New Mexico Radiologic Technologist Schools
There are several routes to becoming a radiologic technologist in New Mexico. New Mexico licenses radiology technicians and technologists at multiple levels. A relatively short board-approved program can qualify you as a limited x-ray operator. You can get full certification by completing an accredited two year program. This gives you a much broader scope of duty. With a bachelor’s degree or post-baccalaureate degree, you can become a radiologist assistant.
Radiologic Technologist Resources – New Mexico
If you are seeking full certification in radiography, you should enroll in a program that has been accredited by JRCERT. Other programs may be acceptable if 1) the school holds a recognized institutional level accreditation and 2) all required clinical procedures are taught. Your program director will need to sign that you have met clinical requirements before you can be certified by the ARRT. This is true whatever program you enroll in. You can turn in your ARRT application when you’re in the last three months of your program.
What is Limited Certification?
Limited certification allows you to perform basic x-rays in certain parts of the body. You will need some structured education. Depending on the certification you seek, the minimum contact hour requirement may be 220 to 250 hours. (An exception is dental x-ray; here the clock hour requirements are considerably lower.)
You will also need to do clinical training in each area where you seek certification; minimum hours may range from 160 to 480. You will take a limited scope exam which includes a core and additional modules which correspond to different parts of the body. (You will indicate on your application which areas you’ve trained in; this will ensure that you have the opportunity to take all the corresponding modules.)
Temporary Certificates for Radiologic Technologists in New Mexico
You may work under a temporary certificate while you are fulfilling your ARRT examination requirement. You must apply for the certificate within a year of graduation. It will expire a year later. The New Mexico board notes that you should apply for permanent licensing at least two months before the expiration date of your certificate.
Advanced Credentials
In order to work as a radiologist assistant, you will need to have education at at least the bachelor’s level. You will need to hold two ARRT certifications. You will be certified first as a radiographer, then as a radiologist assistant. You must also hold certification in advanced cardiac life support. You will need to provide an employment letter from a radiologist.
Certification in fusion imaging won’t necessarily require a bachelor’s degree, but you will need to take a board-approved course.
Out of State Applicants
If you’ve been working as a radiology technologist in another municipality and seek licensure without examination, you should demonstrate one of two things: 1) that you hold national certification or 2) that you hold an active credential in a state with similar standards and have practiced for at least one out of the previous three years.
Career Outlook in NM for Radiologic Technologists
The average salary for a radiology technologist in New Mexico is $55,780, according to the BLS. In Santa Fe, it is quite a bit higher: $62,150. Salaries in the Eastern non metropolitan areas average just $52,790.
Whatever your area of the state, your salary will be influenced greatly by your certification level and your experience. Jobs at specialty hospitals are demanding, and employers often look for a specialist with advanced competencies.
Fortunately, radiology technology is a growing field. In New Mexico, 18% growth has been projected for the years 2008 to 2018.
Radiology Technology Licensing and Professional Organizations Contact Information
- Licensing Agency: New Mexico Radiation Control Bureau Medical Imaging & Radiation Therapy Program
Click Here to visit their website.
- Professional Organization: New Mexico Society of Radiologic Technologists
Click Here to visit the website