Radiologic Technology Program | X-Ray Program

A Radiologic Technologist is a person trained in the “art and science” of creating images of the human body using ionizing radiation.  The radiologic technologist works closely with the radiology doctor (radiologist) and other physicians, and plays a vital role as a professional member of the total medical team. Technologists work in hospitals’ general radiography, surgery, trauma, pediatrics, clinics, doctors’ offices, CT, mammography, and imaging centers. This exciting and dynamic field is perpetually changing.

The role of radiologic science in medicine is continually growing.  New applications and imaging equipment are in a constant state of development. Imaging’s continued growth and development is dependent on highly qualified and well-trained radiologic technologists.

1.      To graduate students who will demonstrate the knowledge and skills required of competent entry-level radiologic technologists.
2.      To produce students that will demonstrate effective interpersonal skills enabling them to interact efficiently with the entire healthcare team and the public.
3.      To enable students to employ appropriate critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the clinical setting.
4.      To promote lifelong learning, ethics and professionalism through continuing education and membership in professional organizations.
5.      To maintain program effectiveness through the utilization and review of benchmarks in assessing student program completion, pass rates in certification exams, employment rates, and employer satisfaction.

To be considered for acceptance into the program, the applicant must meet the following minimum criteria:

1. Applicant must have graduated from high school or have earned a GED.
2. Applicant must be at least 18 years of age.
3. Applicant must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in all college course work.
4. Applicant must pay all applicable fees, as per the current published fee schedule prior to the issuance of an enrollment contract or must make other arrangements acceptable to the school.
5. Applicant must complete an Ability to Benefit Test (SLE—Scholastic Level Exam), with a minimum score of 29.
6. Non-native speakers must pass an ESL test.
7. Applicant must pass an interview with the Program Director and/or selection committee.
8. Applicant must pass all prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of “C.” All prerequisite courses (see list below under “Prerequisite Courses and General Education Requirements”) must be completed and official transcripts submitted at the time of application to the program.
9. Applicant must show proof of completion (signed by department manager on facility’s letterhead) of 40 hours of volunteering or work experience in a medical imaging department.

For an individual to be eligible to apply to the program, the applicant must show proof of the successful completion of specific prerequisite courses.  These courses have content which is necessary to enable the RT student to understand the information given within the program curriculum and to perform successfully as a radiographer.  The prerequisite courses provide a foundation on which to build upon later in the core radiologic courses.

The courses should be of college level with a minimum grade of “C” and should be within five years of the time of application.  The R.T. Program Director is responsible for evaluating the validity of each course and will make a determination of eligibility based on the individual’s academic history. Official transcripts from the sponsoring institutions are required and are to be submitted in a sealed institutional envelope along with the other application materials.

To be in compliance with the educational standards established by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), all graduates from the Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts Radiologic Technology Program must have completed at least 15 credit hours of general education through credit-bearing courses taken at a college level and with a minimum grade of “C.”  The ASRT defines that the 15 credit hours be taken from the following categories:

1.    Mathematical/logical reasoning (required)
2.    Written/oral communications (required)
3.    Arts and humanities
4.    Information systems
5.    Social/behavioral sciences
6.    Natural sciences

The following is a list of the prerequisite college-level, credit-bearing courses that must be completed with a minimum grade of “C,” and within five years of application (at the discretion of the R.T. Program Director) to establish eligibility as a potential student in the Radiologic Technology Program:

1.    English 1A
2.    Elementary Algebra
3.    Biology
4.    Chemistry
5.    Computer Literacy. (See course outline for “Computers in Radiologic Sciences” for content.)
6.    Medical Terminology (at least 24 instructional hours)
7.    Human Structure and Function: Anatomy and Physiology Survey (at least 36 instructional hours)

Note:  Once an applicant has been admitted to the program, acceptance is contingent upon the student’s ability to provide proof of a passing physical exam conducted by a physician, specific immunizations, and a background check in accordance with the policies of the clinical education centers where the clinical experience is to be obtained.  Students are also advised to ascertain the eligibility requirements for certification with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (A.R.R.T.) to insure that the student will be unaffected by the restrictions regarding misdemeanors and/or felonies.  The A.R.R.T. information can be found at www.arrt.org.

