English Composition 1
Self-paced online English Composition 1 course (ENG 101). NCCRS recommends 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
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ARRT's degree rule explained for Oregon rad tech students: any subject counts
By the team. Checked 15 Nov 2026.
The short answer
The ARRT degree requirement is an associate degree or higher, in any subject, from an institution accredited by an agency ARRT recognises. You can earn it before or after your radiography programme, but it must be awarded before you sit the exam. General education credits via a college transcript can shorten it.
What the ARRT degree rule says
ARRT's education page for primary certification sets three conditions. You must hold an associate degree or a more advanced degree. The degree does not have to be in the radiologic sciences. And it must come from an institution accredited by an agency on ARRT's list of recognised accreditation agencies.
The timing is flexible: the degree can come before you start your radiography programme or after you finish it, as long as it is in hand before you take the ARRT exam. The rule does not apply to people adding credentials through the postprimary pathway.
- Level: associate degree or higher.
- Subject: any subject.
- Institution: accredited by an ARRT-recognised agency.
- Timing: before the ARRT exam.
Why any subject matters for Oregon students
Many radiography programmes in Oregon and elsewhere are certificate programmes or degree programmes with long waiting lists. If you already finished a certificate, or you plan to, the any-subject rule means you can finish an associate degree in general studies, liberal arts or health science rather than repeating a radiography degree.
The same logic helps Oregon paramedics, who face their own degree rule under OAR 333-265-0025. One general studies associate degree can serve both goals, but each body checks the accreditation of the college, so confirm the college with ARRT's list and with the OHA EMS Program.
Which general education courses usually fill the degree
An associate degree is about 60 semester credits. The college that grants it sets the categories. Most ask for something close to the list below; your college's degree plan is the only one that counts.
- English Composition: one or two courses.
- Math: College Algebra or Statistics.
- Social science: Introduction to Psychology or Sociology.
- Natural science: often Anatomy and Physiology for health students.
- Humanities and electives: often where Medical Terminology or other health courses sit.
How the credits reach the degree
UPI Study courses carry ACE or NCCRS recommendations. They reach a college via a college transcript, and that college decides what it posts toward your degree. Partner colleges that consider ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended credit, such as Thomas Edison State University, University of the People and Newlane University, are a common first place to ask.
Before you enrol in anything, send the college a list of the courses you plan to take and ask for a written evaluation. Keep that reply with your ARRT application papers.
A simple timeline that works with the exam date
Work backwards from the exam window your programme gives you. Leave time for the college to evaluate credits and confer the degree, which can take weeks after your last course.
| Step | When |
|---|---|
| Choose the degree college and get a written evaluation | Before any coursework |
| Finish general education courses | During or before the radiography programme |
| Send credits via a college transcript | As each block of courses ends |
| Degree conferred | Before you apply to sit the ARRT exam |
What to ask in writing
Before you enrol
Ask the college that will grant your associate degree, in writing, which ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended courses it will count, and ask the OHA EMS Program in writing that the college meets the accreditation rule, before you enrol.
UPI Study is not a college and is not accredited. ACE and NCCRS review our courses and recommend credit; a college decides whether to give that credit and records it on its own transcript.
ACE and NCCRS have over 2,100 cooperating colleges that will consider accepting credits; the final decision is with the universities.
Questions people ask
Does ARRT require a degree in radiography?
No. ARRT asks for an associate degree or higher in any subject, from an institution accredited by an agency ARRT recognises. Your radiography education is a separate requirement that your programme covers.
Can I take the ARRT exam before I finish my degree?
No. ARRT says the degree must be earned before you take the exam. You can finish it before, during or after the radiography programme, but it has to be awarded first.
Will ARRT check where my general education credits came from?
ARRT checks that the institution granting your degree is accredited by a recognised agency. Which credits go into that degree is the college's decision, so get its evaluation in writing before you take courses.
Courses that fit
ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended courses, studied online at your own pace.
College Algebra
Self-paced online College Algebra course (Math 111). NCCRS recommends 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
See the course →
Medical Terminology
Self-paced online Medical Terminology course (Health 120). NCCRS recommends 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
See the course →Start when you have it in writing
Every course in one plan; work through the general education courses your college agrees to in writing.
Sources
- ARRT: Education requirements for primary certification (official)ARRT asks for an associate degree or higher in any subject from an institution accredited by an ARRT-recognised agency, earned before or after the programme but before the exam. Checked on 15 Nov 2026.
- Oregon Health Authority: EMS Provider Licensing (official)Initial paramedic applicants submit an associate degree or higher and current NREMT paramedic certification; fees: Paramedic $290, Transitional $340, Transitional renewal $200. Checked on 15 Nov 2026.