A limited X-ray machine operator (LXMO) takes basic X-rays, such as the chest, arms, legs or spine, usually in urgent care centers, doctors’ offices, orthopedic clinics or chiropractic practices. It’s a faster route into imaging than becoming a full radiologic technologist, but what you’re allowed to do, and whether the role exists at all, depends on your state. This guide explains how it works and which states regulate it.
Key takeaways
- A limited operator performs a restricted set of X-ray exams. They don’t do fluoroscopy, CT, mammography or the full range of radiography.
- According to the ASRT, 32 states have some form of license, permit, certification or standard for limited operators.
- Many states use the ARRT Limited Scope of Practice in Radiography exam: a core section plus one or more body-area modules.
- Training is shorter than a full radiography program, often months rather than two years, but hours and rules vary by state.
- Passing the ARRT limited scope exam doesn’t make you an ARRT-registered technologist, R.T.(R).
What a limited X-ray operator does
Limited operators produce X-ray images of specific body areas that their state permit or license covers. Common categories are:
- Chest
- Extremities (arms, hands, legs, feet)
- Skull and sinuses
- Spine
- Podiatric (foot and ankle)
- Bone densitometry (DEXA) in some states
They typically work under the supervision of a physician or other licensed practitioner. Many also have other duties, such as medical assistant tasks, which makes the role popular in small clinics.
What they generally can’t do: fluoroscopy, CT, mammography, contrast studies or other exams outside their permitted categories.
Limited operator vs. radiologic technologist
| Limited X-ray operator | Radiologic technologist (radiographer) | |
|---|---|---|
| Training | Short state-approved course, often a few months to one year | Accredited program, usually a 2-year associate degree or longer |
| Exam | ARRT limited scope exam or a state exam | ARRT Radiography exam |
| Scope | Only certain body areas | All general radiography; can add CT, MRI, mammography |
| Typical workplaces | Urgent care, physician offices, chiropractic and podiatry clinics | Hospitals, imaging centers, clinics |
| Career growth | Limited without further education | Wider options and specializations |
States that regulate limited operators
The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) lists the following 32 states as having a regulation for limited technologists. The name of the credential varies.
| Type of credential (per ASRT) | States |
|---|---|
| License | Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Utah, Wyoming |
| Permit | California, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Oregon, West Virginia, Wisconsin |
| Certification or certified | Arizona, Florida, New Mexico, South Carolina, Texas |
| Certificate | Delaware |
| Registration or registry | Colorado, Maryland |
| Standard or accredited | Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania |
What about the other 18 states and D.C.? The ASRT lists no limited technologist regulation for Alabama, Alaska, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington or D.C. That can mean two very different things:
- Some of these states require a full radiography license for anyone taking X-rays, so there’s no limited role.
- Others don’t license X-ray operators at all, so employers set their own requirements.
Check with the state’s radiation control program or licensing board to find out which applies.
Examples of state requirements
Oregon. Oregon issues limited permits by body area. Applicants complete at least 52 hours of classroom instruction at a board-approved school, plus supervised lab practice in each category (for example, 60 hours for extremities and 12 for chest) and clinical experience on patients. They must pass the ARRT limited scope exam with at least 70% in each section.
Texas. Texas certifies Limited Medical Radiologic Technologists (LMRTs). Applicants must complete or be enrolled in an approved limited program and pass the ARRT core module plus at least one procedure module, with a score of 75% or higher.
Utah. Utah licenses Radiology Practical Technicians. Applicants must pass either the ARRT limited scope exam (core plus at least one module) or the ARRT Bone Densitometry Equipment Operators exam, with a score of at least 75%.
The ARRT limited scope exam
Many states use an exam that ARRT administers on their behalf. According to the Texas Medical Board, it has:
- A core module (100 scored questions) covering patient care, radiation safety and image production.
- Procedure modules for chest, extremities, skull and sinuses, spine and podiatric radiography.
You take the core plus the modules your state requires for the permit you want. Passing scores and the number of attempts allowed are set by each state.
This exam leads to a state credential. It doesn’t give you ARRT certification or the R.T. title.
How to become a limited X-ray operator
- Check your state’s rules. Find the agency that regulates X-ray operators and confirm the limited role exists.
- Choose an approved program. Many states require training at a school or course they approve.
- Complete classroom, lab and clinical training. Hours vary by state.
- Pass the required exam. Usually the ARRT limited scope core plus your modules, or a state exam.
- Apply for your state credential. Expect an application, a fee and sometimes a background check.
- Keep it current. Many states require continuing education to renew.
Pay and job outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t publish separate pay data for limited operators. They’re grouped with radiologic technologists, whose national median pay was $80,110 in May 2025. Limited operators typically earn less than full technologists because their scope is narrower. Many jobs combine X-ray with medical assistant duties.
If you want higher pay and more options, the limited role can be a first step toward a full radiography program.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a limited X-ray operator? It depends on the state, but many programs take a few months to a year, compared with about two years for a radiography associate degree.
Can a limited operator work in a hospital? Sometimes, but most hospitals hire full radiologic technologists. Limited operators mainly work in urgent care centers and physician offices.
Does a limited license transfer to another state? Usually not. Each state sets its own categories and rules, and some states have no limited role at all.
Can I do CT or mammography with a limited permit? No. CT, mammography and fluoroscopy require full radiography credentials and additional training.
Sources
- American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT): Individual state licensure.
- Oregon Board of Medical Imaging: OAR 337-010-0030.
- Texas Medical Board: Limited Medical Radiologic Technologist exam.
- Utah Administrative Code R156-54-302b.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, Radiologic and MRI Technologists.
This article is for general information only. Requirements change, so confirm current rules with your state’s licensing agency before enrolling in a program.