# New Mexico

> Markdown rendering of https://radiologyed.org/schools/new-mexico/ for AI agents and researchers.
> Same facts as the HTML page, with navigation and sponsored units removed and sources listed. The HTML page is canonical.
> Publisher: radiologyed.org · Last checked: 2026-08-19

Radiologic science is a [growing field across the country](https://radiologyed.org/prospects/), and [VERIFY-STALE: the number of radiologic science jobs in New Mexico is expected to grow by 6 percent by the year 2031.]

([Leer esta información en español](https://radiologyed.org/es/new-mexico/))

Jobs in this field also tend to pay well in New Mexico, with an average state salary among radiologic technology professionals that is above the national average for these careers. With these positive figures in mind, current and aspiring radiologic technologists should keep New Mexico in mind when looking for education and employment.

## Radiology Requirements in New Mexico

The state of New Mexico requires all radiologist assistants, radiologic technologists, nuclear medicine technicians, radiation therapists, and fusion imaging technicians to pass the state exam or the [American Registry of Radiologic Technologists](https://www.arrt.org/) (ARRT) exam. Radiologic science professionals who have passed a state exam outside New Mexico may practice in New Mexico if the original state has the same requirements for licensure. Limited license X-ray technicians must pass the ARRT limited scope exam or complete a state-approved certification course. In addition, all radiologic science professionals must fulfill a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education credits every two years to remain licensed.

## Radiologic Technology Schools in New Mexico

New Mexico is one of a small number of states where a radiologic technologist working at a tribal health facility – such as the Gallup Indian Medical Center or Northern Navajo Medical Center – may rotate through both Indian Health Service sites and private hospital systems during a single clinical assignment. That dual-setting exposure reflects something real about healthcare in this state: the patient population is geographically spread, ethnically diverse, and served by a patchwork of provider types. If you train here, you will likely cover clinical hours across urgent care centers, rural critical access hospitals, and large academic medical centers before you graduate.

There are currently four JRCERT-accredited radiography programs in New Mexico. Three hold full accreditation of eight years, which is the longest term JRCERT awards. The fourth – Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque – is currently on probationary accreditation status, which is a detail every prospective student should factor into their decision. All four programs lead to eligibility for the ARRT certification examination.

## Large Employers in Radiology

Major hospitals and medical centers are the largest single employers of radiologic science professionals. The state of New Mexico has two hospitals – both in the Albuquerque area – that have been nationally ranked by the US News & World Report.

[University Hospital](https://hsc.unm.edu/health/locations/unm-hospital.html)
 2211 Lomas Boulevard NE
 Albuquerque, NM 87106-2745
 (505) 272-2111

[Presbyterian Hospital](//www.phs.org)
 1100 Central Avenue SE
 Albuquerque, NM 87106-4934
 (505) 841-1234

[Physicians Medical Center of Santa Fe](https://www.christushealth.org/st-vincent/locations-directions/physicians-medical-center)
 2990 Rodeo Park Dive East
 Santa Fe, NM 87505
 (505) 428-5400

[Heart Hospital of New Mexico](https://hearthospitalnm.com/)
 504 Elm Street NE
 Albuquerque, NM 87102
 (505) 724-2000

[Nor Lea General Hospital](https://www.nor-lea.org/)
 1600 North Main
 Lovington, NM 88260
 (575) 396-6611

[Dr. Dan C Trigg Memorial Hospital](//www.phs.org/PHS/Tucumcari/)
 301 East Miel de Luna
 Tucumcari, NM 88401
 (575) 461-7000

[Mountain View Regional Medical Center](//www.mountainviewregional.com/)
 4311 East Lohman Avenue
 Las Cruces, NM 88011
 (575) 556-7600

## JRCERT-Accredited Radiography Programs in New Mexico

### [Central New Mexico Community College](https://catalog.cnm.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=52&poid=12203) – Albuquerque

CNM’s radiography program is the largest in the state by capacity, accepting up to 90 students and running 24 months to completion. Resident tuition is $2,450 – among the lowest of any program listed here. The program holds an eight-year JRCERT accreditation and reports a 100% completion rate. The ARRT exam pass rate is 85%, and job placement stands at 90%. Clinical sites span the full Albuquerque metro area and extend to Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, Los Alamos, Espanola, Belen, and Socorro, giving students wide exposure to hospital systems, VA facilities, specialty imaging centers, and urgent care networks.

