CVPH Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology

This is a single-major institution with laser focus: a 2-year radiologic technology program culminating in a certificate, with options to ladder into associate or bachelor's degrees through SUNY Empire State College. The curriculum follows a continuous calendar system (no traditional semesters), immersing students in both classroom theory and daily clinical rotations at Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital. Small cohorts—often just 12 students—mean direct access to instructors and equipment. The program's longevity (established in 1965) and hospital affiliation ensure training aligns with current industry standards.

• Sole program: Radiologic Technology Science
• Degree pathways: Certificate + SUNY Empire State College articulation
• Continuous curriculum calendar (non-semester-based)

Don't expect a typical college experience—this is a professional training program first, with all the intensity that implies. Students spend their days split between classroom sessions and clinical work within the hospital, building technical skills alongside patient-care competencies. The vibe is closer to a medical residency than undergrad life, with an emphasis on professionalism. That said, the tiny cohort size fosters tight-knit relationships, and Plattsburgh's location near Lake Champlain offers outdoor escapes. Social media posts highlight white-coat ceremonies and clinical milestones over football games or dorm life.

• Clinically immersive: Training embedded in CVPH hospital
• Small cohorts (~12 students) create familial dynamics
• Established 1965—longstanding ties to regional healthcare employers

The program delivers on its career-training mission: graduates report $36,427 median earnings one year out, soaring to $65,436 after five years—strong numbers for a two-year credential. Graduation rates fluctuate between sources (53%-67%), likely reflecting the program's rigor and hospital-based demands. Job placement data isn't publicly detailed, but the school's deep regional healthcare connections and ARRT exam prep suggest most graduates land imaging roles at CVPH or neighboring facilities.

• Early-career earnings: $36k (1yr) → $65k (5yrs)
• Graduation rates: Reported between 53%-67%
• ARRT exam eligibility: Program meets national certification standards

Tuition sits at $45,000 for the full program (figures vary slightly by source), with 40% of students receiving federal grants averaging $5,575 and 20% getting state/local aid around $3,268. The net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. after aid isn't consistently reported, but the program's short timeline (2 years vs. 4 for many degrees) keeps total costs lower than bachelor's pathways. Notably, 40% of students take loans, averaging $2,124—relatively modest for healthcare training.

• Total program cost: ~$45,000
• Aid breakdown: 40% federal grants ($5.5k avg), 20% state ($3.3k avg), 20% institutional ($1.5k avg)
• Loan uptake: 40% of students, averaging $2,124

CVPH's program is a rare hybrid: a hospital-based training pipeline with academic degree pathways, offering the hands-on rigor of an apprenticeship with the credentialing heft of SUNY collaboration. Its 85%+ acceptance rate?Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. makes radiologic tech careers accessible, while the tiny cohorts ensure personalized training—a stark contrast to overcrowded community college programs. Five-year earnings rival many bachelor's degrees, validating its ROI. For students who want to skip the 'college experience' and dive straight into medical imaging, this is one of the Northeast's most efficient on-ramps.