see the Maryland renewal page for full details |
Maryland requires radiologic technologists to hold an active Radiographer license issued by the Maryland Board of Physicians before performing diagnostic radiography on patients. Certification by ARRT (or an equivalent board-recognized pathway) is required under current MBP rules — no separate Maryland state exam is required for ARRT holders. See the At-a-Glance table above for current fees, pathways, and processing times.
Maryland’s licensing framework is strict on several fronts: the fingerprint-based background check is required for all applicants, ARRT certification is the primary qualifying credential under current MBP rules, and MBP materials do not indicate a formal grace period after license expiration. The fixed April 30 odd-year expiration date applies statewide — all Maryland Radiographer licenses expire on the same date.
What Makes Maryland Different
Two aspects of Maryland’s licensing framework stand out. First, ARRT certification is explicitly required — not just accepted as an alternative pathway, but mandatory. Out-of-state applicants must still hold active ARRT certification regardless of what other state credentials they hold. Second, Maryland licenses expire on a fixed statewide date: April 30 of every odd-numbered year. This means all Maryland Radiographers face the same renewal deadline simultaneously, unlike birthday-based systems where each RT has an individual expiration date.
Maryland Radiographer Licensing Requirements
Per Maryland Board of Physicians and COMAR 10.32.10 sources reviewed May 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Education: Graduation from a radiography education program recognized by the ARRT
- Certification: Certification by ARRT (or an equivalent board-recognized pathway) is required under MBP licensing rules per COMAR 10.32.10 — no separate Maryland state exam required for ARRT holders
- Background check: Fingerprint-based Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) through CJIS covering State and FBI criminal records — required for all applicants
- Out-of-state applicants: Must submit verification of other state licenses held — ARRT certification is still required regardless of out-of-state license status
- Application: Submitted online through the MBP portal; $150 initial license fee payable by credit card online (Visa, MC, Discover) or check/money order for paper documents
Maryland Radiologic Technology Credential Categories
Maryland’s Board of Physicians issues credentials across multiple radiologic technology categories:
- Radiographer License — standard credential for ARRT-certified diagnostic radiographers; $150 initial fee
- Limited X-ray Machine Operator (LXMO) — separate registration for limited-scope operators; verify specific LXMO requirements directly with MBP
- Radiologist Assistant — separate higher-level license requiring advanced ARRT credentials; verify specific requirements with MBP
How to Apply for a Maryland Radiographer License
- Ensure your ARRT certification is current and active — Maryland will not process an application without valid ARRT credentials
- Access the Maryland Board of Physicians online portal and complete the Radiographer license application
- Complete fingerprinting for the CHRC — this is a required step for all applicants; schedule fingerprinting early as it adds to your overall timeline
- If licensed in another state, submit verification of other state licenses
- Pay the $150 application fee by credit card online (Visa, MC, or Discover)
- Allow time for processing after all documentation is received — MBP does not formally publish a processing timeline; processing times vary based on document completeness and background check processing
Practical Notes for Maryland Licensure Applicants
- ARRT certification is the primary qualifying credential. Certification by ARRT (or an equivalent board-recognized pathway) is required under current MBP rules. Keep your ARRT certification current before applying — an expired or lapsed ARRT credential will affect your Maryland application.
- Fingerprint processing adds timeline uncertainty. The mandatory CHRC fingerprint background check adds time to your overall application timeline. Schedule fingerprinting as early as possible — background check processing through CJIS is outside MBP’s control and can extend the 3–6 week estimate.
- No interstate compact — Maryland license required. No MRTC participation was identified in MBP materials reviewed May 2026. Out-of-state RTs must obtain a Maryland license regardless of what other state licenses they hold.
- All Maryland Radiographer licenses expire April 30 of odd-numbered years. Unlike birthday-based systems, every Maryland Radiographer faces the same renewal deadline. Track this fixed date carefully — there is no grace period after expiration.
- Travel RTs: build fingerprint processing into your timeline. The mandatory background check is one of the more time-intensive steps. Plan to apply several weeks before your intended assignment start date to account for CHRC processing.
Relevant Statutes and Regulations
- Health Occupations Article §14-5B-01 through §14-5B-21 — Maryland Radiographer licensure statute
- COMAR 10.32.10 — Code of Maryland Regulations governing Radiographers
Related Pages
- Maryland Radiographer License Renewal
- Virginia Radiologic Technologist License Requirements
- Pennsylvania Radiologic Technologist Requirements
- Radiologic Technologist Licensing by State — Complete Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Maryland require a state license to practice as a radiologic technologist?
Yes. Maryland requires a Radiographer license issued by the Maryland Board of Physicians. It is unlawful to practice radiography in Maryland without a valid license. Source: Maryland Board of Physicians
Does my ARRT certification qualify me for a Maryland license?
Yes — and it is required. Certification by ARRT (or an equivalent board-recognized pathway) is required under current MBP rules. No separate Maryland state exam is required for ARRT holders. Source: Maryland Board of Physicians
What is the Maryland Radiographer license application fee?
The initial license fee is $150 per MBP sources reviewed May 2026. Verify current fees with MBP before submitting. Source: Maryland Board of Physicians
Does Maryland require a background check for RT licensure?
Yes. All applicants must complete a fingerprint-based Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) through CJIS covering both State and FBI criminal records. This is a mandatory step for all Radiographer license applicants. Source: Maryland Board of Physicians
How long does it take to get a Maryland Radiographer license?
MBP does not formally publish a processing timeline for Radiographer license applications. Applicants commonly report approximately 3–6 weeks depending on completeness of documentation. Fingerprint background check processing through CJIS is a separate step that can add additional time. Verify current processing expectations directly with MBP before planning assignment start dates. Source: Maryland Board of Physicians
Is Maryland part of the Medical Radiation Technologist Compact?
No MRTC participation was identified in Maryland MBP materials reviewed May 2026. Out-of-state RTs must obtain a Maryland license directly through MBP. Verify current compact status before planning multi-state practice. Source: Maryland Board of Physicians