- New York is among the United States’ top-ranked states in terms of per-capita healthcare spending(1). This statistic may impact the number of medical employees required state-wide, including X-ray technicians and technologists.
- Radiology technologists or technicians in New York must secure a license through the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH)(2).
- X-ray technicians and technologists in New York may seek employment at medical institutions, including New York University (NYU), Langone Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, and St. Francis Hospital.
- Radiology technician and technologist employment in New York may increase 22.3% through 2028, according to projections(3). This statistic may affect the job outlook for X-ray technicians and technologists.
List of X-ray Tech Schools in New York
Statistics show that New York is among the U.S.’ top states regarding per-capita healthcare spending, including California and Texas(4). It is also among the East Coast’s top-ranked states for per-capita healthcare spending, including the neighboring state of New Jersey.
This situation may produce opportunities for New York residents seeking a career in the health sciences, including radiologic technology (RT).
Individuals in various New York cities, towns, and villages may wish to become an “X-ray tech,” including those in:
- Binghamton
- Garden City
- Rockville Centre
- Syracuse
Individuals seeking a career as an X-ray technician or technologist can select among several X-ray schools, including those in the City University of New York (CUNY), State University of New York (SUNY) systems(5), and:
- Alfred State College
- Concordia College – New York
- CUNY Bronx Community College
- CUNY Hostos Community College
- CUNY LaGuardia Community College
- CUNY New York City College of Technology
- Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology
- Fulton – Montgomery Community College
- Hudson Valley Community College
- Long Island University – Brooklyn
- Long Island University – Post
- Manhattan College
- Mohawk Valley Community College
- Molloy College
- Monroe Community College
- Nassau Community College
- New York Chiropractic College
- Niagara County Community College
- North Country Community College
- Orange County Community College
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- St. Francis College
- St. John’s University – New York
- SUNY at Stony Brook University
- SUNY Broome Community College
- SUNY University at Buffalo
- SUNY Downstate Medical Center
- SUNY Erie Community College
- SUNY Upstate Medical University
- SUNY Westchester Community College
- Touro College
- Trocaire College
List of Programs in New York
Here are the programs offered at some X-ray tech schools in New York(6):
CUNY Bronx Community College
The Bronx Community College is part of the CUNY system. Students who complete the radiologic technology program will earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) accredits the program. The program prepares students as entry-level radiographers and radiologic technologists, radiology technologists, or “rad techs.”
The school provides students with academic and clinical instruction.
Individuals may learn more at JRCERT’s website (www.jrcert.org).
Long Island University
Students completing the radiologic technology degree at Long Island University (LIU) will earn a Bachelor of Science (BS). The program is part of the university’s School of Health Professions and Nursing.
LIU designed the radiologic technology undergraduate degree to prepare students for a medical career in locations such as:
- Urgent care centers
- Hospitals
- Clinical research
The radiology department requires students to complete general education radiology classes. In addition, students can gain knowledge through classroom learning and clinical experience.
New York College of Technology
The New York College of Technology operates under the CUNY system. Students interested in pursuing an RT career can complete the radiologic technology and medical imaging program.
The school offers two degrees:
- AAS in Radiologic Technology
- BS Radiological Science
The career-focused AAS program helps prepare students to pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam. The BS offers students more specialized courses.
The AAS program is a career-oriented program that prepares students to pass the ARRT exam successfully.
Students earning a BS degree receive more comprehensive training in radiologic sciences.
X-Ray Technician Program vs. Radiology Technologist Program
X-ray technologists generally must complete medical courses such as anatomy or physiology and obtain ARRT certification(7). These educational requirements generally apply less frequently to X-ray technicians.
Steps to Become a Radiology Technologist in New York
Students who intend to practice as radiology technologists or X-ray technicians in New York must apply for a license with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH)(8).
Here is the process for applying for the therapeutic or diagnostic radiologic technologist licenses(9):
Step 1: Earn an associate degree or higher
The two-year degree can be in the modality one wishes to practice. All prospective RTs in New York must earn an associate’s degree or higher to qualify for a license.
Step 2: Pass the ARRT or NMTCB
Individuals must pass the ARRT or Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) certification exam.
The nuclear medicine profession recognizes the NMTCB credential as a leading examination for nuclear medicine technologists(10):
- Recognized by the United States’ state licensure agencies
- Recognized as a valid certification exam by several employers
- Allows individuals to use the “CNMT” professional credential to indicate one is a certified nuclear medicine technologist.
The state of New York considers a score of at least 75 to qualify individuals for the license.
Step 3: Apply for a license
Individuals must complete the New York State Department of Health or NYSDOH’s official license application.
Step 4: Register the license
After individuals receive their license, they must register the license with the NYSDOH Bureau of Environmental Radiation Protection. Individuals have 30 days to complete this action.
Each time an individual renews their license, they must apply for a certificate of registration.
