Two ARRT Pathways, One Critical Choice — Which One Is Yours?
ARRT Primary Pathway vs Post-Primary is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your medical imaging career — and picking the wrong one can cost you time, money, and your shot at certification.
Here’s the quick answer:
| Primary Pathway | Postprimary Pathway | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it’s for | First-time ARRT credential seekers | Already ARRT-certified (or ARDMS/NMTCB) technologists |
| Goal | Earn your first R.T. credential | Add a second (or more) credential |
| Education required | ARRT-approved program + associate degree or higher | Supporting category cert + 16 hrs structured education + clinical experience |
| Available disciplines | Radiography, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Radiation Therapy, Sonography, MRI, Vascular Sonography | Bone Densitometry, Breast Sonography, CT, Cardiac Interventional, Mammography, MRI, Vascular Interventional, Vascular Sonography |
| Degree required? | Yes — associate degree or higher | No |
| Application fee | $225 | $225–$450 depending on credential |
| Exam window | 3 attempts within 3 years | 365 days to schedule; 3 attempts within 3 years |
In short: if you’re starting from zero, you need the Primary Pathway. If you’re already credentialed and want to expand, the Postprimary Pathway is your route.
At DSDT College, we specialize in helping career changers, veterans, and military families navigate the ARRT Primary Pathway vs Post-Primary through our nationally accredited Associate of Applied Science in MRI Technology. As a military-friendly institution with expertise in the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and MyCAA, we provide accelerated paths with no waitlists and no SAT/ACT requirements. Whether you’re transitioning out of the military or pivoting careers entirely, understanding these pathways is step one.
Understanding the ARRT Primary Pathway vs Post-Primary
When you first look at the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) website, it can feel like you’ve walked into a room full of mirrors. Everywhere you turn, there are acronyms and “pathways.” But at its core, the choice between the ARRT Primary Pathway vs Post-Primary boils down to where you are right now in your career.
Think of the Primary Pathway as the “Front Door.” This is how the vast majority of people enter the profession. It is designed for students who are not yet certified in any imaging modality. If you’re a high school graduate, a veteran transitioning to civilian life, or someone looking to leave a dead-end job for a healthcare career, this is likely your starting point.
The Postprimary Pathway, on the other hand, is the “Expansion Pack.” It’s for professionals who already hold an ARRT credential (or an equivalent from ARDMS or NMTCB) and want to add a “specialty” to their resume. For example, a Radiographer who wants to learn how to perform CT scans would use the Postprimary Pathway.
Choosing Between the ARRT Primary Pathway vs Post-Primary
The decision isn’t always just about “first vs. second.” Sometimes, it’s about the specific discipline you want to enter. Some disciplines, like MRI and Vascular Sonography, are unique because they can be entered through either pathway.
If you know you want to be an MRI Technologist, you could:
- Use the Primary Pathway: Enroll in an accredited MRI program, earn your Associate Degree, and go straight to the MRI registry. This allows you to become an MRI tech without prior X-ray experience.
- Use the Postprimary Pathway: First become a Radiographer (X-ray tech), then cross-train in MRI later.
At DSDT College, we focus on the Primary Pathway for MRI because it allows you to hit the ground running in your chosen field without spending years in a different modality first.
The Primary Eligibility Pathway: Your Entry into Medical Imaging
The Primary Pathway is built on a foundation of formal education. To be eligible, you must complete three specific pillars: Education, Ethics, and Examination. We call this the “ARRT Equation for Excellence.”
First, you must complete an ARRT-approved educational program in the discipline you’re pursuing. This isn’t just a weekend seminar; it’s a comprehensive curriculum that covers both didactic (classroom) and clinical (hands-on) competencies. According to the primary handbook, you have exactly three years after completing your program to apply for certification.
Secondly, you must hold an Associate degree or higher. The great news is that the degree doesn’t necessarily have to be in radiologic sciences, but the program you complete must be accredited by an agency the ARRT recognizes.
Education Requirements for the ARRT Primary Pathway vs Post-Primary
While both pathways require education, the Primary Pathway is much more structured. You’ll need to prove you’ve mastered specific tasks. For instance, in an MRI program, you’ll have to document that you’ve performed a set number of head scans, spine scans, and musculoskeletal procedures under supervision.
The disciplines available through the Primary Pathway include:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Radiography (X-ray)
- Nuclear Medicine Technology
- Radiation Therapy
- Sonography
- Vascular Sonography
For our military students and veterans, the Primary Pathway is often the best use of the Post-9/11 GI Bill® because it provides a clear, accredited route to a degree and a professional license simultaneously.
The Postprimary Eligibility Pathway: Advancing Your Professional Game
So, you’re already an R.T.(R) or an R.T.(S) and you’ve decided you want to level up. This is where the Postprimary Pathway shines. It’s designed for the working professional who wants to diversify their skills without necessarily going back to school for another two-year degree.
To qualify, you must already hold a “supporting category” credential. For most, this is an ARRT certification in Radiography, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy, or Sonography. Once you have that foundation, you can pursue “postprimary” credentials like Computed Tomography (CT) or Mammography.
