Radiology Technician Classes Near Me in Syracuse
Radiology technician classes in the Syracuse metro prepare you for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam and a New York State license issued by the NYSDOH Bureau of Environmental Radiation Protection. NYSDOH-approved degree programs typically run 21 to 24 months and require in-person or hybrid clinical hours. Radiologic technologists in the Syracuse metro earn a median annual wage of $83,690, compared with $91,520 across New York State. New York requires a separate state license on top of ARRT certification, which is stricter than many states that accept ARRT alone. This guide compares program formats, costs, and credentials so you can match a path to your timeline and budget.
Key Points
- A radiology technician operates X-ray, CT, and MRI equipment to produce medical images that physicians use to diagnose injuries and disease.
- NYSDOH-approved radiography programs in the Syracuse area run 21 to 24 months and require in-person or hybrid clinical hours, since fully online programs rarely meet New York licensure requirements.
- Syracuse-area students typically choose between a Bachelor of Science (BS) completed in about 21 months after prerequisites, or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) earned in two academic years with summer clinicals.
- Radiologic technologists in the Syracuse metro earn a median annual wage of $83,690 ($40.24 per hour), compared with $91,520 ($44.00 per hour) across New York State.
- New York requires graduates to pass the ARRT exam and hold an active state license through NYSDOH, with a $120 application fee for first-time applicants.
Radiology Technician Programs in the Syracuse Area
Radiology technician training in the Syracuse metro is offered primarily through in-person and hybrid programs because clinical hours are required under JRCERT accreditation standards. Fully online programs rarely qualify under New York's NYSDOH program approval rules, which limits format flexibility for state licensure.
Within the city, SUNY Upstate Medical University offers a Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging Sciences/Radiography. Associate of Applied Science programs are available at community colleges in the surrounding region for students who prefer a two-year associate-degree path with summer clinical rotations.
Dreambound is a free platform that helps you compare training programs across the United States. You can filter radiology technician classes by length, format, and cost to find the program that fits your situation.
Radiology Technician Salary in Syracuse
Radiologic technologists and technicians in the Syracuse metro earn a median annual wage of $83,690 and a median hourly wage of $40.24. Across New York State, the median annual wage is $91,520 with a median hourly wage of $44.00 (BLS OES, May 2024).
Wages vary based on experience, employer, shift differentials, and additional credentials. Technologists who earn advanced certifications in CT, MRI, mammography, or interventional radiography often qualify for roles at higher wage bands.
Requirements to Become a Radiology Technician in Syracuse
To work as a licensed radiologic technologist in Syracuse, you must meet the requirements set by the NYSDOH Bureau of Environmental Radiation Protection:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Complete a radiography program approved by the New York State Department of Health.
- Pass the ARRT certification exam in radiography.
- Submit Form DOH-372 with a $120 application fee to NYSDOH.
- Maintain active registration and meet continuing education requirements at renewal (a continuing education requirement has been in effect since January 2010).
New York is one of the states that requires both ARRT certification and a separate state license. Earning ARRT credentials alone does not authorize practice in New York; the NYSDOH license is mandatory before working in any clinical setting.
How Long Radiology Technician Training Takes
Most NYSDOH-approved paths in the Syracuse area fall in the 21 to 24 month range. Bachelor of Science programs are typically structured as 21-month upper-division programs after prerequisite coursework, while Associate of Applied Science programs run two academic years with summer clinical rotations.
After graduation, plan for additional time to schedule and pass the ARRT exam, complete the NYSDOH application review, and receive your active license before starting work in any New York clinical setting.
How Much Radiology Technician Classes Cost in Syracuse
Costs vary widely based on program type, residency status, and whether the school is a public community college or a four-year institution. Public community college programs tend to cost less per credit hour than four-year programs, especially for in-district residents, while bachelor's programs at four-year institutions typically carry higher tuition with non-resident rates substantially above resident rates.
Beyond tuition, plan for these additional costs:
- Books and lab supplies
- Program and lab fees
- Uniforms and clinical shoes
- Clinical site supplies such as lead markers and dosimetry badges
- ARRT radiography exam fee ($225 as of 2026)
Common funding paths include federal financial aid through FAFSA, New York State HESC programs (including TAP for eligible state residents), institutional scholarships, and hospital tuition assistance programs that some employers offer in exchange for a service commitment after graduation.
Where Radiology Technicians Work in Syracuse
Syracuse has a concentrated cluster of healthcare employers within a short radius. Major hospitals and health systems in the metro include:
- Upstate University Hospital
- St. Joseph's Health
- Crouse Hospital
- Auburn Community Hospital
- Cayuga Medical Center (Ithaca, short regional commute)
Beyond hospital systems, radiologic technologists work in outpatient imaging centers, orthopedic and specialty practices, urgent care clinics, and dedicated diagnostic imaging centers. Some move into related modalities such as CT, MRI, mammography, or interventional radiography after gaining experience and adding ARRT post-primary certifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a radiology tech in NY?
Most paths take about 21 to 24 months of training, plus time to pass the ARRT exam and complete NYSDOH licensure. Bachelor of Science programs run 21 months after prerequisite coursework, while Associate of Applied Science programs run roughly two years with summer clinical rotations.
Does Syracuse have a radiology program?
Yes. The Syracuse metro has a JRCERT-accredited bachelor's program inside the city and associate degree programs in the surrounding region, all preparing graduates for the ARRT exam and New York State licensure. You can compare specific programs, formats, and costs on Dreambound.
How much do radiology techs make in Syracuse, NY?
Radiologic technologists in the Syracuse metro earn a median annual wage of $83,690 and a median hourly wage of $40.24 according to May 2024 BLS OES data. The New York State median for the same occupation is $91,520. Wages vary by employer, shift differentials, experience, and added modality certifications.
How fast can you become a radiology tech?
The fastest realistic path in the Syracuse area is about 21 months of program coursework, followed by ARRT exam preparation and the NYSDOH license application. Accelerated radiography programs that finish in under 21 months are uncommon because clinical hours are mandated under JRCERT accreditation standards.
Choosing a Radiology Technician Program in Syracuse
The Syracuse area gives you a real choice between a four-year credential at a university and a two-year associate degree at a regional community college. Both pathways lead to ARRT eligibility and New York State licensure, and both require the same NYSDOH application and $120 fee at the end.
The most useful next step is to verify that any program you are considering appears on the NYSDOH-approved list, then compare format, total cost, and clinical placement before committing. Dreambound lets you see radiology technician programs side by side so you can match the path to your timeline and budget.
