Radiology Tech Programs in California

Cian

Last updated at August 16, 2021

California students who want to pursue a career in medical imaging have a wide variety of schools and degrees to choose from. Continue reading to learn your options for radiology tech programs in California.

In California and the rest of the country, people can refer to radiologic technologists as radiology technicians or x-ray Technicians, depending on how many education qualifications they have, and the duties they perform.

Radiologic technologists’ training options include:

• (up to) 1-year certificate/diploma
• 2-year associate’s degree or a
• 4-year bachelor’s degree

Upon completion of your degree, you may choose to expand your scope of work by taking on additional certificate programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology, Mammography, CT scan, MRI, and Cardiovascular-Interventional Technologies.

In this article, we’ll discuss the most common path to becoming a radiology technician and where to find radiology tech programs in California.

How to Become a Radiologic Technologist in California

The process of becoming a radiologic technologist is less intensive than other healthcare professions and demands the basic higher educational requirements in California. Here are the steps to achieving the required skills:

#1 – Complete your high school diploma or a GED

Almost all colleges or higher-education courses require you to complete high school and pass the GED. But paying attention to the sciences or mathematics will help you do better in your radiology training. If possible, high school students should intern in a healthcare setting to have a stellar college application.

#2 – Earn a postsecondary certificate or degree

Those who plan to seek certification must complete technician training accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Radiology technician programs are available at the certificate, associate degree, and bachelor’s degree levels.

• A certificate program is usually 1-year
• An associate’s degree requires 2 years and
• A bachelor’s degree takes 4 years

Of all of them, students prefer completing an associate’s degree. If you’re looking to have a career in supervisory or teaching positions, a bachelor’s or master’s degree is recommended.

The coursework at all levels consists of classroom and laboratory instruction covering anatomy, medical terminology, patient positioning, radiation protection, infection control, and radiation pathology.

#3- Get Certified

There are no national licensing required radiologic technologists but many states have their own licensing process. Getting certified with the ARRT will inevitably provide professionals with better career prospects and also establishes in the field.

This process entails submitting your academic record, filling out an ethics pre-application, and passing an exam that evaluates the knowledge and skills required for an entry-level radiology technician.

If a student wants to pursue further studies in radiology, they can seek certification in Mammography, Bone Densitometry, or Cardiac-Interventional Radiography with the AART.

#4 – Get licensed to work in radiology in California

The State of California Employment Development Department offers the below certificate licenses in radiology:

• Diagnostic Radiologic Technology
• Therapeutic Radiologic Technology
• Mammographic Radiologic Technology
• Fluoroscopy Permit

A student is required to pay an application fee of $75 for every exam that they want to take. The application fee is about $70 fee which must be paid every 2 years. They must also submit a copy of their degree from an accredited radiology program. All exams are administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technicians.

The state of California requires students to renew their licenses every two years. Each student needs to complete 24 education hours in two years. In California, it is mandatory to complete four of these hours in digital radiography and students can choose from other areas of radiology, such as mammography and bone densitometry.

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Foothill College

Located in California, the Radiologic Technology Program offered at Foothill College has been in existence since 196. It has been accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, the California Department of Public Health, Radiation Health Branch, and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The course is 23-months long and includes lectures, laboratory time, and supervised experience in an affiliated clinic. Upon completion, students will receive an Associates in Science Degree in Radiologic Technology and qualify them to then take the California State Licensing Exam or the ARRT Registry Exam.

Address: 12345 El Monte Rd, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022

Website: https://www.foothill.edu/

Mesa College

The San Diego Mesa College conducts a 24-year Radiologic Technology (RADT) program that is a combination of theory and practical experience in the affiliated hospitals. Upon graduation, students are eligible to apply for national certification with the ARRT and also a state license to work in California. Graduates will also obtain fluoroscopic and venipuncture within the course of the program. Coursework includes the principles of equipment operation, image processing, radiographic procedures, protection from radiation, patient care, and clinical practice.