The educational requirements here are different. Instead of a full degree program, you need:
- 16 Hours of Structured Education: This must be completed within the 24 months before you apply. These hours must be earned through ARRT-approved activities and cover specific content areas related to the new discipline.
- Clinical Experience: You must perform and document a specific number of clinical procedures.
You can find the full list of requirements in the Postprimary Eligibility Pathway Handbook.
Clinical Standards for the ARRT Primary Pathway vs Post-Primary
One of the most technical parts of the Postprimary Pathway is how you log your procedures. The ARRT is very strict about this to ensure no one “fakes” their way into a credential. They even have daily entry limits to ensure the experience is gained over time, not just in one marathon weekend.
You’ll use an online tool to log these, and they must be signed off by a “verifier” (usually a certified R.T. or a licensed physician) who witnessed you perform the task. Finally, a supervisor must confirm your overall clinical log before you can hit “submit” on that application.
Key Differences in Fees, Timelines, and Examination
Let’s talk money and time — the two things everyone wants to save.
For the Primary Pathway, the application fee is currently $225. If you fail and need to reapply, it’s $200. You have a three-year window from the time you finish your education to pass the exam, and you get three attempts within that window.
For the Postprimary Pathway, the standard fee is also $225. However, there is a “crossover” fee of $450 if you are using a credential from the ARDMS or NMTCB as your supporting category (more on that in a second). One major advantage of the Postprimary route is the exam window: once your application is processed, you have a full 365 days to schedule and complete your exam at a Pearson VUE center.
Regardless of the pathway, the goal is the same: a scaled passing score of 75.
Crossover Eligibility for ARDMS and NMTCB Holders
The ARRT has a “friendly neighbor” policy for technologists certified by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB).
If you hold an ARDMS credential, you can use the Postprimary Pathway to earn ARRT credentials in MRI, Vascular Sonography, or Breast Sonography. If you’re NMTCB-certified, you can pursue CT, MRI, Bone Densitometry, or Vascular Sonography.
To do this, you’ll need to fill out a Non-RT Online Account Access Form to get into the ARRT system. It’s a bit more paperwork, but it’s a fantastic way for sonographers and nuclear med techs to expand their career horizons.
Ethics Requirements and Handling Ineligibility
The ARRT isn’t just checking your brain; they’re checking your character. Both the ARRT Primary Pathway vs Post-Primary require you to meet strict ethics standards.
When you apply, you’ll have to answer questions about your disciplinary history. This includes any criminal convictions (misdemeanors or felonies), military court-martials, or suspensions of professional licenses. If you have something on your record, don’t panic — but don’t hide it either.
We always recommend that students with potential issues use the “Ethics Review Preapplication” process. For a $100 fee, the ARRT will review your situation before you spend thousands on tuition. It’s the best way to ensure you aren’t “exposed” later on.
Navigating the Application and Results Process
Once you’ve logged your hours and verified your clinicals, you’ll submit your application through your online account. The ARRT will issue a Candidate Status Report within one business day.
After you take the exam, you’ll get a “preliminary score” on the screen before you even leave the testing center. It’s a nerve-wracking moment, but usually, that preliminary score is a very accurate reflection of your result. Your official score report will be mailed to you about 2–3 weeks later.
If you are found ineligible for any reason, you have the right to file an Eligibility Appeal Request. You’ll need to explain why the decision was wrong and provide documentation to back it up.
Frequently Asked Questions about ARRT Pathways
Can I be grandfathered into a postprimary discipline?
The short answer is no. We get this question a lot from techs who have been “doing CT for years” but never got the registry. Because the ARRT is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), they cannot “grandfather” anyone in. Everyone must meet the current structured education and clinical requirements.
Do I need a new degree for the Postprimary Pathway?
No! This is one of the biggest misconceptions in the ARRT Primary Pathway vs Post-Primary debate. While the Primary Pathway requires an Associate degree, the Postprimary Pathway does not require you to earn a second degree. You just need your supporting credential and the 16 hours of structured education.
What happens if I fail the ARRT exam three times?
If you fail three times within your three-year window, you lose your eligibility. To get it back, you usually have to re-enroll in an educational program or meet new requirements set by the ARRT. This is why we emphasize high-quality test prep and choosing a school with strong clinical support.
Conclusion
Navigating medical imaging doesn’t have to be a maze. Whether you are looking to start your journey through the Primary Pathway or expand your skills through the Postprimary route, the key is having the right partner.
At DSDT College, we specialize in the MRI Primary Pathway. Our Associate of Applied Science in MRI Technology is designed to be flexible, 100% online, and mobile-friendly, moving with you wherever your career takes you. Please note that while our imaging programs are online, our Cybersecurity CSP/SkillBridge program is strictly an in-person program held at Fort Hood. With clinical sites across the country, we help you get the hands-on experience you need to pass your exam and start your career. Ready to stop guessing and start scanning? More info about MRI Technology programs is just a click away. Let’s get you certified!