### [Clovis Community College](https://www.clovis.edu/radtech/index.aspx) – Clovis

Located in eastern New Mexico near the Texas border, Clovis Community College runs a 22-month program with capacity for 44 students per cohort. Resident tuition is $2,640. The program holds eight-year JRCERT accreditation, a 90% ARRT exam pass rate, and a 97% job placement rate. Completion rate is 83%. Clinical placements extend across eastern New Mexico and into the Texas Panhandle, covering facilities in Roswell, Hobbs, Tucumcari, Portales, Lovington, and Amarillo – a practical reality for students in a region where the nearest large hospital may be across the state line.

### [Doña Ana Community College](https://catalogs.nmsu.edu/dona-ana/academic-career-programs/radiologic-technology/computed-tomography-certificate-completion/) – Las Cruces

Doña Ana Community College, a branch of New Mexico State University, offers a 21-month program – the shortest in the state – with resident tuition of $1,842, the lowest of any program in this list. Capacity is 57 students. The program carries eight-year JRCERT accreditation, a 96% completion rate, and a 100% job placement rate. The ARRT exam pass rate is 81%. Clinical settings reach from Las Cruces south and east through Alamogordo, Carlsbad, Artesia, Deming, Silver City, Ruidoso, and Truth or Consequences, as well as El Paso, Texas – reflecting the cross-border healthcare environment of the Mesilla Valley.

### [Pima Medical Institute – Albuquerque](https://pmi.edu/on-campus-programs/associate/radiography/)

Pima Medical Institute’s Albuquerque campus offers a 24-month radiography program with a listed tuition of $26,975.50, which applies to both in-state and out-of-state students. Capacity is 90 students. This program is currently on **JRCERT probationary accreditation**. Probation means the program has been found out of compliance with one or more accreditation standards. Completion rate and ARRT exam pass rate data were not available from JRCERT at time of publication. Prospective students should contact the program directly for current outcome data and should check JRCERT’s website for accreditation status updates before enrolling. Clinical sites include Albuquerque-area hospitals and extend to Las Vegas (NM), Gallup, Santa Rosa, Raton, Shiprock, Taos, and even Tuba City, Arizona.

## New Mexico Radiology Tech Program Comparison

| Institution | Length | Resident Tuition | Completion Rate | ARRT Pass Rate | Placement Rate | Accreditation | Evening/Weekend |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Central New Mexico CC | 24 mo. | $2,450 | 100% | 85% | 90% | 8 Years | No |
| Clovis CC | 22 mo. | $2,640 | 83% | 90% | 97% | 8 Years | No |
| Doña Ana CC | 21 mo. | $1,842 | 96% | 81% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque | 24 mo. | $26,976 | n/a | n/a | n/a | **On probation** | No |

**Note on accreditation:** 1 of the 4 programmes listed above are currently on probation with the JRCERT. Probation means the programme is accredited but has been found not to meet one or more standards, and is being monitored. Ask the programme directly what the finding was and what has changed since. Status is taken from the JRCERT accreditation database.

*Tuition figures reflect resident rates from JRCERT program data. Outcome data sourced from JRCERT. BLS salary data from BLS May 2025 OEWS. Verify current tuition directly with each institution before enrolling.*

## Radiology Tech Salaries in New Mexico

New Mexico employs approximately 1,150 radiologic technologists and technicians (SOC 29-2034), according to BLS May 2025 OEWS data. The median annual wage is $79,940, with a mean of $79,810. Earnings at the 10th percentile start at $59,560, while the 25th percentile sits at $65,660. Those in the upper range – at the 75th percentile – earn $93,250, and top earners at the 90th percentile reach $104,120 per year.

Albuquerque accounts for the majority of the state’s healthcare workforce. Pay in rural markets such as Clovis, Roswell, or Silver City can vary from metro rates depending on facility type and shift differentials. However, New Mexico’s cost of living is meaningfully lower than coastal markets. The median home price in Albuquerque runs well below the national median, and overall consumer costs in cities like Las Cruces and Clovis are lower still. A salary of $79,940 stretches further here than the same figure would in California or New York.

For those who advance into MRI, the earnings picture improves. New Mexico has approximately 140 MRI Technologists (SOC 29-2035) employed statewide. Their median wage is $87,850 and the mean is $88,220, per BLS May 2025 OEWS data. The 10th percentile for MRI techs starts at $75,030 – already higher than the general rad tech 25th percentile. Top earners in MRI reach $99,550 at the 90th percentile. MRI certification through ARRT requires documented clinical experience and a post-primary examination, but it is a common and practical next step for working radiographers who want to raise their earning ceiling without leaving the imaging field entirely.

