CHARLOTTE, N.C. — X-rays, CT scans and PET scans all give off radiation. Most states require the people giving the tests to be licensed. Five don't, including North Carolina.
But there's a new push to change that. State lawmakers are considering two bills that would require a license to be a radiologic technologist. The bills also include licensure for radiation therapists and radiologist assistants.
Right now, the two licensing bills are in committee. Lawmakers should take them up when session begins next year.
The North Carolina Society of Radiologic Technologists president, Earl Pearce, said it's about time the state requires a license.
"It's all about patient safety," he said. "It's not just a fact of being able to step into a room and take a picture. It's much, much more than that."
In practice, most places -- including Charlotte Radiology – require experience, even if the state doesn't. Charlotte Radiology will only hire people registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technology and certified in their specific modality, like X-ray, CT scan, etc. And Charlotte Radiology requires its technologists to get continuing medical education.
But Pearce worries about the one hospital or doctor's office that doesn't require all of that.
Patient Roberto Enamorado agrees. He had kidney stones recently and the X-rays to go with them.
"(There) should be some standards on that (when dealing) with the public in a medical field," he said.
Typically, critics see new licensing requirements as more red tape, a fee grab by the state and a ploy for workers in one field to ward off competition. So far, Action 9 hasn't heard from any opponents.
In the meantime, you can see if the technologist giving your imaging test is registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technology by clicking here.
If you are interested in a career in radiologic technology, four schools in the Charlotte area offer classes in that field:
- Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center
- Carolina's College of Health Sciences
- Cabarrus College of Health Sciences
- South Piedmont Community College offers a medical sonography and cardiovascular sonography program, not radiography.
- York Technical College
South Carolina requires a license.