Consultation: proposed update to Medical Radiation Technologists Board practising certificate policy

22 May, 2025

We’re consulting and invite medical imaging and radiation therapy practitioners and stakeholders to provide feedback on proposed changes to the MRTB practising certificate policy by completing an online survey (starting 22 May). This consultation will close at 5pm on 2 July 2025.

View the proposed policy, consultation document, and FAQs at the bottom of the page. The current policy can be viewed here (bottom of the page).

Why now?

This is occurring as part of the MRTB scope of practice review  2025. This review is being undertaken to ensure that the scope of practice of medical imaging and radiation therapy is reflective of practise now and into the future.

The Board will consider all feedback received before making any changes to the current policy. We’ll then be in touch about the outcome and next steps.

If you have any queries, please view the FAQs below – you can also get in touch by emailing mrtconsultations@medsci.co.nz or phoning 04 801 6250.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: I’m currently working in a management role. Does this mean that I’ll need to hold a practising certificate?

This proposal removes the barrier to holding a practising certificate for those working in management and other roles that are highly influential in the delivery of care, but do not meet the current clinical contact hours requirement.

 Q: Does this mean there aren’t any requirements for people returning after a break in practice?

No. Practitioners who have been away for more than three years must meet the requirements of our return to practice policy.

 Q: What if someone is returning to clinical practise after working in management?

All practitioners have a professional responsibility under the Competence standards for medical imaging and radiation technology to practise within the limits of their own professional expertise (1.2.5). The Board expects that anyone changing their role or practice area undergoes appropriate (re)orientation.  

If a practitioner has not held a practising certificate within the last three years then they will be required to meet the requirements of the return to practise policy.

Q: I am resuming practice after taking a year of parental leave. What does this mean for me?

If it’s been less than three years since you last held a practising certificate then you can apply for a practising certificate in the usual way. You will be asked to declare if any of your circumstances have changed.

 Q: If the Board removes this requirement will there be a transition period, how will I know what to do?

If the Board removed the non-clinical practice policy, then practitioners who hold a non-clinical condition will have this condition removed as they are already holding a practicing certificate.

 Any change to the clinical hour requirement will be communicated to practitioners and the requirement for this as part of the recertification audit updated.

 Q: How would this change impact people under supervision?

This change is expected to have no effect on people who are under supervision.

 Q: I work in education and currently have a non-clinical practising certificate.  If the Board also agrees that it will require a number of hours “practice” will that be aligned with the updated definition of practice? And does this mean that my role in education will count as those hours?

Yes.