A petition that aims to increase the number of attempts for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam is gaining momentum.
The petition, posted anonymously under the name “Radiology Advocate” on Change.org, has over 10,000 signatures (as of July 16) and has attracted the ARRT’s attention. It seeks to increase the number of ARRT exam attempts for aspiring technologists.
“We are not asking for certification standards to be lowered,” according to the petition. “We are asking for a fair and reasonable pathway that recognizes the realities of test anxiety, personal hardships, learning differences, and other challenges that may affect exam performance.”
The current three-attempt, three-year examination policy aims to ensure that candidates show the knowledge and judgment needed for safe, competent practice while preserving exam integrity, fairness, and alignment with national credentialing standards, according to the ARRT. Eligibility ends after three unsuccessful exam attempts or three years have passed since the starting date of the first ARRT exam window.
However, the petition warned that this policy could have “life-altering” financial consequences for students who would need to repay their student loans.
“Students who have demonstrated competency throughout their educational and clinical experience should not see their career opportunities permanently eliminated after only three examination attempts,” the petition stated. “Providing additional opportunities for certification would not only support aspiring radiologic technologists but would also protect the significant educational investment they have made in pursuit of serving patients and contributing to the healthcare workforce.”
One technologist advocating for the petition’s goals is Diego Diaz, DHA, a travel tech based in New York. Diaz has worked with various imaging modalities including MRI, CT, and x-ray.
Diaz said he was not the creator of the petition, but he shared it on his TikTok page, which has over 121,000 followers and over 15 million likes. The page aims to advocate for the profession by helping students and attracting more people to the field. He said shortly after sharing it, he received an email from the ARRT saying that this issue will be addressed at a future meeting.
“I’m hoping that they do the right thing or they can do something to help improve the outcome of a failed third attempt,” said Diaz.
The ARRT in a statement to AuntMinnie said it recognizes that the current requalification requirement “can be burdensome” for both candidates and educational institutions.
“Although the policy affects a relatively small percentage of candidates, the ARRT Board of Trustees plans to review the requirements and concerns raised at an upcoming meeting,” the ARRT stated.
Diego Diaz, DHA, shares his thoughts on the ARRT’s current three-attempt, three-year examination policy and his experience with taking the exam.
Diaz said he was one point short of passing the ARRT exam on his first attempt, and while he passed his second attempt, the experience made him think about what would have happened had he not passed on the third try.
“I just feel like it’s an unfair consequence,” he said. “I feel like there needs to be some type of reform to help the students, to help them bridge the gap, to bring them into the field, to help them.”
He suggested that creating another attempt or having a remediation program like what other medical professions have for students could be a less time-consuming and less costly route for students who do not pass the exam.
Since sharing the petition on TikTok, Diaz has received testimonials from aspiring technologists who shared their experience with the exam.
“Some of the stories were just crushing to me,” he said. “This [petition advocacy] is for the people who don’t have anything and want to become something.”
However, he believes the petition’s growing support is enough to make a difference. He added that he will be in contact with the ARRT as this issue develops.
“I do believe that there is going to be a difference,” Diaz said. “I’m not sure if there’s going to be the need to follow up.”
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