Radiologist Schools in NY

Radiologic technologists are professionals trained in operating cutting-edge medical imaging equipment to procure diagnostic imaging. Radiologic technologists may also be called radiology technologists, radiologic technicians, or radiographers.

The medical equipment operated by these professionals includes X-ray machines, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), sonography machines, and positron emission tomography (PET). 

Radiological technologists are healthcare workers who possess problem-solving and communication skills. They are adept in operating high-technology equipment, body positioning, and patient care. 

Well-trained technologists are knowledgeable in health sciences, anatomy, and physiology. Their job is to produce optimal images that help physicians and radiologists make an accurate diagnosis.

Individuals who want to become radiologic technologists may enroll in radiologic technology programs. In New York, several schools offer associate’s degrees or bachelor’s degree programs. 

Radiography programs consist of X-ray, mammography, CT, and sonography training. Meanwhile, radiology programs involve advanced modalities and procedures, including MRI, radiation therapy, and nuclear medicine.

Best Radiology Schools in NY

The following list is composed of schools with certified programs. Some schools may grant financial aid to students who maintain the required grade point average (GPA). 

Prospects may also refer to the schools’ official website for more information. 

Program effectiveness data is based on the latest report from JRCERT’s official website⁽¹⁾*.

*Data retrieved on August 28, 2020. Changes may occur when new information comes in.

Associate’s Degree

Alfred State College offers a 24-month program that prepares qualified enrollees to become entry-level radiology technicians. Students earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree upon completion. 

Alfred State College’s radiologic technology (rad tech) program provides an energized laboratory on campus and has a low student-to-faculty ratio. The program also includes extensive clinical experience in allied health facilities and medical centers. 

Bronx Community College offers a competitive program that earns students an Associate of Applied Science degree upon successful completion. The 24-month program educates and trains students in an academic and clinical environment.

Chaplain Valley of Physicians Hospital (CVPH) School of Radiologic Technology’s radiologic technology program offers an Associate of Applied Science degree. 

The coursework includes radiation safety, image processing, radiography procedures, and medical terminology. 

Fulton-Montgomery Community College offers a 21-month program that leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree upon completion. 

Students are educated in anatomy, radiography procedures, and radiation safety. Sessions are conducted in lecture halls and laboratories on the campus. 

Hostos Community College’s academic degree map includes 23 units of preclinical courses. The coursework consists of anatomy and physiology, chemistry, mathematics, medical terminology, and expository writing. 

The academic degree map moves on to teaching radiologic physics, professional practice issues, radiologic science, and radiation protection after completing the courses. 

Hudson Valley Community College offers a 24-month program consisting of courses in radiography procedures, positioning, and clinical education. 

Hudson Valley’s radiologic technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program (CAAHEP).  

Laguardia Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree upon completion of the program’s 67 credits. 

Coursework includes radiographic procedures, radiation techniques, and principles of radiation exposure. The curriculum also includes pre-clinical courses, such as English, mathematics, life, and health sciences. 

Mohawk Valley Community College’s rad tech program requires completing prerequisite courses before students become eligible to apply. Students are trained in imaging modalities, positioning, patient care, and radiation protection. 

Monroe Community College’s 21-month rad tech program consists of clinical rotations in 13 allied health facilities and medical centers. The Associate of Applied Science degree coursework includes the fundamentals, procedures, imaging pathology, CT principles, radiology leadership, and management.

Nassau Community College offers the Associate of Applied Science in Radiation Therapy Technology.  The 24-month program includes radiation therapy lectures, applied radiation physics, and radiation therapy clinic.

Students must complete four semesters and three summer sessions successfully before earning the associate’s degree.

New York City College of Technology’s rad tech program lets students earn an Associate of Applied Science degree. 

Program applicants are required to complete prerequisite courses before enrolling. Radiologic technologists may also enroll in the school’s mammography elective course for additional training. 

More information can be found on their website at http://www.citytech.cuny.edu/radiologic/.