Step 5: Consider voluntary ARRT certification
This option can result in an additional credential that may make individuals more competitive in the job market.
Step 6: Complete continuing education
New York residents who are radiologic technologists and ARRT members have completed continuing education (CE) requirements.
Meanwhile, the required CE is 12 credit hours per calendar year.
Admission Criteria and Prerequisites
When applying for RT programs in New York, the admissions requirements differ for different X-ray schools. However, here are some of the potential requirements(11):
- High school diploma or graduate equivalency degree (GED)
- Sufficient efficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics
- Sufficient classroom and clinical training
Applicants to RT programs in New York schools must meet state-wide eligibility requirements. Students who fail to meet such requirements cannot complete the program’s clinical course requirements and must thus withdraw from a program.
Pre-clinical Courses Prerequisites
Radiologic technology programs may impose prerequisites that students must complete before continuing to pre-clinical courses, including:
- Enrollment as a radiologic technology major
- Completion of prerequisites
- Enrollment at a school for a minimum period (for example, one semester)
- Meeting the minimum grade point average (GPA) requirement of 2.7
Based on the limited number of spaces in RT programs, students may not automatically qualify for the program’s clinical phase by merely meeting the program’s prerequisite GPA.
Program Goals and Outcomes
The primary goals and objectives of various New York schools offering radiologic technology programs often include providing crucial knowledge and skills. Individuals require such information to practice as technologists or technicians in radiologic technology and medical imaging.
Such schools’ goals and objectives may include the following(12):
Demonstrate Competency in Radiologic Technology’s Clinical Components
Key outcomes include:
- Strong positioning skills
- Appropriate patient care while working with medical patients
- Implementing radiation protection when interacting with patients
Communicate Effectively in a Healthcare Environment
Key outcomes include:
- Demonstrate effective skills in oral and written communication
Demonstrate Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking Skills
Key outcomes include:
- Determine the appropriate action after evaluating radiologic images
- Effectively plan out, prepare for, and conduct requirements to provide positioning for non-routine clinical procedures
Practice in the RT Field With a High-Degree Professionalism and Ethics
Key outcomes include:
- Demonstrate proper professionalism and values when interacting with medical patients
- Possess and sustain a professional resume
- Satisfy employers with professionalism and work ethics
Enact Program Effectiveness Measures
Key outcomes include:
- Pass the national certification exam on the initial attempt
- Work in the RT field within one year post-graduation
- Complete the program
- Achieve satisfaction with a radiologic technology education
- Provide employers with overall satisfaction through job performance
Accreditation
When considering an RT school in New York, here are some factors to look for regarding accreditation(13):
JRCERT Accreditation
Radiologic technology schools in New York may be JRCERT-accredited. In addition, graduates may be eligible to apply for:
- ARRT certification exam
- New York State Department of Health licensure
Another factor is the length of the school’s accreditation status. An example is a 5-year accreditation status.
JCERT accreditation can help assure students and graduates that their educational institution provides the knowledge, skills, and values that employers nationwide require(14).
The accreditation may also help students secure RT licensure in any of the 50 U.S. states they wish to work.
Advisement Schedule
RT schools typically provide advisement periods for the spring and fall semesters. The following factors may determine such periods(15):
- Enrollment in a school’s radiologic technology program
- Completion of the school’s prerequisites
- Enrollment in a program for a minimum period (for example, one semester)
- Demonstration of strong academic performance, such as overall GPA
Students should seek advice within the advisement period for the following semester.
A crucial factor that affects the amount of time to become an X-ray technician or technologist is the amount of time required to complete education and training, including these general timeframes:
- Radiological or radiographic certificate program: Six months to one year
- Associate’s degree program: Two years
- Bachelor’s degree program: Four years
- Master’s degree program: One to three years
Radiologic technology students may select concentrations or specializations such as:
- Mammography
- Radiation therapy
Other key factors include the number of transfer credits a radiologic technology school accepts, possibly reducing the amount of time a particular student requires to complete a certificate or degree.
Tuition Fees and Other Expenses
The total expenses of becoming an X-ray technician or technologist in New York may differ based on various factors.
The expenses of X-ray schools often include tuition, books, and other fees.
When reviewing advertised costs of various radiological technology programs, individuals should research which expenses the school includes. For example, the advertised cost may not include books and additional fees.
The total costs of attending particular medical imaging schools in New York may include(16):
- Manhattan College: $29,943
- Long Island University: $25,436
- Alfred State College: $15,596
- CUNY New York City College of Technology: $4,652
- CUNY Bronx Community College: $4,441
Financial Support
Colleges and radiologic associations may offer scholarships or financial aid such as grants or awards for individuals pursuing RT degrees. Examples include(17):
- The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) Foundation
- The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI)
The SNMMI provides grants, awards, and scholarships.
