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X-ray machine operators and technologists

Radiologic technologists registered or certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists or Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board do not need additional licensing or registration in Colorado. Operation of X-ray machines used in dentistry, chiropractic, or podiatry requires training specified by each respective board.

  • All other non-physicians who operate X-ray imaging systems on living humans must meet the requirements specified in the regulations.

Part 2 of the regulations

Limited scope operator

Limited scope operator application

If you cannot submit an electronic form, please call 303-692-3448 or email cdphe.hmxraycomments@state.co.us for a PDF copy.

Limited scope operator form sections

R-70 application for registration
This section will begin the Limited Scope Operator registration process.

R-71 didactic training and clinical experience: Use this PDF version of the form only if you are uploading it to the form above as proof of clinical experience. 

This section documents the didactic and clinical experience. Application for registration must occur within one year of completing didactic training. Application for registration must occur within ninety-days of completing your clinical training.

  • Submit a non-refundable check for $60 made out to CDPHE.
  • Refer to the form instructions for further details.
  • If accepted, this will allow you to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists limited scope operator exam. Additional testing fees apply.
  • Upon approval, we will mail you a letter with payment and testing instructions.
  • If you are using your limited scope operator registration from another state, or need to retake the registration/certification exam, complete and resubmit the R-70 form.
  • Regulatory requirements: Part 2, Appendix 2D and Section 2.4.5.1.
  • For new or retake applications, the x-ray unit will contact you by phone to obtain your Social Security Number and date of birth necessary to set up your exam with ARRT.

R-90 renewal of limited scope operator registration
Limited scope operators are required to renew their registration every 2 years. This section will allow you to renew your registration and submit the $60 application fee and evidence of continuing education credits.

An individual who has taken and passed a required test and has approval by us pursuant to 2.4.5.1 to operate x-ray systems and to conduct specified radiographic examinations of the chest, extremities, skull, hip/pelvis and spine/sacrum.

Limited scope operator Q&A guidance

Limited scope operator current license verification

  • This directory is the primary source for verifying LSO registration status with the state of Colorado.
  • For people who recently took examinations, we do not display registration until the score results are final.
  • We no longer issue registration certificates to applicants. A registration letter is provided to the candidate. Use this directory to verify registration status.

Direct questions or concerns regarding candidate status to:
cdphe.hmxraycomments@state.co.us
(303) 692-3448

Fluoroscopy operator

An individual who has taken and passed a required test and has approval by us pursuant to 2.4.5.5 to operate x-ray fluoroscopy systems and to conduct specified radiographic examinations. Catheterization Lab Specialists, please contact the x-ray unit for instructions: 303-692-3448.

Fluoroscopy application

Fluoroscopy registration, complete this form to begin the Fluoroscopy Operator registration process.

  • Submit a non-refundable check for $60 made out to CDPHE, or payment can be made online once your form has been submitted.
  • Instructions for further details are included in the form.
  • If accepted, this will allow you to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists fluoroscopy operator exam. Additional testing fees apply.
  • Upon approval, we will send you a letter with payment and testing instructions.
  • If you are using your fluoroscopy operator registration from another state, or need to retake the registration/certification exam, complete and resubmit the R-50 form.
  • Current fluoroscopy operators are required to renew their registration every 2 years by submitting the R-52 application for renewal form along with the $60 application fee and evidence of current state licensure.

Regulatory requirements: Part 2, Appendix 2O and Section 2.4.5.5

Fluoroscopy Operator current license verification

  • This directory is the primary source for verifying fluoroscopy operator registration status with the state of Colorado.
  • For people who recently took examinations, we do not display registration until the score results are final.
  • A registration letter is provided to the candidate.  
  • Use this directory to verify registration status.

Provisional mammographer

A person enrolled in a training program who can perform mammography exams under the supervision of a registered mammography technologist.

Provisional mammographer registration

Provision mammographer application

Complete the R-64 application and submit payment following the instructions below.

  • R-64 instructions.
  • The provisional mammographer registration is good for one year and can be renewed one time.

Regulatory requirements: Section 2.4.5.4 of Part 2

Bone densitometry operator

An individual who has taken and passed the required test or certification and has approval by us pursuant to 2.4.5.3 to operate DXA X-ray systems.

Bone densitometry operator application

Application for new, or renewal of, bone densitometry operator registration.

Regulatory requirements: ​Part 2, Section 2.4.5.3

Computed tomography operator Colorado registration (Discontinued)

If you wish to operate a computed tomography system in Colorado:

  • You must be certified in computed tomography by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists or Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board, and such operation shall be within the requirements of the regulations.
  • You are not required to be registered or licensed with Colorado as long as you are registered in computed tomography with American Registry of Radiologic Technologists or Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board.

Before July 31, 2017, computed tomography operators not certified by American Registry of Radiologic Technologists or Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board could complete an alternate training program and register as a Colorado computed tomography operator. This program was terminated in 2017 and is no longer available. We will continue to recognize Colorado registrations. Verify Colorado CT operators.

Additional resources on X-ray operator minimum requirements and standards