Bone densitometry operator requirements, application, FAQs

A bone densitometry equipment operator (BDEO) is an individual who operates a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry system (DXA) used on a living human. These individuals hold current certifications through the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) or have taken and passed a required test through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

An individual who holds a current registration through ARRT as a radiology technologist, nuclear medicine technologist, or radiation therapist does not require additional operator registration as a BDEO to perform DXA examinations in the State of Colorado. Individuals registered with the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) as certified nuclear medicine technologists do not need to register as BDEO operators.

Colorado requires the registration and triennial renewal of bone densitometry operators.

Bone densitometry operator requirements

Please see below for the list of requirements needed to register as a bone densitometry operator.

There are two pathways available for registration as a bone densitometry operator. The first pathway is for International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) Certified Bone Densitometry Technologist (CBDT) applicants. The second pathway is the ARRT pathway and does not require ISCD certification.

The requirements listed below are for all pathways unless otherwise noted.

Didactic education requirement

• Part 2, Appendix 2F, Section 2F.2.1
  • The applicant must complete at least 30 hours of classroom training in the following topics: basic x-ray physics (2 Hours), radiobiology (2 Hours), radiation protection (5 Hours), basic concepts (8 Hours), equipment operation and quality control (6 Hours), DXA scanning of forearm (2 Hours), DXA scanning of finger and heel (1 Hour ), DXA scanning of lumbar spine (2 Hours), DXA scanning of proximal femur (2 Hours).

Clinical requirement

• Part 2, Appendix 2F, Section 2F.2.2 and Part 2, Appendix 2F, Section 2F.2.3
  • The applicant must complete at least 480 hours of clinical experience under direct supervision of a qualified trainer (supervisor must be present in building). During the clinical experience the student must perform at least 10 each of the following imaging exam procedures: DXA scanning of forearm, DXA scanning of lumbar spine, and DXA scanning of proximal femur.

ARRT testing requirement (ARRT pathway only)

• Part 2, Appendix 2F, Section 2F.2.4 and Part 2, Section 2.4.5.3 (2)(e)
  • The applicant must obtain a passing score on the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) examination for the Bone Densitometry Equipment Operator Examination.
  • The student will have three attempts to obtain a passing score on the ARRT examination. Each attempt requires an additional application fee and testing fee.
  • A scaled score of 75 or above is passing.

Timing requirement

• Part 2, Section 2.4.5.3 (2)(d)
  • Applicants must submit the application for registration as a bone densitometry operator within one year upon completion of the requirements of 2F.2.1 and within 90 calendar days upon completion of the requirements of 2F.2.2 and 2F.2.3.

Failure to pass the ARRT test within three attempts

• Part 2, Section 2.4.5.3 (2)(e)
• If an applicant cannot achieve a passing score per 2F.2.4 within three attempts, the applicant must restart the training required by 2F.2.1, 2F.2.2, and 2F.2.3. 

Registration renewal requirement

• Part 2, Appendix 2F, Section 2F.2.5 and Part 2, Section 2.4.5.3 (2)(f)
  • Every three years registrants must renew their registration and submit supporting documentation for the completion of 18 continuing education hours.

Bone densitometry operator application

Submit the bone densitometry operator application

Instructions for applying for registration as a bone densitometry operator (BDEO)

ISCD pathway

• Complete the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) Certified Bone Densitometry Technologist (CBDT) certification. This course is 21 credit hours.
• Complete an additional 9 hours of radiation safety training as required by Appendix 2F Sections 2F.2.1.1 - 2F.2.1.3.
• Complete the online application (The required R-80 & R-81 forms are now combined into the current online application).
• Attach all supporting documentation including your ISCD certificate for your education and clinical experience
• Application for registration must occur within one year of completing didactic education training.
• Application for registration must occur within 90 days of completing your clinical training.
• Submit the non-refundable $60 application processing fee.
• Refer to the online application for additional information on how to make this payment.
• Upon approval, we will email you an approval letter.

ARRT pathway

• Complete classroom hours (30) and clinical hours (480) necessary for registration.
• Complete the online application (The required R-80 & R-81 forms are now combined into the current online application).
• Attach all supporting documentation for your education and clinical experience
• Application for registration must occur within one year of completing didactic education training.
• Application for registration must occur within 90 days of completing your clinical training.
• Submit the non-refundable $60 application processing fee.
• Refer to the online application for additional information on how to make this payment.
• Upon approval, we will email you a letter with instructions and next steps on how to complete your testing portion with ARRT.
• Additional testing fees apply.
• If you need to retake the BDEO ARRT exam please complete the application linked above. Please note: additional application fees and testing fees apply to each attempt.

Transfers from out-of-state

• Complete the application linked above.
• Attach all applicable documents for equivalency review - state license, state ARRT test scores, education transcripts and certificate/degree, and supporting documentation for completion of your clinicals.

Renewal of registration

• To renew, complete the online application linked above.
• Registrant must submit evidence of 18 continuing education hours or a current ISCD certificate and pay the $60 application fee.

For additional information

Please contact CDPHE X-ray Certification Unit at: cdphe.hmxraycomments@state.co.us or call 303-692-3448.