Florida requires
radiographers to have at least 77 credit hours of schooling in order to qualify for certification exams.
The state of Florida requires all medical personnel working in radiography to be certified and licensed in the field. This ensures that each medical professional is able to operate X-ray machines and other diagnostic equipment such as digital radiographic devices safely and effectively so as to minimize radiation exposure to themselves and patients being examined.
Education Requirements
Before a person may obtain a license to practice radiography in Florida he must first complete the necessary education. According to Education Portal's website, a candidate for radiography certification may complete an accredited two-year program in applied science with a concentration in radiography or radiation therapy technology. A candidate may also graduate from an accredited four-year program in radiological science. Curriculum within these degree programs will teach a student the basics of radiation science, radiation protection, human anatomy and prepare them to take certification exams necessary to enter the medical field.
Pre-Qualification Requirements
To sit for certification exams in Florida a candidate must have completed his education requirements and be at least 18 years of age. He must also have a background free of criminal offenses. Once the student has been approved to take the radiography certification exam he will mailed an exam certification letter with his 90-day testing window in which he may schedule a date for the exam with Pearson VUE, Florida's approved exam administrator. Graduates will also be asked to provide proof of graduation before being admitted to the exam site.
Certification Exams
Florida has six different certification exams in radiography---basic X-ray operations, X-ray machine operator certification, podiatric medicine, general radiography, nuclear medicine technology, radiation therapy technology and radiology assistant. It's important to make sure you sign up and pay for for the appropriate exam and take the exam that is most appropriate for your level of education. For instance, those that have a two year degree in radiology would be most suited to take the radiology assistant certification while those with a bachelor's degree would be better served taking the test for general radiography certification.
Tags: certification exams, radiography certification, Florida requires, general radiography, radiation therapy, radiation therapy technology