CRA Credential Benefits

CRA Benefits

• Recognized and documented affirmation of skills and capabilities
• Confirmation of strong and relevant imaging management experience
• Validation of proven business acumen, particularly in the skills essential to imaging managers
• Recognition of high standard of achievement

Why Become a CRA?

• The CRA credential distinguishes individuals as proven, skilled, knowledgeable leaders in the field of imaging management
• It can increase career opportunities, enhance professional recognition, and provide personal satisfaction.
• The CRA is the only professional credential tailored specifically for imaging administrators

Why Hire a CRA?

• Validated high-level management competencies
• Advanced understanding of the principles of the imaging business
• Demonstrated ability in applying knowledge and leadership to guide and develop imaging management teams
• Certified, proven high standards of achievement and ethics

Click here to download a PDF information sheet about the CRA.

The CRA program, including the examination, is managed by the Radiology Administration Certification Commission (RACC), a self-governing body created to maintain the credential’s integrity and relevance.

CRA Testimonial - Debbie Clark

When did you achieve your CRA, and why did you decide to pursue it?
I earned my CRA in 2010 for personal reasons, but it turned out to have a financial impact. I have worked in the same hospital for 34 years, and at the time, my education was a hospital based certificate program that I completed in 1980. Because of my experience and willingness to learn, I entered a supervisory role. A couple years later I became the assistant director and decided at that point to sit for the CRA exam. It was a very personal decision. Having a certificate for radiology and not having a degree made me feel inferior to others. I was unsuccessful the first time but studied and took it again. I'm the acting director now, and because of my CRA I can be compensated as such. The director position required a Bachelor’s degree, but I asked for my CRA to be accepted in lieu of a BS. It was accepted, and with my CRA, I meet the qualifications. I always knew I could do the job; having my CRA justified that for me and my employer.

How much does your boss know about the CRA?
I shared the certification process with my HR department and senior vice president, so that they understand what it entails. They were impressed that there is a certification for imaging professionals. The CRA website provides a good explanation of the certification process to share with HR departments.

Have you referred a peer to take the test?
Yes. That peer will be sitting for her CRA in May.

Any fun stories you want to share?
During an Annual Meeting years ago, I crashed the CRA reception because they had free food and drinks. I looked around the room and saw so many CRAs and decided that I wanted to have that distinction as well. The following year, I was at the reception again, but this time I was on the invitation list.

CRAs, tell us about your experiences earning the CRA and holding the credential here.

CRA Testimonial - Jose Rodriguez

When did you achieve your CRA, and why did you decide to pursue it?
I achieved my CRA recently in November of 2013. I took the exam because I wanted to prove to my community that I am a quality administrator. I entered my profession very young and I am often seen this way; as a young supervisor or manager it takes a lot to prove to others that you are capable of leading and managing others. I needed to prove that I was capable.

I am the first and only CRA in El Paso, TX. I took a year to prepare for my exam and I am glad I did. I truly felt ready.

Have you referred a peer to take the test?
I have referred one of my old Army NCOs to take the exam. He was hesitant to take it, but he will take it this year.

Any additional comments?
Regardless of my situation here in this community, I am very proud to be a CRA. I will begin educating my community and its leaders what the CRA designation means to their facilities and to our community.

CRAs, tell us about your experiences earning the CRA and holding the credential here.

CRA Testimonial - Judy LeRose

When did you achieve your CRA and why did you decide to pursue the credential?
I became a CRA in 2004. I wanted to become a CRA as part of my own professional development. I believe in professional excellence and obtaining this credential meant that I had achieved this in my field of expertise.

Does your job description have “CRA preferred”?
All of the radiology directors at Novant Health have the same job description. We recently revised it to state "CRA preferred." I took the exam for my own professional development. At the time, I was not employed at Novant Health and this credential was not necessary at my other position.

Does your HR know about the CRA?
They do not; however, our coproate compensation department does know about this credential and they try to recruit those who have the CRA as one of their credentials.

Have you referred a peer to take the test?
I have encouraged my supervisors and managers that report to me to obtain the credential. I did hire an operations manager who is already a CRA and am mentoring a supervisor who wants to obtain the credential.

Have you shared your story with your management team?
I have shared with members of my department management team.

Any additional comments?
I've been a member of AHRA since 1989 and have always felt that this organization has been there as a professional resource. I have formed many lasting friendships through networking and going to the meetings.

CRAs, tell us about your experiences earning the CRA and holding the credential here.

h2>CRA Testimonial - Paulette Duckrey


When did you achieve your CRA?  Was there a specific reason you took it then? 
May 2013.  My youngest son graduated from college in May of 2013, and I made a promise to myself that I would sit and pass my CRA exam, when he graduated.

Why did you decide to pursue the credential?
It was a personal accomplishment for me solidifying my knowledge of Radiology Administration. This credential meant more to me than a Master's degree. It really established that I am a content expert in the area of Radiology Administration.

Does your administration know about the CRA?
My boss is knowledgeable of the CRA and understands its significance and my HR department has now been informed by myself and my boss about the significance of hiring an Administrator with the CRA credentials. My passing the exam prompted my HR department to add "CRA Preferred" to Director and AVP of Imaging positions.

What benefits have you attained since or due to the CRA credential?
I recently submitted an application for an Administrative Director of Radiology position and one of the requirements was a Master's degree. I am enrolled in a Master's program as of August 2014, but I did not meet the requirement for the job. I reached out to the Human Resources office to explain that I am enrolled in a Master's degree program but that I chose to obtain my CRA credentials before beginning my Master's program, I explained the value of the CRA credential. Based on this conversation, the requirement for Master's degree was changed to minimal enrolled or completion of Master's degree program and CRA preferred. Needless to say, I was able to interview and landed the job.

CRAs, tell us about your experiences earning the CRA and holding the credential here.

CRA Testimonial - Kimlyn Queen