Niagara County Community College rad tech program includes courses on anatomy and physiology, radiographic procedures, radiologic technology, and clinical education. Students are also trained through clinical rotations in 24 allied health facilities. 

Orange County Community College provides a Socratic learning environment for radiologic technology students. The school’s rad tech program also offers extensive clinical training for radiographic procedures. 

The Associate of Applied Science degree curriculum includes computer application, radiation exposure principles and protection, radiographic practices, and patient positioning and care.

SUNY Broome Community College’s rad tech program includes courses on imaging modalities, advanced positioning, image production and evaluation, and advanced imaging procedures. Applicants must complete prerequisite courses to be eligible for the program.

SUNY Erie Community College’s radiology program leads to an Associate in Radiologic Technology degree. The radiation therapy technology program trains students to operate radiation-producing equipment to treat malignant and benign tumors. 

SUNY Westchester Community College’s Associate of Applied Science curriculum includes courses on radiographic technique, sectional anatomy, radiation protection, and advanced imaging modalities. Applicants must complete the required GED credits to be eligible for the program. 

Trocaire College offers a rad tech program that leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree. The 24-month program teaches courses on anatomy and physiology, applied radiographic procedures, patient care, and management.

Bachelor’s Degree

Concordia College-New York’s rad tech program can earn students a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Radiologic Technology upon successful completion. Applicants with an associate degree may be granted advanced standing for some courses. Applicants must also complete 50 volunteer hours in a healthcare facility before becoming enrolling. 

Long Island University, Post Campus offers a radiology program that leads to a Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging. The curriculum includes training on advanced modalities, such as CT and MRI. Students must travel and attend clinical rotations two to five times per week in allied health facilities. 

New York City College of Technology’s radiology program leads to a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science upon successful completion. 

The program is designed as a 2+2 model (AAS + BS). The coursework includes training on advanced modalities, such as CT and MRI. Full-time and part-time students may enroll in the program.

St. John’s University’s radiography program can earn students a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences upon successful completion. Applicants may not need to complete prerequisite courses. 

The 54-month program includes courses on social science, philosophy, mathematics, and language. In the third and fourth years, the program consists of radiation science, imaging equipment, and procedures.

SUNY Upstate Medical University offers radiography and radiology programs that lead to a Bachelor of Science degree. 

The BS in Radiography coursework includes training on procedures, such as X-ray, CT, and MRI. The BS in Radiation Therapy program trains students on how to operate radiation-producing equipment for tumor treatments.

Certificate Program

Molloy College offers two radiology programs that prepare and review students for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) CT and MRI examinations. The programs are currently not accredited by JRCERT. 

However, the programs are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT), a certifying body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

The programs only accept ARRT registered radiologic technologists.

Stony Brook University has clinical programs focusing on radiologic technology and radiation therapy. Health science majors may take the program as an elective.  

How to Become a Radiologic Technologist in NY

Individuals interested in becoming radiologic technologists must first obtain a high school diploma or general education degree. Depending on the radiologic technology program, applicants may be required to take prerequisite courses. 

These courses may include English, mathematics, algebra, physics, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology. 

Applicants must also undergo a physical examination. Radiographers, technicians, and technologists must all possess high stamina due to patient care requirements. 

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and Associate in Science (AS) degree programs may take 21 to 24 months. Upon successful completion, graduates may take the ARRT examination. ARRT passers may apply for a radiographer license at the New York State Department of Health (3). 

ASS and AS degree holders may continue their education and apply for Bachelor of Science programs. The program may take another 24 months to complete. Upon successful completion, graduates may take the ARRT examination for advanced modalities. 

Most associate degree programs cover radiography modalities, such as X-ray and sonography. Knowledge of these modalities can provide opportunities for entry-level positions in healthcare facilities. 

Radiography programs usually include preclinical courses, fundamentals, procedures, positioning, and radiation protection. 

