Thanks for Responding to Our Program Directors Survey 

We asked program directors about the timing for meeting requirements and when they prefer to see changes to exam content specifications. Read what we learned.  

In January, we surveyed directors of programs that offer a degree. We asked: 

• Is 24 months enough time for candidates to satisfy ARRT’s clinical experience and structured education requirements for students using our postprimary eligibility pathway? 
• Are there times of year when your program can more easily adapt to changes in ARRT’s examination content specifications? 

We appreciate your responses. 

Timing for Meeting Requirements 

More than 80 percent of respondents in all disciplines but Vascular Interventional Radiography (VI) said that 24 months was sufficient time for their students to complete ARRT’s clinical experience and structured education requirements. Nearly 80 percent of VI programs directors said 24 months was enough time. 

Our data also show that most candidates meet the requirements within 24 months.  

Best Time to Respond to Changes in Exam Content Specifications 

Most respondents said they prefer to see changes before a new school year starts. Summer or “the way it is now” were the most common responses to this question.  

In general, respondents said that the length of the notification period—that is, how early we tell you that our exam content specifications will be changing—was far more important than the specific implementation date. We typically notify you about 10 months before new content specifications become effective. For example, if we plan a change for September 2027, we’ll publish exam content specification changes in November 2026. 

Next Steps 

Although the survey showed no major concerns, we’ll share the responses with our Board of Trustees at its July 2023 meeting. If any changes occur as a result, we’ll let you know. 

“We thank those who responded,” says J.J. Powell, Chief Education Officer in Education Requirements at ARRT. “The information you provided helped us evaluate whether there have been significant changes that would affect our 24-month requirements for candidates using the postprimary eligibility pathway. And it showed that you’re comfortable with the lead time we provide when we make changes to our exam content. We appreciate you taking the time to let us know your thoughts.”