To be considered for acceptance into the program, the applicant must:

1.    Submit a completed application.  It is recommended that interested applicants fill out the application with the Admissions Officer at the Concord campus.
2.    Submit a non-refundable application fee of $75.00.
3.    Possess a high school diploma or show proof of a GED.
4.    Be at least 18 years of age.
5.    Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in all college course work and must submit official transcripts directly from the registrar’s office before the application will be considered complete.  Copies will not be accepted.
6.    Pay all applicable fees, as per the current published fee schedule prior to the issuance of an enrollment contract or must make other arrangements acceptable to the school.
7.    Complete an Ability to Benefit Test (SLE—Scholastic Level Exam), with a minimum score of 29.
8.    Pass an ESL test if applicant is a non-native speaker.
9.    Applicant must pass all prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of “C” defined as a 2.0 grade point value. All prerequisite courses (see list below under “Prerequisite Courses and General Education Requirements”) must be completed and official transcripts submitted at the time of application to the program.
10.    Applicant must show proof of completion (signed by department manager on facility’s letterhead) of 40 hours of volunteering or work experience in a medical imaging department.
11.    Applicant must submit two letters of reference which are current, typed, signed and dated.  No copies will be accepted.  The letters of reference must be of the following nature:
a.    Academic letter of reference from a science or math teacher of a post-secondary institution.
b.    Professional letter of reference from a recent employer or supervisor.
12.    Applicant must submit an essay (no longer than two typed pages) which describes the following:
a.    Reasons for applicant’s desire to become a radiologic technologist.
b.    Reasons for applying to the GAMA Radiologic Technology Program.
c.    Personal attributes which would contribute to the applicant’s success in the program.
d.    Pertinent employment or volunteer experience which would support applicant’s knowledge of the medical field.

Length: 24 months (3,068 Hours)
Clinical: 1,992 hours in affiliated medical facilities.
Didactic: 692 hours
Lab: 384 hours
The didactic training correlates with the lab and clinical education.
Didactic sessions schedule: 10AM-4PM
Clinical sessions schedule: 9AM - 5PM
Lab sessions schedule: 4:30PM - 9PM

Registration Fees: $75.00  (non-refundable)
RSDRF:                     $100.00 (refundable deposit)
Textbooks, Materials, Misc: $1,750.00
First-Year Tuition:      $16,512.00
Second-Year Tuition:$20,304.00        
Total Cost:   $38,741.00

Radiologic Technology program is seeking a programmatic accreditation by JRCERT, Joint Review Committee in Education of Radiologic Technologists. JRCERT recommends 18-24 months for the accreditation process. The process was initiated in September of 2008 as soon as the first batch of RT program began. This program is not accredited by the JRCERT at this time. Please contact JRCERT for more explanation of the accreditation requirements and practices.
JRCERT
20 N. Wacker Drive
Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
Phone: (312) 704-5300
Fax: (312) 704-5304
Web: http://www.jrcert.org

It’s required by law to be certified to work as a radiologic technologist. Please note that the completion of the program might not automatically qualify you to sit for the ARRT examination.
The Radiologic Technology program received approval from the California Department of Public Health, Radiologic Health Branch. The approval allows graduates of the program to sit for the examination to practice radiologic technology in the state of California. Please contact California Department of Public Health, Radiologic Health Branch for more explanation of the accreditation and licensing requirements.

California Department of Public Health
Radiologic Health Branch
1500 Capitol Avenue, 5th Floor, MS 7610
Sacramento, CA 95814-5006
Phone: 916) 327-5106
Fax: (916) 440-7999
Web: http://www.dhs.ca.gov/rhb/

National Median annual earnings of radiologic technologists were $35,775; California Median annual earnings were $50,130 in 2004. The ASRT Wage and Salary Survey 2004 shows that radiologic technologists nationwide earn an average hourly wage of $24.16 and an annual salary of $65,401, representing increases of 19.7 percent and 26.5 percent respectively since 2001. (http://www.asrt.org/content/RTs/SurveyResults/WageandSalarySurvey/wagesalsurvey2004.aspx)

A career in radiologic technology offers a promising future, job stability and good salaries. As technology advances and the American population ages, the demand for radiologic exams and procedures has soared. The country needs a growing number of qualified professionals to provide medical imaging and radiation therapy. Wages of radiologic technologists are competitive with other health professionals who have similar educational backgrounds. Demand for radiologic technologists is strong across the country, in every health care setting. You could work in a large hospital, a suburban outpatient clinic or a rural physician′s office. You could specialize in dozens of clinical areas ranging from prenatal care to orthopedics. You could be responsible for quality assurance or for overseeing the implementation of new technology. You could manage an entire radiology department, including its budget and personnel. Or you could teach. The boundaries of your career in radiologic technology are determined only by your own abilities and interests.
Read more about "Careers in Radiologic Technology" at http://www.asrt.org/content/RecruitmentRetention/RecruitmentTools/career_brochure.aspx

Employment of radiologic technologists is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2014, as the population grows and ages, increasing the demand for diagnostic imaging. (http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos105.htm)

Would like to know more about Radiologic Technologists? Watch this "Career Encounters Videos" presented by ASRT:
1. Introduction to Radiologic Technology - (Intro to Radiologic Technology)
2. Radiography - (Radiography)