The 20 Best Radiology Technician Programs In Queens, NY – 2026

The demand for qualified radiology technicians continues to grow rapidly across New York City and beyond. As per data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of radiologic technologists and technicians is projected to grow 9 percent from 2021 to 2031 – faster than the average across all occupations. This increase is primarily attributed to the aging baby-boomer population coupled with the expanding role of diagnostic imaging as a crucial tool for patient diagnosis and treatment planning.

Queens in particular has seen a rising need for radiology professionals to serve its large and diverse population seeking quality healthcare. Home to over 2.3 million residents, it is not only the second most populous borough in New York City but also one of the most ethnically diverse areas in the world. This brings unique healthcare needs and opportunities for those looking to begin or advance a meaningful career in radiologic technology.

This definitive guide shines a spotlight on 20 of the top radiology technician programs available at colleges and technical schools across Queens, NY. The programs highlighted here were selected based on a combination of factors, including:

• Reputation and experience delivering radiology training
• Breadth and depth of program curriculum
• Hands-on learning through labs and clinical rotations
• Faculty qualifications and expertise
• Career support services for graduates
• Flexible schedules to accommodate working students
• Campus resources and learning environment
• Graduate career placement and exam pass rates
• Tuition value and available financial aid

Whether you are a recent high school graduate exploring career options, looking to transition into healthcare, or want to specialize and move up as a practicing radiology tech, these programs offer exceptional skills training matched with ample career-building support.

Why Enroll In A Radiology Technician Program

Radiologic technologists play a critical role within healthcare teams. Their main duties involve accurately capturing images of a patient‘s body to assist physicians in making medical diagnoses. Radiology techs operate specialized equipment like X-ray machines, computed tomography (CT) scanners, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines.

Beyond understanding how to safely operate complex diagnostic imaging systems, radiology technicians also need to be able to reassure and interact with patients while accurately recording imaging results for physicians to interpret. Coursework and clinical rotations in an accredited radiology technician program build these indispensable real-world skills.

There are excellent career prospects nationwide for radiologic technologists with the right credentials and training. As per BLS data, the median salary for radiologic techs in New York state is over $63,000 annually or $30.43 hourly as of 2021. Beyond competitive pay, radiology also offers clear advancement pathways to specialize in areas like radiation therapy, sonography, nuclear medicine, CT imaging, MRI operation, mammography, and more with the potential for even higher salaries.

Now is an opportune time to establish your career in this rapidly growing healthcare profession.

Admissions Requirements & Program Details

While specific program requirements can vary between schools, most radiology technology diploma or associate degree programs have similar admissions criteria. General requirements include:

• High school completion or equivalent GED certificate
• Completed college-level anatomy course
• Minimum GPA (often 2.0 or higher)
• Essay or personal statement
• Healthcare experience can be beneficial

In addition to meeting academic prerequisites, enrollees should also be comfortable using computers, possess robust math skills, display manual dexterity, and demonstrate strong attention to detail. Being at ease interacting closely with sick patients while able to stand for prolonged periods is also essential.

Most radiology technology programs take 18-24 months to complete as a full-time student including classroom education paired with 500+ hours of hands-on clinical training. Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science degree or certificate of completion and can sit for industry licensing exams from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Candidates who pass state and organizational testing can officially start work as radiology technicians.

Some 2-year colleges have credit transfer partnerships with 4-year institutions for those who wish to continue for a Bachelor‘s degree, which can facilitate career advancement. Continuing education is also critical for radiology technicians to stay current with rapid changes in the field as new technologies and protocols emerge.

Top Factors In Selecting A Rad Tech Program

All accredited radiology technology programs must teach established industry competencies as part of their curriculum. However, there can still be considerable variation between schools including educational approaches, training facilities available, learning resources, externship opportunities, career assistance and more.

Make sure to thoroughly research all program aspects that matter most to you as a student radiographer. Critical factors to evaluate include:

Hands-On Clinical Training – Extensive real-world experience producing x-rays, operating equipment, and interacting with patients is arguably the most important element. Look for expanded clinical rotations both in terms of hours and department variety for maximum skill development.

Faculty Expertise – Seasoned technologists and radiologists conveying their knowledge as instructors greatly impact learning. Seek out programs where working practitioners share their insights from years of professional practice.

Technology Access – What type of diagnostic imaging systems are available? Cutting-edge modalities like CT, MRI and PET scanners enable students to gain experience on the actual medical equipment used in healthcare facilities.

