Fluoroscopy Permit (CA) - Fluoroscopy Permit (CA)

The Fluroscopy Permit (CA) is offered by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Radiologic Health Branch (RHB).

Radiologic technologists (RT) are part of the interdisciplinary team performing diagnostics tests including X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound. The majority of RTs are working in hospital settings. After completion of an accredited program, additional certification and license are required and regulated by both state and national agencies. This information page applies to the process for fluoroscopy permits in the state of California (CA).

The fluoroscopy permit certification in the state of CA is required for RTs who need to operate fluoroscopy equipment as part of their work. Fluoroscopy is used for medical imaging purposes and provides a continuous image on the visual screen for providers to view in real-time.  Medical providers use fluoroscopy for a variety of providers, such as placement of cardiac stents, orthopedic surgery, or gastrointestinal barium exams.

To be eligible for the fluoroscopy permit certification in the state of CA, which is regulated by the CA Department of Public Health Radiologic Health Branch (CDPH-RHB), the candidate must have either:

• Graduated on or after January 1, 2011, from a diagnostic radiologic technology program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) and passed the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT®) radiography examination; or

• Certified by ARRT® on or after January 1, 2011, in Radiography, and who are current ARRT® registrants.

The candidates who meet these criteria are not required to take the Radiography examination administered by the ARRT®. The application fee is $112 and is located on the CDPH-RHB website.

Candidates who completed the ARRT® Radiography certification before January 1, 2011, must complete the Radiography exam offered by ARRT®. The application fee is $112 and is located on the CDPH-RHB website.

To maintain an active Fluoroscopy Permit in CA, the RT must complete 24 CE hours every two years, and 4 of the CEs must be about radiation safety practices.

The renewal application is on the CDPH-RDB website. The cost of renewal is as follows:

• $104 if the certificate has not expired.

• $120 if the certificate expired within the last six months.

• $224 if the certificate expired in the last five years.

Certifications that have expired over five years ago cannot be renewed and the RT must reapply through the initial application process.

The RT may also be required to obtain additional certification of skills such as:

• Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Permit: DEXA scans are used to measure bone density.

• Nuclear Medicine Technology Certificate: Uses small amounts of radiopharmaceuticals to assess body system functions.