Financial aid is also available for individuals who aim to become X-ray technicians and technologists in New York. Some examples include(18):
Grants
Examples of New York-based grants include:
Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
This New York grant is the state’s largest grant program. It assists eligible New York residents attending various in-state postsecondary institutions in paying their tuition.
This grant program bases grants on the applicant’s family’s taxable income in New York.
Part-time TAP
Part-time TAP assists eligible part-time New York students in paying tuition.
NYS Aid for Part-time Study (APTS)
The APTS program offers grant assistance for qualifying part-time students engaged in approved undergraduate studies.
Scholarships
Various New York-based scholarships are also available for eligible SUNY and CUNY students, including:
- Enhanced Tuition Awards
- New York State Part-time Scholarship (PTS) Award
- NYS Scholarships for Academic Excellence
What Exactly Is an X-ray Technician?
X-ray technicians capture X-rays of patients’ internal anatomy to assist physicians in diagnosing illnesses, diseases, or injuries(19).
Individuals may use the term “X-ray technician” and “X-ray technologist” interchangeably. However, here are some similarities and differences between the two occupations(20):
- The medical industry often classifies X-ray technologists as healthcare professionals. Meanwhile, X-ray technicians typically do not have the same classification.
- X-ray technologists, like radiologists, generally interact more directly with patients than X-ray technicians.
For example, a technician may prepare or repair X-ray equipment while a technologist operates such equipment.
- X-ray technologists’ training often includes medical subjects such as human anatomy and physiology and ARRT certification. Meanwhile, X-ray technicians typically do not require such training.
- Websites may incorrectly refer to X-ray “technicians” as “technologists” and vice versa.
Career Opportunities
The career opportunities for radiologic technologists may include(21):
- Radiographer: Diagnostic radiography involves different radiographic (X-ray) medical examinations. Individuals may need to complete a radiography program.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist: MRI technologists use powerful computers and magnets to produce images of the human body.
- Computed Tomography (CT) Technologist: CT technologists produce detailed cross-sectional images of a human’s internal structures.
Salary
The following information relates to the salary and job outlook for radiologic techs(22):
Average Yearly Salary
Statistics show that radiologic techs in New York may earn an average yearly salary of $70,620. This figure places the state among the nation’s highest-ranking states.
The average salary can provide insights into how much money an average X-ray technician makes in New York.
Average Salaries of X-ray Techs
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides no specific data for X-ray techs (technicians and technologists).
However, X-ray technologists tend to earn higher salaries due to the higher amount of training and education required.
X-ray technicians and technologists in New York may seek employment at various locations in the state, including:
- New York Presbyterian Hospital
- NYU Langone Medical Center
- St. Francis Hospital
- Advanced Imaging of Buffalo
- Albany Medical Radiology
- Central Auburn Imaging
- East Suffolk Radiology
- Hudson Valley Imaging
- Long Island Medical Imaging PC
- Manhattan Diagnostic Radiology
Job Outlook
The BLS projected that the nationwide 2020-2030 job growth for radiologic and MRI technologists may be 9%(23).
- Health care costs by state 2022
https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/health-care-costs-by-state - Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in New York
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/new-york/ - New York Radiology Tech Salary and Job Outlook
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/new-york/#salary - Health care costs by state 2022
https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/health-care-costs-by-state - Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in New York
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/new-york/ - Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in New York
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/new-york/ - X-Ray Technologist vs. X-Ray Technician: What’s the Difference?
https://www.x-rayschools.net/articles/x-ray-technologist-vs-x-ray-technician/index.html - Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in New York
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/new-york/ - ibid.
- NMTCB
https://www.nmtcb.org/#section-1 - Radiologic tech – AAS
https://www.citytech.cuny.edu/radiologic/radiologic-technology–aas.aspx - Radiologic tech & medical imaging
https://www.citytech.cuny.edu/radiologic/ - School of radiologic technology
https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/bellevue/school-of-radiologic-technology/ - Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
https://www.jrcert.org/ - Radiologic technology – AAS
https://www.citytech.cuny.edu/radiologic/radiologic-technology–aas.aspx - Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in New York
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/new-york/ - Radiologic technologists and technicians
https://www.healthcareersinfo.net/radiologic-technologists-technicians/ - Grants, Scholarships and Loan Programs
https://www.hesc.ny.gov/pay-for-college/financial-aid/types-of-financial-aid.html - X-ray technician job description
https://www.betterteam.com/x-ray-technician-job-description - X-Ray Technologist vs. X-Ray Technician: What’s the Difference?
https://www.x-rayschools.net/articles/x-ray-technologist-vs-x-ray-technician/index.html - A World of Career Opportunities in Radiologic Technology
https://www.ahra.org/AHRA/Careers/A_World_of_Career_Opportunities.aspx - New York Radiology Tech Salary and Job Outlook
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/new-york/#salary - Radiologic and MRI Technologists
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm