How to Get Your New Jersey Radiologic Technologist License in 2026

How to Become a Licensed Radiologic Technologist in New Jersey

New Jersey has mandatory radiologic technologist licensure administered through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), Radiation Protection Program. No person may perform diagnostic radiologic procedures on New Jersey patients without holding a current, valid NJ radiologic technologist license. New Jersey's licensure requirements are strict, and the state's position in the New York metropolitan area means that licensed NJ techs compete in one of the highest-paying imaging markets in the country. This guide covers every step of the process.

Step 1: Complete a JRCERT-Accredited Program

New Jersey requires graduation from a radiologic technology program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or an NJDEP-recognized equivalent. New Jersey has a robust network of accredited programs:

• Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology — available at Bergen Community College (Paramus), Essex County College (Newark), Middlesex College (Edison), Ocean County College (Toms River), Passaic County Community College (Paterson), and several hospital-based programs. The two-year AAS is the most common entry pathway.
• Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology (BSRT) — degree-completion programs allow AAS-holding NJ techs to advance to a BS. Rutgers, Kean University, and several online programs serve this market.

Verify accreditation status on the JRCERT website. NJDEP will not accept applications from non-JRCERT-accredited graduates.

Step 2: Earn Your ARRT Certification

ARRT certification is a mandatory prerequisite for New Jersey licensure. Key steps:

• Primary credential: R.T.(R) — Radiographer. ARRT examination fee is approximately $225.
• Ethics review: ARRT screens applicants for criminal history and prior disciplinary actions.
• Clinical competencies: Documented throughout your JRCERT program and submitted to ARRT.
• Continuing education: 24 CE credits every two years to maintain ARRT certification. NJ renewal aligns with this standard.
• Specialty credentials to prioritize in New Jersey: CT (R.T.(CT)) and MRI (R.T.(MR)) are in extremely high demand across New Jersey's dense hospital market. Mammography (R.T.(M)) is sought at breast imaging centers throughout the state. Vascular-interventional (R.T.(VI)) is needed at cardiac and vascular programs at major academic centers.

Step 3: Apply for Your New Jersey State License

After earning your ARRT certification, apply to NJDEP Radiation Protection for your state license:

1. Obtain the current NJ Radiologic Technologist license application from the NJDEP Radiation Protection Program website.
2. Submit documented ARRT certification — include your ARRT ID and an official ARRT verification or a copy of your current certification card.
3. Pay the initial licensure fee. Current NJ fees fall in the $75–$125 range for an initial license; check the NJDEP fee schedule for the current exact amount.
4. Submit official transcripts from your JRCERT-accredited program if required by NJDEP.
5. Provide any other documentation required by NJDEP (employment history, attestation forms, etc.).
6. Renew biennially (every two years), documenting 24 CE credits.

NJDEP processes most complete applications within 4–6 weeks. Apply well before your target start date. Confirm whether a provisional permit is available during review — contact NJDEP directly for current policy.

Continuing Education Requirements

New Jersey radiologic technologists must complete 24 CE credits per two-year renewal cycle. Approved activities include:

• ARRT-recognized online CE courses (ASRT learning center, RSNA educational programs, journal-based CE)
• National and state imaging conferences (RSNA, ASRT Annual, NJSRT annual meeting)
• Hospital-based in-service programs meeting NJDEP CE standards
• Graduate academic coursework in radiologic sciences

New Jersey's CE requirement matches ARRT's biennial continuing qualification standard. One set of 24 CE credits satisfies both simultaneously. Retain all CE documentation for at least three years.

Radiologic Technologist Specializations in New Jersey

New Jersey's geographic position — surrounded by New York City and Philadelphia metro markets — means its imaging specialization landscape is among the most demanding in the US:

• CT (R.T.(CT)): Extremely high demand across New Jersey's dense network of Level I, II, and III trauma centers and community hospitals. Northern NJ (Bergen, Essex, Hudson counties) is particularly competitive.
• MRI (R.T.(MR)): Research hospitals and major health systems across the state have large MRI programs. Weekend and overnight MRI positions command significant shift differentials.
• Mammography (R.T.(M)): Dense suburban population and high breast screening volumes drive strong demand at dedicated women's imaging centers.
• Nuclear Medicine (R.T.(N) or NMTCB): Oncology and cardiology programs at major NJ medical centers.
• Interventional / Vascular (R.T.(VI)): New Jersey's aging population and cardiovascular disease burden create strong demand for interventional imaging techs at cardiac and vascular surgery programs.

New Jersey Salary Ranges

New Jersey radiologic technologist salaries are among the highest in the nation due to the state's proximity to New York City and its own high cost of living:

• General radiography (R.T.(R)): $65,000–$88,000 per year. Northern NJ positions adjacent to NYC pay at the top of this range; southern NJ (Atlantic/Cape May) positions are toward the lower end.
• CT and MRI specialists: $78,000–$100,000+. Academic medical center and large health system positions regularly exceed $90,000 for experienced specialty techs.
• Travel radiologic technologists: $52–$68 per hour. New Jersey's high-volume hospitals recruit travel staff aggressively, particularly for overnight and weekend shifts.
• Lead/supervisory roles: $95,000–$115,000+ at major NJ academic and urban medical centers.

Top Employers

New Jersey's healthcare market is anchored by several major systems, many of which operate multiple hospitals and outpatient imaging centers across the state:

• RWJBarnabas Health — New Jersey's largest health system, with 11 acute-care hospitals including Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (New Brunswick, Level I trauma) and Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center (Livingston).
• Hackensack Meridian Health — the state's second-largest system, anchored by Hackensack University Medical Center (Level I trauma) and multiple northern NJ campuses.
• Virtua Health — multi-hospital system serving South Jersey and the Philadelphia suburbs, including Virtua Mount Holly and Virtua Marlton.
• AtlantiCare (Atlantic City region) — major South Jersey employer anchored by AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center.
• Valley Health System (Ridgewood) — major Bergen County employer with strong imaging programs.
• Saint Barnabas Medical Center / Clara Maass Medical Center — additional major Essex County employers within the RWJBarnabas network.