## New Mexico Radiologic Technology Licensing Requirements

New Mexico requires licensure for radiologic technologists practicing in the state. The New Mexico Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Board of Examiners (NMMITRBE) oversees licensure. To obtain a license, you must pass the ARRT certification examination and meet the Board’s educational requirements. All four programs listed on this page prepare graduates for the ARRT exam in radiography.

Key requirements to know before you apply:

- **ARRT exam passage:** Required for initial licensure. You must pass the ARRT Radiography examination, which tests clinical competencies and radiation physics.
- **Application and fee:** Submit a completed application to NMMITRBE along with the required fee. [VERIFY: current fee amount with NMMITRBE]
- **Background check:** A criminal background check is required as part of the application process.
- **Continuing education:** License renewal requires documented continuing education hours. [VERIFY: current CE hour requirements with NMMITRBE]
- **Scope of practice:** New Mexico licensure covers general radiography. Specialty modalities such as CT, MRI, and mammography may require additional ARRT credentials.

Always confirm current requirements directly with the NMMITRBE before submitting an application, as fee structures and CE requirements can change.

## What to Look for in a New Mexico Radiology Tech Program

Choosing a program goes beyond picking the closest school. Here are the factors that matter most in this state’s specific context.

### JRCERT Accreditation Status

Full eight-year accreditation is the gold standard. It signals that a program has met all JRCERT standards without conditions. Probationary status, as currently held by Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque, means the program is working to correct compliance deficiencies. Graduates of a program that loses accreditation entirely may face barriers to ARRT eligibility. Check JRCERT’s official website for current status before you enroll anywhere.

### ARRT Exam Pass Rate in Context

Pass rates across New Mexico’s accredited programs range from 81% to 90%. A higher pass rate suggests stronger ARRT exam preparation, but look at the number alongside completion rates and cohort size. A small program can have a high pass rate if only strong students finish. A program with a 100% completion rate and an 85% pass rate – like CNM – may actually be serving students with more varied academic backgrounds while still getting nearly all of them through.

### Clinical Site Geography

New Mexico is a large, low-density state. Clinical rotations at rural hospitals and critical access facilities are genuinely common here, not an edge case. If you plan to work in a rural area after graduation, a program with rural clinical sites – as seen at Clovis Community College and Doña Ana – gives you relevant hands-on experience. If you want a metro hospital career in Albuquerque, CNM or Pima Medical Institute place you inside that system from day one.

### Program Length and Clinical Hours

All four programs run between 21 and 24 months. JRCERT-accredited programs must meet minimum clinical competency requirements set by JRCERT, which align with ARRT exam eligibility. Confirm with each program how clinical hours are scheduled – some programs concentrate rotations in the second year, while others integrate them throughout. Ask specifically how many clinical hours are completed at inpatient versus outpatient sites, since the imaging volume and acuity differ significantly.

### Tuition and Total Cost

The cost difference between programs in this state is dramatic. Doña Ana Community College charges $1,842 in resident tuition. Pima Medical Institute charges $26,975.50 regardless of residency status. Both produce graduates eligible for the same ARRT exam and the same New Mexico license. If you are a New Mexico resident, the community college programs deliver a far lower debt load at entry, which matters considerably when starting salaries sit in the $59,000-$65,000 range for new graduates entering at the lower percentiles.

### Job Placement Rates

Doña Ana Community College reports 100% job placement and Clovis Community College reports 97%. These figures are strong signals of employer relationships and regional demand. In rural markets, a program’s employer network can be the deciding factor in where you land your first job.

## Program Length, Clinical Hours, and ARRT Exam Preparation

All JRCERT-accredited programs in New Mexico run approximately 21 to 24 months of full-time study. This includes both didactic coursework and supervised clinical hours at affiliated healthcare sites. ARRT requires candidates to document a specific set of clinical competencies before they can sit for the certification exam – programs structure their rotations to ensure students meet these requirements before graduation.

Didactic content covers radiation physics, radiographic positioning, anatomy, patient care, image production, and radiation protection. Clinical hours put that knowledge into practice across real patient encounters. Ask each program for their total clinical hours and how competencies are tracked – this is standard information programs should provide readily.

ARRT exam preparation typically includes review coursework, practice examinations, and timed testing simulations. Some programs incorporate structured review sessions in the final semester. The national ARRT exam pass rate for first-time candidates across all programs typically runs in the mid-to-high 80s to low 90s; New Mexico’s programs align with that range, with one program reaching 90%.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How long does it take to become a radiology tech in New Mexico?

