Recognition of training acquired abroad as an MTR

The profession of Medical Technologists for Radiology (MTR) is regulated in Germany. In order to be allowed to work in this profession, official recognition of the qualification acquired abroad is required. The legal basis is the Medical Technologist Professions Act (MTBG) – § 50 for agreements from EU member states and § 51 for so-called third countries.

In the recognition procedure, the competent authority will check whether your training is equivalent to the German training.

The recognition procedure takes place at the competent authority of the federal state inwhich you would like to live or work (follow this link for information on the competent authority).The procedure can take several months and is subject to a fee. After completion of the procedure, you will receive a notice of assessment.

The following measures can be taken to align with the German MTR training:

Since 1 January 2023, the new MT Professions Act (MTBG §§ 46-51) has been in force in Germany. It regulates the practice of the profession of Medical Technologist for Radiology (MTR). In addition, the EU Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications within the EU applies.

The procedure begins with the submission of the application to the competent state authority (information on the competent authority ). The authority checks whether the foreign training is equivalent to the German training.

Important: Translations must be carried out by court-sworn translators. Foreign certifications are not recognised. Always ask your responsible authority what documents are required.

To work with ionising radiation (e.g. X-ray diagnostics, nuclear medicine, radiotherapy), up-to-date specialist knowledge in radiation protection is required . It is taught in the context of special courses (basic and special courses as well as practical experience).

With recognition as an MTR, foreign skilled workers usually automatically receive the specialist knowledge. However, the authority may require additional courses or adjustments, as radiation protection law in Germany may differ.

Note: The expertise must be updated every five years.

Certified online courses can be found at: https://roentgen-akademie.org/bildungsangebote/strahlenschutzkurse/

If the examination of your documents reveals significant differences to the German MTR training, a deficit notice will be issued.

What is a deficit notice? A deficit notice notes significant differences to German training. It contains the binding requirement to complete a compensatory measure. This forms the basis for:

In principle, the authority responsible for the aptitude or knowledge tests determines the areas in which an applicant must be examined and the scope of the tasks in the respective subject areas . The examinations serve to prove the necessary competencies for independent professional practice.

In the case of the compensatory measures certified by the authority, it must be noted whether the deficit notice was issuedin accordance withthe old MTAG or the new MT Professions Act (MTBG). In this case, the examinations differ both in content and scope. All applicantshave the opportunity tochoose between the various measures. For applicants from third countries, this is either a knowledge test or an adaptation period and for applicants from the EU/EEA/Switzerland either an aptitude test or an adaptation period (see below).Whichoptionis the better solution should be decided individually. It is best to contact providers of adaptation courses or preparatory courses (see below) with your notification. There you will receive advice on which course is best suited for youin order tobe able to successfully complete the later exam.

The costs and processing times in the recognition procedure can vary depending on the federal state. Here are some examples :

As a rule, the future employer covers the costs of the recognition procedure. However, this should be clarified before the start of the course and the signing of the contract.

Integration and organisational achievements in the healthcare sector are crucial for successful recognition and entry into professional life.

In practice, individual organizational challenges may arise in the recognition procedure for foreign MTR specialists. Especially in the field of nuclear medicine and radiotherapy, the capacities for internships are limited. Since there are only a few specialized centers in Germany with corresponding internship opportunities, there may be longer lead times or waiting times. Bureaucratic requirements and sometimes long waiting times at authorities can also lead to delays in the procedure. The active support from many clinics and radiological practices should be emphasized positively. They accompany applicants in the recognition process, for example, by: