About the Register of Clinical Technologists

The Register of Clinical Technologists (RCT) was first established in 2000 and is now run in partnership by the Association of Renal Technologists (ART), the Institute of Healthcare Engineering and Estate Management (IHEEM) and the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM). Since September 2015 the RCT has been accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) and holds the PSA quality mark.

The accredited RCT is administered by the RCT management board which is made up of a registrar, an assistant registrar, two representatives from each of the three professional bodies, two elected registrants and two lay members. The management board is responsible for all aspects of the management of the register including overseeing the assessing and approving of applications to join the RCT; reviewing and updating the criteria for membership; and all processes and documentation used.  It is supported by an administrative team from the IPEM office and reports to IPEM’s Professional and Standards Council.

The purpose of the accredited RCT is to protect the public. As clinical technologists make decisions every day that can affect patients’ health, safety and welfare it is recognised that the public will want to be assured that these individuals have been fully trained and assessed and that they regularly update their skills.  The accredited RCT sets the standard for clinical technologist training and conduct and ensures high standards of practice are maintained amongst its registrants.

The accredited RCT is open to all those working in a technical role in the field of medical physics, clinical engineering, medical equipment maintenance or medical equipment manufacturing who meet the criteria for entry. This includes those employed in the public or private health care sectors and those working in academic organisations dealing with biological science, physical science or engineering who are involved in providing a technical or educational service to health care.

What are the education and training standards for accredited RCT registrants?

Entry to the accredited RCT is through a formal application process which is assessed against a strict set of criteria. Each applicant must demonstrate that they meet the standards by successfully completing an agreed training scheme or by demonstrating equivalence.

Training schemes for clinical technologists or practitioners: There are specific training schemes for clinical technologists and practitioners. See IPEM Clinical Technologist Training Scheme and Practitioner Training Programme.

Degree syllabus: The RCT management board has approved a Clinical Technology Degree Syllabus with detailed academic learning outcomes.

Once on the register, registrants are required to actively maintain their fitness to practice by participating in continuing professional development (CPD) activities. In addition, registrants are required to work to the RCT Code of Professional Conduct, the essence of which is to ensure that the patient’s interests, well-being and dignity are paramount at all times.

The RCT conforms to the Nolan Principles for Good Conduct in Public Life which includes selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

RCT registrants publicly declare their registration by appearing on a searchable database which can be found at View the register on this website. You can check whether any individual is on the register by clicking this link.


The Register of Clinical Technologists