Meanwhile, radiology programs focus on advanced modalities in radiology, such as MRI, radiation therapy, fluoroscopy, nuclear medicine, contrast medium injection, and other interventional radiology procedures. Upon successful completion, graduates from radiology programs may apply for higher-paying positions.

The term radiologic technologist must not be confused with a radiologist. Radiologists are licensed-physicians who have extensive medical education and training. 

A radiologist’s journey starts with four to five years of medical school, followed by two years of internship and four to five years of residency. In total, it takes about ten years or more before a radiologist becomes a fully-licensed physician.

Accreditation Information

When choosing among available radiologic technology programs, prospects are advised to select schools accredited by education committees.

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) is a certifying body that ensures programs are high-quality and utilize only authoritative resources. JRCERT conducts site visits, inspections, and reviews on programs’ performance and output. 

The program effectiveness data is an annual report that estimates the five-year average of programs’ outcomes. The report covers the pass rate, completion rate, and job placement rate of graduates. 

Prospects choosing among several radiologic technology programs may refer to JRCERT’s program effectiveness data to help with their selection process. 

Aside from ensuring high-quality education, JRCERT also increases students’ opportunities for passing state licensure exams and job placements.

Prospects may refer to the official website www.jrcert.org.

Some states require graduates to pass the exam administered by the ARRT. The organization is a certifying body that grants credentials and recognizes qualified radiologic technologists. 

The New York State Department of Health requires graduates to pass the ARRT certification examination to become licensed professionals in the State of New York⁽²⁾. 

Registered technologists may also join the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). The society offers updates, provides opportunities for continuing education, and assists in networking within the industry.

Career Opportunities and Salary

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shared that radiologic technologists can look forward to a 9% increase in job outlook in the United States. The aging population led to an increasing demand for medical imaging services⁽³⁾. 

In the United States, radiologic technologists received an annual salary range of $65,780 to $90,920 (approximately $29.94 per hour)⁽⁴⁾. 

Radiologic technologists who obtained associate’s degrees may apply for entry-level positions, while technologists with bachelor’s degrees may apply for more advanced positions. Advanced radiology modalities and procedures, such as MRI, nuclear medicine, and radiation therapy, require highly-trained technologists.

In the State of New York, radiologic technologists and technicians earn a median annual salary of $74,550 ($35.84 per hour)⁽⁵⁾. 

According to the New York State Department of Health, there are 16,388 radiographers in New York. From that number, 1,477 specialize in radiation therapy, 1,675 specialized in nuclear medicine, and 3,666 specialize in contrast medium injection⁽⁶⁾.

The majority of the radiologic technologists are located in New York City, Bronx, Kings, Queens, and Richmond⁽⁷⁾. 

Conclusion

There are several radiography and radiology programs for prospects in New York. When choosing among programs available, a prospect must consider factors, such as location, time commitment, program outcome, and personal goals.

Individuals who plan to have a long-term career as radiologic technologists may opt for bachelor’s degree programs. Meanwhile, prospects interested in entry-level positions may choose among associate degree programs. 

Associate and bachelor degree programs lead to many career opportunities in the United States. The rising demand for medical imaging services means that the healthcare industry requires more licensed radiographers and technologists in the next few years⁽⁸⁾. 

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1. JRCERT Program Effectiveness Data. Retrieved from https://www.jrcert.org/resources/program-effectiveness-data/
2. State of New York Licensing Requirements. Retrieved from https://labor.ny.gov/stats/olcny/licensed-radiologic-technologist.shtm
3. New York State Department of Health. Retrieved from https://labor.ny.gov/stats/olcny/licensed-radiologic-technologist.shtm#:~:text=Licensing%20Requirements,be%20of%20good%20moral%20character.
4. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm#tab-1
5. New York State Department of Health. Retrieved from https://health.ny.gov/professionals/doctors/radiological/county_radtech.htm
6. Ibid
7. Ibid
8. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics job outlook and salary. Op cit.