New Mexico Radiology Tech Careers and Degrees

Receiving your Radiologic Technologist Training in New Mexico

Seven radiology technician schools are available in New Mexico where you may earn a degree as a radiologic technologist. While most of these schools have associates degree programs to meet the state’s minimum requirements for licensure, the University of New Mexico (UNM) School of Medicine offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in radiologic sciences.

Most programs can be taken on either a full-time or a part-time basis to accommodate working adults, and you may concentrate on radiography. In most programs, you will learn common and advanced diagnostic procedures and radiology management practices. Associates degree programs are generally two years or approximately 78 credit hours in length. You will most likely be required to be in good physical and psychological health and must pass background and drug screenings to enroll. Upon completion, you are eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) examination.

Radiology Technician Licensing in New Mexico

In New Mexico, radiology technicians are required to be licensed by the New Mexico Radiation Control Bureau. However, all licensure and examination requirements are identical to those of ARRT, and technologists are required to carry a current, national registration.

To become registered with ARRT, you must have successfully completed an accredited radiology technology program resulting in an academic degree within the past three years. In addition, radiologist technicians must be of good moral character and complete the ARRT examination. The fee for taking the exam is $200, and it must accompany the application, which can be submitted up to three months before your expected graduation date. The licensing fee in New Mexico is $110, and licenses are valid for two years.

New Mexico Radiologic Technology Association

New Mexico Society of Radiologic Technologists

Career Outlook for Radiology Tech Jobs in New Mexico

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median average salary of radiologic technicians and technologists in the nation is $54,340, and the median wage rate is $26.13 per hour. However, the lowest 10 percent earn $36,500 or less, and the top 10 percent earn more than $76,850. In New Mexico, a six-month survey ending in October 2013 concluded that the median annual salary for radiology technicians is slightly higher than the national median at $57,000.

The job outlook for radiologic technologists in New Mexico is extremely favorable. While the projected job growth rate for all occupations from 2010 to 2020 is 14 percent, the growth rate for radiology technologist jobs is 28 percent. More than 60 percent of these jobs are in hospitals, but a trend toward outpatient care over hospital care has created new positions in private doctors’ offices, diagnostic laboratories and outpatient clinics. Radiologic technicians with advanced degrees or years of experience may be eligible for management positions within radiology departments, and additional radiology certifications can be earned for increased job availability and pay upgrades.