How to Become an X-Ray Technologist in New York
Becoming an X-Ray technologist in New York involves a comprehensive educational path, certification process, and potentially gaining experience in the field. This guide will cover all essential steps and highlight different educational opportunities, licensure requirements, and specializations available in New York.

Educational Pathways
Degree Options
There are several educational programs available for those aspiring to become X-Ray technologists in New York:
- Hunter Business School
– Program: Hybrid Radiologic Technology
– Duration: 16 months
– Structure: 450 hours online, 630 hours in-school, 1,000 hours clinical externship
– Total Hours: 2,080 hours[1]
- NYSCAS (New York School of Career and Applied Studies)
– Program: Associate degree or certificate in Radiography
– Duration: 21 months
– Clinical Experience: Over 1,000 hours in more than 40 healthcare facilities[2]
- Monroe Community College
– Program: Associate in Applied Science in Radiologic Technology
– Duration: 21 months[3]
- Manhattanville College
– Program: Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology
– Duration: Four years[4]
- NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue School
– Program: Certificate in Radiologic Technology
– Duration: 24 months (six trimesters)[5]
- Northeast College
– Program: AAS in Radiologic Technology
– Duration: Less than two years (5 trimesters)[6]
Accreditation and Certification
- Accreditation: Programs like Hunter Business School and Manhattanville College are accredited by relevant bodies such as ARRT and JRCERT, preparing graduates for certification exams[1,4,3].
Licensure Requirements
Certification Exam
- Exam Name: American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam is essential for New York State licensure[1,2,3].
New York Specific Requirements
- Must possess a current, active, and unrestricted New York State License in Radiographic Technology.
- A temporary license issued by the New York State Department of Health is acceptable; a permanent license must be obtained before the temporary license expires.
- Certifications Required:
– ARRT (R) Certification
– BLS Certification from the American Heart Association[7]
Good Moral Character
- Applicants are evaluated on their moral character, including disclosures about criminal records or disciplinary actions[8].
Experience Requirements
- Preferred Experience: Approximately two years as an X-Ray technologist.
- Experience in other radiology modalities may apply.
- Entry into training programs requires a high school diploma, and programs typically include clinical externships of around 1,000 hours[9,1,2].
Specializations and Certifications
- NYSCAS offers certifications in CT, MRI, and mammography, with optional rotations in various specialties like ultrasound and nuclear medicine[2].
Professional Associations
- The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is the national credentialing organization, providing resources and certification guidance.
– Website: www.arrt.org[10]
For cost information about educational programs, certification exams, and specialization certifications, please contact the specific schools and certification bodies directly. For salary and job growth data, refer to sources like BLS.gov or contact relevant state authorities.
Embarking on a career as an X-Ray technologist involves a well-structured educational and certification journey, offering various pathways and specializations to suit aspiring professionals in New York.
To learn more about the salary of Xray tech in New York, please visit our Xray Tech Salary Guide in New York.
Sources
[1] Hunter Business School. www.hunterbusinessschool.edu
[2] NYSCAS. www.touro.edu
[3] Monroe Community College. www.monroecc.edu
[4] Manhattanville College. www.mville.edu
[5] NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue School. www.nyc.gov/html/hhc/
[6] Northeast College. www.northeastcollege.edu
[7] New York State Requirements. [Source data unavailable]
[8] NYS Education Law. www.op.nysed.gov
[9] Entry Requirements. [Source data unavailable]
[10] ARRT. www.arrt.org