MRI technologist licensing in New York
New York regulates radiologic technologists through the New York State Department of Health. However, because MRI does not use ionizing radiation, MRI-only technologists may not require the state radiologic technology license. Employers require national certification through ARRT or ARMRIT.
Both ARRT and ARMRIT certifications are accepted by most New York employers. The MRI staffing shortage has made facilities across the state increasingly flexible about certification type, with outpatient imaging centers and community hospitals leading the way in accepting ARMRIT-certified technologists.
Key Takeaway
New York Employers require national certification (ARRT or ARMRIT), and both are widely accepted across the state.
MRI tech programs in New York
Tesla MR Institute (hybrid, statewide)
Tesla MR Institute’s program is designed for people entering MRI directly, including career changers and healthcare workers without radiology backgrounds.
Key details:
- Duration: 12-18 months
- Prerequisite: None. No prior radiology credentials required.
- Format: Online didactic coursework combined with in-person clinical rotations at local New York sites
- Clinical sites in New York: 68+ facilities across the state
- Certification: Prepares for ARMRIT certification
- Cost: $6,450 (full program, payment plans available)
- Strength: Accessible to career changers, flexible schedule, affordable
Traditional pathway (ARRT)
If you already hold ARRT certification in radiography or another primary modality, you can add MRI as a post-primary specialty through structured clinical experience and the ARRT MRI exam. Contact local radiologic technology programs or your employer for post-primary training opportunities in New York.
Tip
For a detailed comparison of ARRT vs ARMRIT pathways, read our ARRT vs ARMRIT comparison guide.
MRI technologist salary in New York
MRI technologists in New York earn an average of approximately $90K per year, with salaries ranging from $72K-$115K depending on metro area, experience, and facility type.
The national median for MRI technologists is $88,180 according to May 2024 BLS data.
Entry-level MRI technologists in New York typically start at the lower end of this range. With 3-5 years of experience and specialty skills (cardiac MRI, breast MRI, pediatric), salaries move toward the upper range. Travel MRI techs working New York assignments can earn premium weekly rates.
For a deeper dive into MRI tech compensation, see our MRI technologist salary guide and salary by state breakdown.
Clinical training sites in New York
Tesla MR Institute has 45+ clinical training sites across New York, with concentrations in New York, Bronx, White Plains, Riverhead.
Most New York students are placed within 30-45 minutes of their home. The larger metro areas have the most available sites and the quickest placement timelines.
Employer Tip
If you are a facility manager in New York interested in hosting MRI training students, Tesla MR Institute partners with hospitals and imaging centers across the state. See our clinical site partnership page for details.
How to become an MRI tech in New York
Path 1: Career changers (ARMRIT)
- Confirm eligibility. You need a high school diploma or GED. Healthcare experience is preferred but not required.
- Enroll in an ARMRIT-approved program. Tesla MR Institute’s hybrid program lets you complete didactic coursework online while doing clinical rotations at a New York facility.
- Complete clinical hours. Log supervised clinical training at one of 68+ New York sites.
- Pass the ARMRIT exam. After completing your program and clinical requirements, sit for the ARMRIT certification exam.
- Apply for jobs. Your ARMRIT certification is your credential.
Path 2: Existing rad techs (ARRT post-primary)
- Confirm ARRT eligibility. You need current ARRT certification in a primary pathway.
- Complete post-primary MRI requirements. Through employer-sponsored clinical experience or structured education.
- Pass the ARRT MRI exam.
- Update your credentials. Your ARRT(MR) certification goes on your resume.
For a broader look at requirements across all states, see our state-by-state guide.
MRI licensing in New York
New York requires licensure for MRI technologists through the New York State Department of Health (DOH). New York is one of the few states with specific MRI technologist licensure requirements. Applicants must hold ARRT(MR) or ARMRIT certification and obtain a state license. The state also has continuing education requirements for license renewal, making New York one of the most regulated markets for MRI professionals.
Employers throughout New York accept both ARRT(MR) and ARMRIT certification. Tesla MR Institute’s program prepares you for the ARMRIT exam, which does not require prior X-ray credentials.
MRI salary by metro in New York
MRI technologists in New York earn $76K-$110K per year depending on location and experience. New York MRI tech salaries exceed the national median of $88K, with the New York City metro area paying among the highest rates in the country, while upstate markets are closer to the national average.
| Metro Area | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| New York City-Newark-Jersey City | $85K-$115K |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy | $72K-$92K |
| Rochester | $70K-$90K |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls | $68K-$88K |
Where MRI techs work in New York
Major healthcare employers in New York include Northwell Health, NYU Langone Health, NewYork-Presbyterian, Mount Sinai Health System, Rochester Regional Health, Montefiore Health System. These systems operate hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and specialty clinics across the state.
New York is one of the few states requiring specific licensure for MRI technologists, creating a structured professional environment with higher barriers to entry and correspondingly higher compensation. The New York City metro area is one of the largest and highest-paying MRI job markets in the country, with world-renowned institutions like NYU Langone, NewYork-Presbyterian, and Mount Sinai competing for top talent. Upstate New York offers a dramatically different market—lower cost of living, fewer opportunities, but strong community health systems. The state’s strong union presence in many hospital systems provides additional protections and often higher base wages for imaging professionals.
MRI programs by city in New York
Looking for MRI training in a specific New York city? See our detailed guides:
- MRI tech programs in Bronx
- MRI tech programs in New York
- MRI tech programs in Riverhead
- MRI tech programs in White Plains
More resources
- How to become an MRI technologist — step-by-step career guide
- MRI technologist salary guide — pay by state, setting, and experience
- MRI technologist requirements — what employers verify
- ARRT vs ARMRIT certification — choose the right credential path