New York reverses position on issuing X-ray technician licenses to John Patrick University grads

In a reversal expected to be finalized next month, the state will now issue X-ray technician licenses to graduates of an Indiana-based program it had previously said lacked required accreditation and did not properly supervise its students, school officials said Tuesday.

It will also restore licenses that were revoked in recent weeks.

Hundreds of students, including many on Long Island, had been studying for degrees through John Patrick University of Health and Applied Sciences that led to radiological technologist licenses. Local health systems — including New Hyde Park-based Northwell Health — had partnered with the school, offering discounts to employees interested in the program.

Last month, the school sued the state Health and Education departments saying the decision to stop issuing licenses to its graduates was based on "vague, unfounded assertions." Court papers filed in state Supreme Court on July 2 show both sides had reached an "interim settlement and both sides are expected before a judge at the end of August to finalize the agreement."

Michael Dubanewicz, president of the Indiana-based school, said the state agreed to back down while the school obtains specific accreditation required by the state.

"This means our students will remain eligible to seek licensure in New York, and any previously denied applications will be reconsidered and revoked licenses will be reinstated," Dubanewicz wrote in an email to Newsday on Tuesday.

The state Health Department said Tuesday it could not comment on pending litigation. The New York State Attorney General's Office, which handles lawsuits for state agencies, referred calls back to the Health Department.

1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, which represents some of the current radiological technologists, also lobbied to get the state to drop the ban on licenses after members received letters from the Department of Health. Those letters, sent to people who had recently received licenses, stated they had been issued the license because of a "clerical error" and that their credentials didn't meet the qualifications needed for a license.

"We advocated vigorously to ensure that those who had completed the required education, clinical training and passed the national exam were not deprived of their ability to practice through no fault of their own and that those still completing their education had a pathway to enter the workforce," 1199SEIU Interim Political Director Helen Schaub said in a statement. "We are pleased that there is a settlement that achieves these aims."

According to court records, 571 students are currently in the program and approximately 85% either live in New York or intend to ultimately become licensed in the state. More than 90 students were expected to graduate between August and September. It wasn't clear how many people had their licenses revoked, but in court papers it was stated 79 students had been licensed since 2021.

State officials first reached out to the university in April, stating it did not have the accreditations and permissions to put students in clinical settings and run its program for radiological technologists.

Then in June, the Health Department informed officials in a letter it would no longer issue licenses to graduates of the program — citing lack of proper accreditation and students were not directly supervised by licensed radiological technologists. Students who had paid thousands of dollars to study were worried they would not be able to complete the program and get licensed.

More than 2,000 students and supporters had signed a Change.org petition calling on state officials to reverse the decision. The page has since been updated with students declaring victory and saying all active licenses are "safe."

The debate centers on accreditation from the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), a Chicago-based organization which evaluates "traditional and distance delivery educational programs in radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance, and medical dosimetry." While John Patrick University has JRCERT certification for some of its programs, such as medical dosimetry — specialists in radiation oncology — it does not currently have it for radiological technologists.

The school said it was never previously told its accreditation with the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges was not sufficient. That organization evaluates numerous educational institutions including those that offer programs through distance learning. John Patrick University is currently going through the process of being certified by JRCERT.

Leslie Winter, the CEO of JRCERT, did not address the issue with John Patrick University but said its accreditation is important because it "assures the public that care provided by students will be appropriately supervised.

"Additionally, JRCERT accreditation provides assurance that students are instructed in the utilization of imaging equipment, accessories, optimal exposure factors, and proper patient positioning to minimize the potentially harmful effects of radiation exposure to patients, selves and others," she told Newsday in an email.

Students at John Patrick University can complete the 60-credit online program in about two years, depending on how many courses they take. According to the lawsuit, each credit costs about $667 for a total over $40,000.

By Lisa L. Colangelo

lisa.colangelo@newsday.com@lisalcolangelo

Lisa joined Newsday as a staff writer in 2019. She previously worked at amNewYork, the New York Daily News and the Asbury Park Press covering politics, government and general assignment.