Massachusetts Radiologic Technologist License — Requirements and Application
- Radiologic technologists applying for initial Massachusetts licensure for the first time
- Travel RTs researching what state credential is required before accepting a Massachusetts assignment
- Out-of-state RTs relocating to Massachusetts who need to understand the licensing process
Massachusetts Radiologic Technologist Licensure — At a Glance
| State License Required? | Yes — Massachusetts requires licensure to practice as a radiologic technologist per 105 CMR 125.002 |
| Credential Name | Radiologic Technologist License — issued in specific disciplines (Radiography, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy, Mammography, CT, PET, Limited Scope of Practice) |
| Governing Body | Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), Bureau of Climate and Environmental Health, Division of Radiation Control (DRC) |
| Licensing Pathways | ARRT or NMTCB credential verification for standard RT licensure; state-administered exam required for Limited Scope of Practice in Radiography |
| Application Fee | $150 total ($75 initial application fee + $75 prorated license fee) — verify current fees with Massachusetts DPH before submitting |
| ARRT/NMTCB Certification | Accepted — ARRT or NMTCB verification satisfies Massachusetts licensing requirements for standard RT; no separate state exam required for ARRT/NMTCB holders |
| Application Method | Online via the Massachusetts Environmental Health eLicensing Portal |
| Processing Time | Not publicly published — DRC issues license after reviewing application, verifying documentation, and confirming payment; plan for several weeks |
| Interstate Compact | No MRTC participation identified in Massachusetts DPH materials reviewed May 2026 |
| Governing Authority | MGL c.111 §5L; 105 CMR 125.000 (Licensing of Radiologic Technologists) |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years — expires last day of birth month; see the Massachusetts renewal page for full details including mandatory CE topic requirements |
Massachusetts requires radiologic technologists to hold an active license issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health before practicing in the state. The Division of Radiation Control administers licensing under 105 CMR 125.000. Licensure is discipline-specific — your license is issued for your specific modality (Radiography, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy, etc.) rather than as a generic RT credential.
For ARRT- or NMTCB-certified technologists, Massachusetts licensing is credential-verification based — ARRT or NMTCB certification satisfies the licensing requirement, and no separate Massachusetts state exam is required for standard RT practice. The state exam applies only to Limited Scope of Practice in Radiography applicants.
What Makes Massachusetts Different
Two things distinguish Massachusetts from most RT licensing states. First, Massachusetts issues discipline-specific licenses — your license specifies your authorized modality, and practicing in additional specialty areas requires obtaining separate additional credentials. Second, Massachusetts has mandatory CE topic allocation requirements at renewal — technologists cannot simply complete any 24 CE hours; specific hours must be in their licensed discipline and radiation safety. See the renewal page for the full CE breakdown.
Massachusetts Radiologic Technologist Licensing Requirements
Per Massachusetts DPH and 105 CMR 125.000 sources reviewed May 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Age and education: At least 18 years of age; high school diploma or equivalent; satisfactory completion of a professional course of study in the applicable discipline meeting standards equivalent to national accreditation bodies
- Certification: Current ARRT or NMTCB certification in the applicable discipline — ARRT or NMTCB verification is submitted through the eLicensing portal as the primary qualifying credential for standard RT licensure
- Application: Submitted online via the Massachusetts Environmental Health eLicensing Portal — no paper application process identified in sources reviewed May 2026
- No jurisprudence exam: Massachusetts does not require a state jurisprudence or laws examination for radiologic technologists per 105 CMR 125.005 reviewed May 2026
- Payment: $150 total application fee payable by credit card or EFT through the portal
Massachusetts Discipline-Specific License Structure
Massachusetts issues separate licenses for each radiologic technology discipline under 105 CMR 125.004. The primary license categories include:
- Radiography — standard diagnostic radiologic technologist license
- Radiation Therapy Technology
- Nuclear Medicine Technology
- Mammography — requires separate licensure beyond base Radiography credential
- Computed Tomography (CT) — requires separate licensure
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) — requires separate licensure
- Radiologist Assistant (RA) — advanced credential; verify specific requirements with DRC
- Nuclear Medicine Advanced Associate (NMAA) — advanced credential; verify specific requirements with DRC
- Limited Scope of Practice in Radiography — limited credential; state-administered exam required; $150 application fee
Practicing in a specialty area not covered by your current Massachusetts license requires obtaining the applicable additional discipline license. Confirm which disciplines your assignment requires before accepting a Massachusetts travel RT contract.
