VI (ARRT) - Vascular-Interventional Radiography RT

Vascular Interventional Technologists assist physicians with image-guided and minimally invasive vascular procedures. These include stenting, angioplasty, thrombolysis, etc. Using fluoroscopic devices (live x-ray), they are responsible for capturing images of blood vessels.

The goal of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification and registration in Vascular Interventional Radiography (VI) is to recognize individuals who are qualified to perform the role of a Vascular Interventional Radiographer. The post-primary eligibility pathway is used to earn ARRT certification and registration in this discipline. This requires ARRT credentials in an approved supporting discipline. Sometimes, the supporting credential is obtained through another organization. 

The vascular-interventional technologist must understand human anatomy, physiology, pathology, and medical terminology. They must possess, use and maintain knowledge about radiation protection and safety. 

Vascular-interventional technologists independently perform or assist a licensed practitioner in vascular-interventional technology procedures. Vascular-interventional technologists prepare, administer, and document any activities related to the medications used during the procedure and radiation exposure, in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations.

Costs to certify

• The exam/certification cost is $225

• The reapplication cost is $200

The post-primary eligibility pathway is for those currently certified and registered with the ARRT who are pursuing an additional credential. This pathway can also be used by those with credentialing from another organization, such as ARDMS (American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography) or NMTCB (Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board).

Eligibility requirements

The educational requirements for earning a credential using the postprimary eligibility pathway include:

• Being ARRT certified and registered in an appropriate supporting category. Sometimes, your certification by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) or the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) can count as your supporting category

• Meeting the structured education requirement

• Meeting the clinical experience requirement

ARRT emphasizes ethics requirements for certification and registration. They feel it is important for patients and their families to know that the medical professionals, including the technologists treating them are qualified, responsible, and trustworthy. 

After meeting the education and ethics requirements, applicants must pass an exam before earning ARRT credentials. 

Renewal occurs annually and is $30 for your first discipline and $15 for any additional disciplines.

The ARRT offers resources for exam candidates, including:

• Handbook

• Clinical Experience

• Content Specification until June 30, 2023

• Content Specification effective July 1, 2023

• Education Requirements until June 30, 2023

• Education Requirements effective July 1, 2023

• Task Inventory until June 30, 2023

• Task Inventory effective July 1, 2023

ARRT supports 15 different credentials that are available in a range of disciplines and through different pathways. Although all pathways share the same ethics and examination requirements, they have different education requirements.

• Bone Densitometry (BD)

• Breast Sonography (BS)

• Cardiac Interventional Radiography (CI) 

• Cardiovascular Interventional Radiography (CV)

• Computed Tomography (CT) 

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR) 

• Mammography (M) 

• Nuclear Medicine Technology (N) 

• Quality Management (QM)

• Radiation Therapy (T) 

• Radiography (R)

• Registered Radiologist Assistant (R.R.A.) 

• Sonography (S)

• Vascular Sonography (VS)