Address: 7250 Mesa College Dr, San Diego, CA 92111

Website: http://www.sdmesa.edu/

San Joaquin Delta College

The San Joaquin Delta College offers a 2-year long certificate program in Radiologic Technology. Upon completion, graduates can register for the state certification examinations to qualify them to work in the state of California. If students complete a degree alongside this program, they will be eligible to be registered nationally with the ARRT. This certificate course is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology and the California State Department of Health.

Address: 5151 Pacific Ave, Stockton, CA 95207

Website: https://www.deltacollege.edu/

Accreditation information

College accreditation is a method by which institutions evaluate each other. Although voluntary, accreditation means that radiology technician schools in California can set mutually accepted standards of excellence that every institution should aspire for.

College accreditation is an indication that the institution adheres to the goals and standards recognized as important to the industry. Plus if you’re looking for financial support, keep in mind that only accredited schools receive Federal and state financial aid.

Accreditation also ensures a smooth transfer of credits between colleges should you need to transfer. Most masters and research programs tend to accept students who have completed their degree from a reputable and accredited school. This is quite understandable as you would want a proficient cohort undertaking higher education. Most reputed certification boards will not permit students from unaccredited schools to write their licensing exams which will limit career opportunities.

List of Accredited Medical Imaging Programs In California

• Antelope Valley College – Lancaster – JRCERT Accredited
• Bakersfield College – Bakersfield – JRCERT Accredited
• Ca–ada College – Redwood City – JRCERT Accredited
• Cabrillo College – Aptos – JRCERT Accredited
• California State University-Northridge – Northridge – JRCERT Accredited
• Chaffey College – Rancho Cucamonga – JRCERT Accredited
• Charles Drew University of Medicine – Los Angeles – JRCERT Accredited
• City College of San Francisco – San Francisco – JRCERT Accredited
• Cosumnes River College – Sacramento – CAAHEP Accredited
• Cypress College – Cypress – JRCERT, CAAHEP Accredited
• El Camino College – Torrance – JRCERT Accredited
• Foothill College – Los Altos Hills – JRCERT, CAAHEP Accredited
• Fresno City College – Fresno – JRCERT Accredited
• Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences – Richmond – JRCERT Accredited
• Loma Linda University – Loma Linda – JRCERT, CAAHEP, JRCNMT Accredited
• Los Angeles City College – Los Angeles – JRCERT Accredited
• Merced College – Merced – JRCERT, CAAHEP Accredited
• Moorpark College – Moorpark – JRCERT Accredited
• Mt. San Antonio College – Walnut – JRCERT Accredited
• Mt. San Jacinto College – Menifee – CAAHEP Accredited
• National University – Costa Mesa – JRCERT Accredited
• Orange Coast College – Costa Mesa – JRCERT, CAAHEP Accredited
• Pasadena City College – Pasadena – JRCERT Accredited
• San Diego Mesa College – San Diego – JRCERT Accredited
• Santa Barbara City College – Santa Barbara – JRCERT Accredited
• Santa Barbara City College – Santa Barbara – CAAHEP Accredited
• Santa Rosa Junior College – Santa Rosa – JRCERT Accredited
• University of California – San Diego – CAAHEP Accredited
• University of California-Irvine – Orange – JRCERT Accredited
• Yuba Community College – Marysville – JRCERT Accredited

Career Opportunities for Radiology Techs in California

The following are just a few cities within the state of California where graduated students are able to work after they receive their diplomas in the field.

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles has many listings available for radiology technicians who are able to work with complex imaging equipment used to treat patients with several unique diseases in specific parts of the body that would otherwise be hard to locate and diagnose.

San Francisco, California

There is currently a large demand for a number of radiology technicians to work within the San Francisco branch. They require technicians that can help assist the physicians in currently treating all kinds of people.

Sacramento, California

Radiology technologists are needed in the Sacramento region in order to help assist a number of medical specialists to get the images they need in order to point out and have a detailed description of a disease or a trauma to the body. Many hospitals require this type of profession on a regular basis.

San Diego, California

Radiology technicians are even required over in San Diego, specifically for various MRI treatments. They can serve to help take image samples of the patients from within the MRI rooms.

Source:

1 – https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/

2 – http://nursingschoolsnearme.com/accredited-nursing-schools-california/

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