Expect 21 to 24 months of full-time study in a JRCERT-accredited program, followed by the ARRT certification examination and a state licensure application. The fastest path currently available in New Mexico is the 21-month program at Doña Ana Community College in Las Cruces. From application to licensed employment, most students complete the full process in roughly two to two-and-a-half years.

### Do I need a license to work as a radiology tech in New Mexico?

Yes. New Mexico requires state licensure through the New Mexico Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Board of Examiners (NMMITRBE). ARRT certification is a prerequisite for licensure. Working without a license is not permitted.

### What does a radiology tech earn in New Mexico?

According to BLS May 2025 OEWS data, the median annual wage for radiologic technologists and technicians in New Mexico is $79,940. Earnings at the 10th percentile start at $59,560. Those in the upper half of the pay range earn between $93,250 and $104,120. MRI technologists earn a median of $87,850 in the state.

### Which New Mexico radiology program has the best ARRT pass rate?

Among programs with reported outcome data, Clovis Community College has the highest ARRT exam pass rate at 90%, followed by Central New Mexico Community College at 85% and Doña Ana Community College at 81%. Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque does not currently have pass rate data available through JRCERT.

### Is Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque a good choice for radiology?

Pima Medical Institute’s Albuquerque program is currently on JRCERT probationary accreditation. That status carries real risk. If a program loses accreditation before you graduate, your eligibility for the ARRT exam may be affected. The program also costs roughly ten times more than the community college options in the state. Research current JRCERT status carefully and weigh that against the tuition difference before making a decision.

### Can I work in Texas after completing a New Mexico radiology program?

Texas has its own licensure requirements through the Texas Medical Board. New Mexico graduates holding ARRT certification can apply for Texas licensure separately. Programs like Clovis Community College and Doña Ana Community College place students in Texas clinical sites, which may ease the transition into that job market after graduation, but a separate application to Texas is still required.

### What is the difference between a radiology tech and an MRI tech in terms of salary in New Mexico?

According to BLS May 2025 OEWS data, the median annual wage for general radiologic technologists in New Mexico is $79,940. MRI technologists in the state earn a median of $87,850 – a difference of roughly $7,900 per year at the median. MRI certification requires additional ARRT credentialing beyond the initial radiography certification. Most practitioners earn MRI certification after working for one or more years as a general radiographer.

### Are there online radiology tech programs in New Mexico?

No fully online radiography program can meet JRCERT accreditation requirements because the clinical component requires in-person supervised patient care hours. None of the four JRCERT-accredited programs in New Mexico currently offer alternative learning formats, according to JRCERT data. Some general education prerequisites may be available online, but the core program requires on-site attendance.

## Start Your Search

If you are a New Mexico resident, the community college programs at [Central New Mexico Community College](https://catalog.cnm.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=52&poid=12203), [Clovis Community College](https://www.clovis.edu/radtech/index.aspx), and [Doña Ana Community College](https://catalogs.nmsu.edu/dona-ana/academic-career-programs/radiologic-technology/computed-tomography-certificate-completion/) offer JRCERT-accredited training at resident tuition rates that represent some of the most affordable pathways to a radiography career available anywhere in the country. Each program has distinct strengths in clinical site geography, pass rates, and placement outcomes. Review each program’s current JRCERT outcomes report, contact admissions directly, and confirm current tuition, prerequisite requirements, and application deadlines before you apply.

## Professional Organizations

The New Mexico Society of Radiologic Technologists is the state affiliate of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). This organization puts on annual conferences for its members and helps radiologic science professionals stay abreast of the latest legislation, education requirements, and other factors that may affect their professional life.

## Sources

- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) — wage and employment figures. https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook — job outlook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) — accredited programme directory (720 programmes). https://www.jrcert.org/programs/
- American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) — certification requirements. https://www.arrt.org/
- American Registry of Radiologic Technologists — https://www.arrt.org/
- University Hospital — https://hsc.unm.edu/health/locations/unm-hospital.html
- Physicians Medical Center of Santa Fe — https://www.christushealth.org/st-vincent/locations-directions/physicians-medical-center
- Nor Lea General Hospital — https://www.nor-lea.org/
- Central New Mexico Community College — https://catalog.cnm.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=52&poid=12203
- Clovis Community College — https://www.clovis.edu/radtech/index.aspx
- Doña Ana Community College — https://catalogs.nmsu.edu/dona-ana/academic-career-programs/radiologic-technology/computed-tomography-certificate-completion/
- Pima Medical Institute – Albuquerque — https://pmi.edu/on-campus-programs/associate/radiography/

Canonical: https://radiologyed.org/schools/new-mexico/
Last checked: 2026-08-19