Computed Tomography Test
Contents
History
Over the past several decades the medical profession in the United States has steadily increased in the number of services offered. No long are hospitals and medical offices only comprised of nurses and doctors. All throughout the country numerous men and women with specialized training in the medical field occupy important positions directly related to patient care. For those wishing to earn national certification for medical imaging, interventional procedures, and radiation therapy, the Computed Tomography (CT) exam serves as one component of gaining recognition. CT scans are able to produce sectional images of the human anatomy, a critically important function that allows doctors to better understand a patient’s illness.[1] This exam is administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and individuals must be registered with this organization in order to sit for the exam.[2] The United States Department of Labor estimates that there will be a significant increase in the need for technologists over the next decade, and this exam is likely to grow in popularity.
Function
The ARRT seeks to better promote aspects of radiography, nuclear medicine, technology, radiation therapy, sonography, and mammography. At the same time, the ARRT seeks to uphold high standards in both educational and professional development in the medical field. In doing so, the organization develops tests that assess knowledge and skills to determine a person’s ability to be a Computed Tomography professional. This test aids in bestowing certification for potential medical professionals.[3] It should be noted that it is only one component of earning certification in Computed Tomography. Other requirements include educational degrees, clinical hours, and agreeing to abide by certain ethical standards. Regarding education, individuals must have either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree to qualify to take this exam. Also, all individuals must several meet supervised clinical hours.[4] Finally, all potential candidates must uphold the ethical and regulatory standards set by the ARRT. For a complete listing of these requirements please refer to the ARRT website.[2]
Administration
Prior to sitting for the CT exam potential candidates must first apply with the ARRT. This process requires that individuals meet several requirements. All persons must agree to abide by the ARRT’s Agreement of Candidates. On the application form a supervisor who can confirm that an individual meets all requirements must be listed. That particular person will be sent an email and must reply and provide an e-signature that serves as confirmation of the applicant’s qualifications. After an application has been processed the ARRT will issue a Candidate Status Report letting individuals know if they are eligible to take the test. If an application is accepted then individuals will receive an exam window list, which includes the dates in which the test can be taken. This will be sent to all accepted persons. Exams should be promptly scheduled with Pearson VUE, the testing service, as test dates fill up rather quickly.[5] All potential test-takers must pay a registration fee that can range from $200 dollars to $400 dollars. On examination day make sure that a valid ID is presented and test-takers arrive with plenty of time to fill out any necessary paperwork. Special accommodations can be made and should be requested as soon as an individual is accepted to sit for the exam.[3]
Format
| Sections of the Computed Tomography Test | ||
|---|---|---|
| Computed Tomography Test Subject Areas | # of Questions | |
| Patient Care and Safety | 36 | |
| Imaging Procedures | 75 | |
| Physics and Instrumentation | 54 | |
| Total | 165 | |
Test Environment
Candidates take the Computed Tomography Exam at Pearson VUE Testing Centers, and are expected to arrive at least half an hour early. For admission, each candidate must bring two different forms of ID, which must include their names signatures, and one must be a government-issued, photo ID. Candidates must also provide a digital signature, and be photographed. The test is computer-based, and allows the use of a calculator, which will be provided. Scratch paper and pencils are not allowed, however an erasable note board and pen will be provided.[6]
Test Structure
The Computed Tomography Examination contains 165 multiple choice questions that have to do with three major subject areas: Patient Care and Safety; Imaging Procedures; and Physics and Instrumentation. There will also be an additional 20 unscored, pretest questions. The time allotted to take this exam is three and a half hours. The entire testing period, including the test, a 20 minute tutorial, and a 10 minute survey, should last around four hours.[7]
Sample Questions
More free CT practice test questions.
Scoring
Test results are made immediately after the exam, but this score is only a provisional report. Following confirmation by the ARRT a final report will be mailed to the address candidates listed on their application form. All test-takers should allow 2-3 weeks for their scores to be received. Scores range from 1 to 99 with a 75 necessary to be considered passing. If a test-taker believes that their score was reported inaccurately then they can request an additional review. If an individual fails the exam then they may retake the test but there are certain parameters that all must follow. Candidates are allotted three attempts for three years; this period begins on the initial test date. If a person fails the exam three times or the three year window expires then they must reapply with the ARRT.[3]
References
- ^ Valencia College 23 May 2014
- ^ a b ARRT 23 May 2014 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; name "ARRT Site" defined multiple times with different content - ^ a b c Handbook 23 May 2014
- ^ Mayo 23 May 2014
- ^ Pearson 23 May 2014
- ^ Computed Tomography Handbook 14 July 2014
- ^ Content Specifications for the Computed Tomography Exam 14 July 2014
