In 2009, the State of New Mexico (NM) enacted legislation that required diagnostic medical sonographers (as well as magnetic resonance technologists) working in NM to be licensed by the state like their counterparts in other medical imaging modalities. The NM Department of Environment’s Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Program was tasked with implementation of the legislation. On July 1, 2019, the regulations to implement the licensure requirement will finally take effect.

If you (or your sonographer colleagues) have not yet applied for a license, it is imperative that you complete the NM license application process. Note that to be licensed as a sonographer, NM requires at least one current sonography certification/credential from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), Cardiac Credentialing International (CCI), or American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

Students enrolled in sonography education programs are exempt from NM licensure. However, students should obtain a sonography certification/credential as soon as possible following completion of the educational program so they can apply for a NM license. Sonographers who only perform sonography at a federal facility in NM are exempt from state licensure (but if they also “moonlight” and perform sonography at a non-federal facility, they must hold a NM sonographer license).

Additional information about the licensure requirements, application process, fees, etc., including answers to some “Frequently Asked Questions” are available on the state agency’s website. Specific questions about the application process or status of a licensure application should be directed to:

Stephen Sanchez, Program Administrator
Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Program
NM Department of Environment
Phone: 505-476-8633
Email: stephen.sanchez@state.nm.us