Career Assistance – The best programs take an active interest in graduate success by maintaining strong employer networks, hosting job fairs, assisting with resume preparation, and providing interview advice. Ask about placement rates.

Student Services – Look for wraparound academic assistance, tutoring, counseling services and peer networking opportunities. This support system is invaluable for successfully completing an intensive program.

Affordability – Radiology technician programs can vary widely in cost at different schools. Be sure to explore all options for financial assistance through federal aid, scholarships and private loans to make the program work within your budget constraints.

Thoughtfully examining these aspects will help identify schools truly dedicated to student advancement. Now let‘s explore twenty radiology technology training programs across Queens that scored extremely well against key performance benchmarks.

1. LaGuardia Community College

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ (4.1)

Location: LaGuardia Performing Arts Center

Address: 31-10 Thomson Ave, Queens, NY 11101

Phone: (718) 482-7200

Founded: September 22, 1971

Profiles: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube

LaGuardia Community College is an affordable, public institution that strives to help a diverse urban population pursue higher education goals aligned with emerging workforce demands. The college offers both credit courses and continuing education options with plenty of wraparound student service resources to foster academic and professional growth.

The Radiologic Technology associate degree program gives students comprehensive theoretical coursework paired with extensive clinical externships. Graduates are prepared to succeed as in-demand diagnostic imaging professionals with learned skills in operating X-ray equipment, adhering to radiation safety protocols, recording accurate patient images, and conveying data to physicians for interpretation.

This is an extremely well-rounded academic program taught by expert faculty holding multiple industry credentials. Students get integrated exposure to advanced technologies used in real clinical environments while benefiting from LaGuardia???s network of employer partnerships. The program also assists graduates in preparing applications for ARRT board examinations required to start working. With deliberate focus on career advancement, over 90% of graduates during the past 5 years have passed ARRT testing.

LaGuardia Community College delivers an ASRT-accredited radiology technology education with proven job placement success at an affordable price – making it a top Queens program option for aspiring radiology technicians.

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2. Queens College

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ (4.3)

Address: 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Queens, NY 11367

Phone: (718) 997-5000

Profiles: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

Queens College serves over 20,000 students annually across liberal arts and science programs as part of the acclaimed City University of New York system. Its Radiologic Technology Bachelor of Science delivers comprehensive diagnostic imaging education plus a grounded liberal arts foundation.

This 4-year BS program includes the full curriculum contents of a traditional 2-year associate degree but also incorporates additional upper-level coursework. Students get a well-rounded learning experience covering topics like medical ethics, healthcare management, biology, statistics, psychology and sociology.

The radiology-focused training facilitates operation of the latest x-ray, CT and MRI technologies paired with 1200+ hours of clinical externships. Seasoned medical imaging professionals teach course modules while mentoring students on professional development. The curriculum meets ARRT exam content requirements. Graduates who pass board testing can work as advanced radiologic technologists with enriched critical thinking abilities.

With a blend of technical skills and multidisciplinary knowledge, Queens College creates adaptable radiology technicians able to deliver patient-centered care as collaborators within dynamic healthcare teams. The program???s bachelor-level education also qualifies graduates to pursue supervisory roles, specialized certifications, or further education in areas like radiation therapy or medical physics.

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3. New York Medical Career Training Center

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ (4.3)

Location: Queens Crossing

Address: 136-20 38th Ave Suite 5F, Queens, NY 11354

Phone: (718) 460-1717

Areas Served: New York

Appointments: nymedtraining.com

Profiles: Facebook | LinkedIn

The New York Medical Career Training Center offers condensed courses focused solely on developing the required skills for new radiology technicians to excel in day-to-day job duties. This includes learning proper operation of x-ray systems, radiation safety protocols, quality image recording techniques, and conveying imaging results.

Students get intensive hands-on practice using the latest fixed and mobile radiography equipment to build core competencies. The curriculum covers full-body anatomical imaging training plus chest, limb and skull radiography practice. Graduates can sit for ARRT board exams and be workforce-ready in just 12 months of full-time accelerated training.

Compared to traditional 2-year radiologic technology college programs, The New York Medical Career Training Center provides a streamlined path to start working as a radiology tech for those that learn well through concentrated practical education models. Their job placement team actively connects graduates with area healthcare employers which greatly facilitates entering the workforce quickly.

While fast-paced, the program still ensures students gain well-developed expertise before entering clinical settings. Small class sizes and experienced teaching staff further support skill mastery for graduates able to excel in diverse real-world radiography jobs. This school is perfect for dedicated learners seeking efficient credentials to begin in-demand diagnostic imaging careers.

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