Advocates for radiologic technicians have submitted more than 42,000 comments to the government as part of their efforts to obtain “professional status.”

The Office of Management and Budget is gathering feedback from the public on this idea to redesignate the status of technicians. The reclassification offers benefits, including a higher level of professional recognition and a more widely recognized credential, ASRT reported Friday.

Every 10 years, the OMB reclassifies occupations as “technical” or “professional.” This option is now available. Currently, all technicians certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists – with the exception of radiation therapists – are classified as technical personnel.

“Medical imaging and radiation oncology professionals are critical members of the healthcare team,” said Heather Moore, PhD, RT, president of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, on August 16. “We receive instructions from physicians every day that require us to use our advanced knowledge of radiation protection, radiation physics, equipment protocols and more. We are responsible for producing high-quality medical images that could save lives, and this thorough process involves critical thinking, judgment and discernment – key responsibilities that are part of the OMB’s definition of professionalism.”

The OMB’s Standard Occupational Classification states, “The primary duties of employees must be the performance of work requiring advanced knowledge, defined as work that is highly intellectual in nature and requires the consistent use of discretion and judgment.” ASRT, ARRT and others believe that given the growing importance of the occupation, a reclassification is long overdue. The OMB accepted public comments on the issue until August 12, and that deadline has now closed.

ASRT noted that the office will begin sifting through the thousands of responses to determine whether radiation technicians meet the criteria for professional status. If they decide to grant the request, the agencies would put the revision into effect in 2028, according to ASRT. The association said it has been calling for this change for years and is eager to see the outcome.

“Asking OMB to recognize us as professionals exemplifies our mission to advance and elevate the profession of medical imaging and radiation oncology and to be recognized by the healthcare community, elected officials and the public,” ASRT CEO Melissa B. Pergola, EdD, RT, said in a statement. “I want to personally thank the ASRT Board of Directors for their vision and leadership, all of our sister organizations and each person who took the time to comment. Together, we will increase visibility and respect for our great profession.”

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging also expressed support for the reclassification earlier this week. You can read more comments here.

In the meantime, the Department of Veterans Affairs is also requesting information to help develop a national standard for VA diagnostic radiology technologists. The organization is accepting comments through Sept. 9.