How to Get Your New Mexico Radiologic Technologist License in 2026

How to Become a Licensed Radiologic Technologist in New Mexico

New Mexico requires radiologic technologists to hold a state license before performing ionizing radiation procedures on patients. Radiologic technology licensure in New Mexico is administered at the state level, with ARRT certification serving as the primary national credential underpinning the state application. New Mexico's diverse healthcare landscape — including academic medical centers in Albuquerque, community hospitals, and a significant Indian Health Service (IHS) and tribal health system presence — makes it a distinctive market for imaging professionals. This guide explains the full licensing process for 2026.

Step 1: Complete a JRCERT-Accredited Program

New Mexico requires graduation from a program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or a state-recognized equivalent. In-state and accessible options include:

• Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology — Pima Medical Institute (Albuquerque) and Central New Mexico Community College (Albuquerque) both offer JRCERT-accredited two-year programs. Clinical rotations are placed at Albuquerque-area hospitals including UNMH and Presbyterian.
• Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology (BSRT) — degree-completion programs (online and hybrid) allow working New Mexico AAS-holding techs to advance without leaving the state's job market. The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center also offers relevant advanced education pathways.

Verify JRCERT accreditation at jrcert.org before enrolling. New Mexico's licensing authority will deny applications from graduates of non-accredited programs.

Step 2: Earn Your ARRT Certification

ARRT certification is a required prerequisite for New Mexico state licensure. Key details:

• Primary credential: R.T.(R) — Radiographer. Exam fee is approximately $225.
• Ethics review: ARRT evaluates criminal history and prior disciplinary actions during the application process.
• Clinical competencies: Documented throughout your JRCERT program and submitted to ARRT.
• Continuing education: 24 CE credits every two years to maintain ARRT certification. New Mexico's renewal schedule aligns with this ARRT standard.
• Specialty credentials to consider: CT (R.T.(CT)) is highly valuable at UNMH and other Albuquerque acute-care hospitals. MRI (R.T.(MR)) is sought at academic and specialty programs. For techs interested in IHS or tribal health service, multi-modality capability and willingness to practice in rural or remote settings are assets. Radiation therapy (R.T.(T)) and nuclear medicine (R.T.(N)) also have market demand in New Mexico's cancer care programs.

Step 3: Apply for Your New Mexico State License

After earning your ARRT certification, apply to the appropriate New Mexico state agency for your radiologic technologist license. New Mexico's radiologic technology licensure has been administered through the New Mexico Environment Department or a related state board overseeing medical imaging practices — verify the current administering agency on the New Mexico state licensing portal, as administrative assignments can shift between agencies:

1. Obtain the current application form from the administering New Mexico state agency for radiologic technology licensure.
2. Submit proof of current ARRT certification (ARRT ID and official verification).
3. Pay the licensure fee. New Mexico fees currently run approximately $75–$100 for an initial license; confirm the exact current amount on the state fee schedule.
4. Provide official transcripts from your JRCERT-accredited program if requested.
5. Renew your license biennially (every two years), documenting 24 completed CE credits.

Allow 4–6 weeks for application processing. Confirm whether a provisional or temporary permit is available while your application is under review.

Continuing Education Requirements

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

• ARRT-recognized online CE modules and self-study programs
• National imaging conferences (RSNA, ASRT Annual Conference, NMRT state meeting)
• Hospital-based in-service education meeting state CE standards
• Academic coursework in radiologic technology or related clinical sciences

New Mexico's CE cycle aligns with ARRT's biennial continuing qualification standard, allowing you to satisfy both requirements with the same 24 credits. Retain all CE certificates for at least three years.

Radiologic Technologist Specializations in New Mexico

New Mexico's healthcare geography presents a distinctive mix of urban academic medicine and rural/frontier/tribal practice:

• CT (R.T.(CT)): High demand at UNMH (Level I trauma), Presbyterian, Lovelace, and Christus St. Vincent in Santa Fe. Trauma and emergency imaging are high-volume in Albuquerque.
• MRI (R.T.(MR)): Academic and research imaging programs at UNMH and affiliated specialty centers.
• IHS and Tribal Health Imaging: The Indian Health Service operates facilities serving New Mexico's 23 federally recognized tribes (Navajo, Pueblo, Apache nations). IHS facilities in Gallup, Zuni, Shiprock, Crownpoint, and Albuquerque recruit radiologic technologists with federal employment benefits including loan repayment and retirement. Tribal health programs (Navajo Tribal Utility Authority Health, Pueblo tribal clinics) are separate from IHS and also employ imaging techs.
• Rural New Mexico: Critical-access hospitals in communities such as Farmington (San Juan Regional), Silver City, Roswell, and Clovis regularly recruit permanent and travel RTs.
• Nuclear Medicine (R.T.(N)): Cancer and cardiology programs at UNMH and UNM Cancer Center.

New Mexico Salary Ranges

New Mexico RT compensation reflects the state's moderate cost of living, with federal IHS positions and academic medical center roles providing competitive packages:

• General radiography (R.T.(R)): $52,000–$72,000 per year. Albuquerque positions pay at the higher end; rural and frontier sites may start lower but offer incentive packages.
• CT and MRI specialists: $65,000–$85,000. UNMH academic positions and larger community hospital roles approach the upper range for experienced techs.
• IHS/federal positions: Federal pay scales (GS-10 through GS-11 for experienced RTs) can bring total compensation including federal benefits to $70,000–$90,000 equivalent, plus student loan repayment eligibility for qualifying techs.
• Travel radiologic technologists: $45–$62 per hour. Rural New Mexico and tribal areas draw travel staff with housing stipends.

Top Employers

New Mexico's radiologic technologist employment is concentrated in Albuquerque with significant demand across rural markets:

• University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH) (Albuquerque) — the state's only Level I trauma center and academic medical center. Largest single imaging department in New Mexico.
• Presbyterian Healthcare Services (Albuquerque) — multi-hospital system with Presbyterian Hospital as its flagship; one of the state's largest non-profit health systems.
• Lovelace Health System (Albuquerque) — multi-facility system serving the Albuquerque metro with acute-care and specialty programs.
• Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center (Santa Fe) — northern New Mexico's largest hospital and the primary Santa Fe-area imaging employer.
• Indian Health Service — federal facilities across New Mexico serving tribal communities; active recruiter for RT positions with federal employment benefits.
• San Juan Regional Medical Center (Farmington) — major northwestern New Mexico employer serving the Four Corners region.