How to Apply for a Massachusetts Radiologic Technologist License
- Create an account in the Massachusetts Environmental Health eLicensing Portal
- Select the applicable discipline license — confirm your ARRT/NMTCB certification matches the discipline you are applying for
- Submit ARRT or NMTCB credential verification through the portal
- Provide education documentation as applicable
- Pay the $150 total application fee by credit card or EFT
- DRC will review the application, verify documentation, and issue the license — no guaranteed processing timeline is published; plan accordingly
Practical Notes for Massachusetts Licensure Applicants
- Your license is discipline-specific — confirm what your assignment requires. A Massachusetts Radiography license does not authorize CT, Mammography, or other specialty practice. If your travel assignment includes CT or Mammography, verify that you hold or can obtain the applicable Massachusetts specialty license before starting.
- ARRT/NMTCB credential verification is the key step. Massachusetts licensing for standard RT is built around ARRT or NMTCB credential verification. Keep your national certification current and active — it is the primary qualifying credential for Massachusetts licensure.
- Processing time is not published — apply early. Massachusetts DPH does not publish a guaranteed processing timeline. DRC issues licenses after reviewing documentation and verifying credentials. Apply well in advance of your assignment start date and contact DRC directly if you need a status update.
- Portal disclosure requirements apply even without fingerprinting. No state-level fingerprint or CORI check requirement was identified in Massachusetts DPH RT licensing materials reviewed May 2026. However, the Environmental Health eLicensing Portal requires applicants to complete standard disclosure statements including tax compliance, child support good standing, and disciplinary history attestations. Complete all portal disclosure requirements accurately before submitting. Verify current screening requirements with DRC before applying.
- Renewal has mandatory CE topic requirements — plan ahead. Massachusetts requires specific CE topic allocations at renewal, not just any 24 hours. Review the renewal page CE breakdown before planning your CE program.
- No interstate compact — Massachusetts license required. No MRTC participation was identified in Massachusetts DPH materials reviewed May 2026. Out-of-state RTs must obtain a Massachusetts license regardless of other state credentials held.
Relevant Statutes and Regulations
- MGL c.111 §5L — Massachusetts radiologic technology licensure statute
- 105 CMR 125.000 — Licensing of Radiologic Technologists
- 105 CMR 125.002 — License required
- 105 CMR 125.004 — License categories and discipline-specific requirements
- 105 CMR 125.005 — Examination requirements
- 105 CMR 125.009 — Continuing education requirements
Related Pages
- Massachusetts Radiologic Technologist License Renewal
- New York Radiologic Technologist License Requirements
- Connecticut Radiologic Technologist Requirements
- Radiologic Technologist Licensing by State — Complete Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Massachusetts require a state license to practice as a radiologic technologist?
Yes. Massachusetts requires an active Radiologic Technologist License issued by the Massachusetts DPH Division of Radiation Control before practicing radiologic technology in the state per 105 CMR 125.002. Source: Massachusetts DPH Apply for RT License
Does my ARRT certification qualify me for a Massachusetts license?
Yes. Current ARRT or NMTCB certification in the applicable discipline satisfies Massachusetts licensing requirements for standard RT practice — no separate Massachusetts state exam is required for ARRT/NMTCB holders. The state exam applies only to Limited Scope of Practice in Radiography applicants. Source: Massachusetts DPH Apply for RT License
What is the Massachusetts radiologic technologist license application fee?
The application fee is $150 total — comprising a $75 initial application fee plus a $75 prorated license fee — per Massachusetts DPH sources reviewed May 2026. Verify current fees with Massachusetts DPH before submitting. Source: Massachusetts DPH Apply for RT License
Does a Massachusetts Radiography license cover CT and Mammography?
No. Massachusetts issues discipline-specific licenses under 105 CMR 125.004. A standard Radiography license does not authorize CT, Mammography, PET, or other specialty modality practice. Separate additional discipline licenses are required for each specialty area. Confirm which disciplines your assignment requires before accepting a Massachusetts travel RT contract. Source: Massachusetts DPH Apply for RT License
Is Massachusetts part of the Medical Radiation Technologist Compact?
No MRTC participation was identified in Massachusetts DPH materials reviewed May 2026. Out-of-state RTs must obtain a Massachusetts license directly through DPH. Verify current compact status with Massachusetts DPH before planning multi-state practice. Source: Massachusetts DPH Apply for RT License
How do I contact Massachusetts Division of Radiation Control?
Massachusetts DPH Division of Radiation Control — eLicensing HelpDesk: (833) 281-6111. Emergency: (508) 820-2121. Source: Massachusetts DPH Apply for RT License