Navigating the Puzzle: Allied Licensing Guide

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| posted by Ryan Skjonsberg

Welcome to our Axis blog! We’ve put together another resource that is now available at your fingertips! We’ve created a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the world of Allied Health and what you need to get started traveling as an allied professional. This guide covers various specialties including Radiology, Imaging, Therapy and Surgical Technology providing detailed information on the licensure process, required certifications and example positions within each profession.

Radiologic Technologists

Licensure process:

  • Complete an accredited educational program (associate’s or bachelor’s degree) from a Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) accredited institution
  • Pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam
  • Apply for state licensure and complete state-specific requirements

Required certifications:

  • American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification

Example positions: Radiologic Technologist, X-Ray Technologist, Computed Tomography (CT) Technologist, Mammography Technologist, Radiation Therapist, Nuclear Medicine Technologist, Radiologist Assistant

Sonographers

Licensure process:

  • Complete an accredited educational program (associate’s or bachelor’s degree) in diagnostic medical sonography
  • Pass the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) exam
  • Ultrasound only requires a license in 4 states – OR, NM, NH, ND

Required certifications:

  • American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) certification

Example positions: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Vascular Sonographer, Cardiac Sonographer, Obstetric and Gynecologic Sonographer, Pediatric Sonographer, Musculoskeletal Sonographer

Occupational Therapists

Licensure process:

  • Complete an accredited master’s or doctoral program in occupational therapy
  • Pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam
  • Apply for state licensure and complete state-specific requirements

Required certifications:

  • National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification

Example positions: Occupational Therapist, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, Geriatric Occupational Therapist, Hand Therapist, School-Based Occupational Therapist, Rehabilitation Occupational Therapist, Mental Health Occupational Therapist

Physical Therapists

Licensure process:

  • Complete an accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program
  • Pass the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)
  • Apply for state licensure and complete state-specific requirements

Required certifications:

  • Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) certification

Example positions: Physical Therapist, Pediatric Physical Therapist, Geriatric Physical Therapist, Orthopedic Physical Therapist, Neurological Physical Therapist, Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapist, Women’s Health Physical Therapist

 

Surgical Technologists

Licensure process:

  • Complete an accredited surgical technology program (typically a diploma, certificate, or associate’s degree)
  • Pass the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam
  • Apply for state licensure and complete state-specific requirements (if required; not all states require licensure)

Required certifications:

  • National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification

Example positions: Surgical Technologist, Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), Sterile Processing Technician, Operating Room Technician

Medical Technologists (MT) / Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT)

Licensure process:

  • For MT: Complete an accredited bachelor’s degree program in medical technology or a related field
  • For MLT: Complete an accredited associate’s degree program in medical laboratory technology or a related field
  • Pass the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC) exam
  • Apply for state licensure and complete state-specific requirements

Required certifications:

  • American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC) certification

Example positions: Medical Technologist, Medical Laboratory Technician, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Hematology Technologist, Microbiology Technologist, Blood Bank Technologist, Immunology Technologist

Respiratory Therapists

Licensure process:

  • Complete an accredited associate’s or bachelor’s degree program in respiratory therapy
  • Pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exam
  • Apply for state licensure and complete state-specific requirements

Required certifications:

  • National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) certification

Example positions: Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT), Pulmonary Function Technologist, Sleep Disorder Specialist

General Timeframe for State Licensure

Regardless of the profession, the timeframe for obtaining licensure can take up to a few months, this is dependent on the state and responsiveness of the licensing board.

The Allied Licensing Process may seem tedious, but presented with the right information and support, you’ll be on your way to a successful career in the field of your choice.

At Axis, we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions or need assistance navigating the licensing process, don’t hesitate to reach out to us! We’re dedicated to helping you find the perfect position that matches your skills and expertise, and we’re always here to guide you through the necessary steps to achieve your career goals.

Navigating the Allied Licensing Process: A Comprehensive Guide by Profession

 

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Ryan Skjonsberg
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