Fastest Way to Become a Radiology Tech in New York 2025

Radiology technologists use machines and other tools, like fluoroscopy, to run imaging tests on patients. They usually need an associate degree, which provides the foundation of radiologic sciences while also helping students hone their critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Most of the time, it takes a little over two years to become a rad tech. However, options like accelerated radiology tech programs can help you fast-track your education. Keep reading to learn more about the fastest way to become a radiology tech and what to expect from your program.

What Does a Radiology Technologist Do?

Radiology technologists, also called radiographers, are responsible for performing diagnostic imaging exams on patients, such as X-rays. Their job duties may include:

• checking and maintaining imaging equipment
• receiving imaging orders from physicians
• preparing patients for imaging procedures, including providing proper radiation protection
• positioning the patient and equipment to get a good image of the area
• using the equipment to take the ordered images
• working with the radiologist and physician to ensure images are accurate
• maintaining patient records

Some radiology techs specialize in specific types of equipment, such as X-ray or computed tomography (CT). They most commonly work in hospitals, but may also work in physician offices, diagnostic labs, and outpatient care centers.

What Are the Requirements To Become a Radiology Tech in New York?

To become a radiologic technologist in New York State, you'll need at least a certificate or diploma in radiologic technology or training from the Armed Forces. You'll also need to pass either the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) examination and/or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) exam.

Once you've done these things, you can apply for your radiologic technologist licensure through the New York State Department of Health. You'll need to fill out the application and provide:

• a check or money order for $120
• proof that you passed either the ARRT or the NMTCB exams, such as a certificate or current wallet card
• copy of legal proof of name change, if applicable (e.g., a marriage certificate or divorce decree)
• a copy of your school certificate/diploma or transcript

Look for programs with accreditation from the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Applicants with training in the Armed Forces should submit a copy of discharge papers (DD214) and a school certificate showing graduation from a radiologic technology program.

To maintain your state licensure, you'll need to complete continuing education credits and renew your license every four years. This license does not cover contrast injection; that is a separate license in New York.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Radiology Tech in New York?

Most rad tech programs in New York are associate degrees, which take about two years to complete if you study full-time. After that, it depends on how long it takes you to sit for and pass your certification exam. In general, two to two and a half years is the average.

What Is the Shortest Time To Become a Radiology Tech in New York?

While most radiology tech programs in New York are associate degrees, there are a few certificate programs that allow students to finish in a year or less. After that, the time frame once again depends on your certification exam.

Fastest Steps To Becoming a Radiology Tech in New York

While you'll still need to follow the basic steps to become a radiology tech, there are ways to speed up your career in radiography. Below, we've highlighted some of the fastest ways to become a radiology tech.

1. Choose Certificate or Diploma Programs

As mentioned, the majority of radiology tech programs are associate degrees, such as Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees. However, there are also certificate programs available.

For example, Alfred State College of Technology offers a computed tomography and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) certificate. These both take about a year to complete and are designed for students with a degree in health sciences or a related field. This way, if you already have a degree, you don't have to start over.

However, because they focus on a specific type of medical imaging, you'll only be able to pursue careers in those areas. That being said, you can start your career in these fields and later transfer your credits into an AAS or bachelor's degree.

2. Look for Accelerated Radiology Tech Programs

Accelerated radiology tech programs still require the same number of credits and have the same core educational requirements but allow you to move through the program faster. They may do this by offering terms during the summer or condensing terms.

For example, if the program is a four-semester program, it would typically take two school years to complete. However, with summer courses, you could finish in a little over a year. Some schools may allow you to take courses in the summer, even if they don't advertise their program as being accelerated.

3. Learn Through the Military

If you're a member of the Armed Forces, you can often take a radiologic technology program through your military branch. These programs take 24 weeks or less, depending on your branch.

The military's Tri-Service Radiography Program is JRCERT-accredited and available to Air Force, Navy, and Army service members. It's run through the Medical Education and Training Campus (METC) on the Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston in Texas.

The program covers principles of computed tomography, mammography, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance imaging, and sonography. Once students finish the didactic (classroom) portion, they'll complete clinical training at military or civilian facilities.

4. Utilize Transfer Credits

If you've already started your higher education, you may be able to move previously earned credits into the radiologic technology program. This reduces the amount of time you still have to spend in your program.

You'll likely be able to move some general education requirements, and maybe some medical requirements if you were already studying allied health. However, you'll still need to complete the core rad tech coursework and your clinical experiences.

How Much Does it Cost To Become a Radiology Tech in New York?

The amount it costs to become a radiology tech in New York depends largely on what school you choose. Many students earn their degrees through a community college. There are two community college systems in New York State: the City University of New York (CUNY) system and the State University of New York (SUNY) system.

CUNY community colleges charge $210 per credit hour for in-state residents, which is a total of about $14,700, depending on how many credits your program requires. SUNY community colleges range from $200 to $250 per credit hour. Some residents may qualify for free tuition under the state's Excelsior Scholarship.

If you choose to earn your radiology tech degree from a four-year institution or an independent healthcare center, your tuition costs may be higher.

FAQs About Becoming a Radiology Tech Quickly in New York

Becoming a radiology tech is exciting, but there's a lot to coordinate. Below, we've answered some FAQs about radiology tech programs to help you out.

Is It Hard To Become a Radiology Technician?

It isn't necessarily hard to become a radiology technician, but it can take some legwork. You usually can't do these programs fully online since you need to participate in clinical education. You also need to pass exams and receive a license. However, most students don't find the coursework to be particularly challenging.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become an MRI Tech?

MRI techs have similar jobs to radiologic techs, except that they specialize in working with MRI machines rather than performing radiographic procedures. However, MRI technicians typically do not need a license from the state.

The fastest way to become an MRI tech is to complete an MRI tech or rad tech program. The only school in New York that offers an MRI tech program is Alfred State. This is a certificate program for students who already have an associate degree in radiologic technology.

Can You Become an X-Ray Tech Online?

You cannot become an X-ray tech completely online. Radiologic technology programs require a lot of hands-on learning as you practice patient care and clinical competence.

However, you may be able to take some of your courses online, especially prerequisite courses and general education requirements.

How Much Does a Radiology Tech Make in New York?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), radiology techs in New York have a mean annual salary of $85,330 and a mean hourly wage of $41.03. This is slightly higher in the NYC metro area, where the mean salary is $89,100 and the mean hourly wage is $42.84.

Is There Financial Aid for an Online Radiology Tech Program?

If you choose a radiology tech program from an accredited school, like a public community college, you should be able to get financial aid. Fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out what you can receive.

New York offers the Excelsior Scholarship, which covers undergraduate tuition at CUNY and SUNY schools for students with an adjusted household income of $125,000 or less. By filling out the FAFSA, you can determine if you're eligible.

Read More: Cheapest Radiology Tech Programs

Find Radiology Tech Programs

Find the perfect accelerated radiology tech program by exploring the options on Learn.org. Follow the steps above for the fastest way to become a radiology tech. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about their programs and financial aid options.