Health Sciences and Athletics Division
www.elcamino.edu/academics/healthsciences
The radiologic technology (medical x-ray) program is a competency-based health science specialty. The program provides a specialized educational experience, which assesses progress through clinical application evaluations and academic course work. Successful completion of the program (degree and certificate) prepares students for employment as skilled medical imaging practitioners and makes them eligible for state and national certification examinations. Program assessment is conducted by monitoring student success rates on the State and National Certification Examinations.
General Information
Radiologic Technology courses must be completed with a minimum grade of C before the student may enroll in the next course. For the most up-to-date information about the Radiologic Technology program, please visit the Radiologic Technology website at www.elcamino.edu/academics/healthsciences/radiologictech.
Program Length and Licensing Requirements
The Associate Degree Radiologic Technologist Program is twenty-six months in length, after the completion of the program prerequisite classes. The twenty-six months include the academic semesters and clinical internship (taken concurrently). Satisfactory completion of the prescribed course of study qualifies graduates to take both State and National Certification Examinations. The Radiologic Technology Program is accredited by the California State Department of Public Health Services - Radiologic Health Branch (CDPH-RHB), and the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
Program Prerequisites
Complete the following courses with a grade point average of 2.25 or better: Anatomy 32 or Anatomy and Physiology 34A, Computer Information Systems 13, English 1A, Health and Physical Education (ECC AS GE pattern area 5), Humanities (ECC AS GE pattern area 3), Mathematics (ECC AS GE pattern area 6), Medical Terminology 1, Physiology 31 or Anatomy and Physiology 34B, Psychology 101, Radiologic Technology A.
Acceptance into Radiologic Technology Program
New students are admitted to the program once per year, in the spring semester. Acceptance at El Camino College does not guarantee entrance into the Radiologic Technology Program. Prior to filing an application, transcripts of all academic work completed must be filed in the Office of Admissions and Records.
The application filing period is once a year, during the fall semester. Additional information about the application process and the application packet is available for download on the Radiologic Technology website. www.elcamino.edu/academics/healthsciences/radiologictech.
Prior to Starting the Program
Students will be required to attend one mandatory orientation sessions during the winter session, before beginning the program in the fall spring semester. Provisionally accepted students will be required to undergo a complete physical examination, including a TB test, blood work and show proof of updated vaccines to include the flu and covid booster if required by the clinical sites. Students must submit a current American Heart Assoc. (AHA) CPR for BLS provider card, a criminal background check and drug screening clearance as required by the Clinical Affiliation Agreements and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO) prior to a guaranteed acceptance to the program, and placement at a clinical education training facility. The student is responsible for the cost of these requirements. All students are required to show proof of medical insurance coverage.
Program Costs
Cost of books, uniforms and miscellaneous supplies, background and health and other costs must be borne by the student and is estimated at approximately $1,500 for the first year, and approximately $500 the second year of the program. There is a background check and drug screening required the second year at approximately $200. Any additional drug screening tests required will be paid by the student.
Licensure
Students who complete all Radiologic Technology Associate in Science degree and Certificate of Accomplishment requirements are eligible to take the licensing examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) to become a registered Radiologic Technologist (R.T.). Upon completion of the ARRT exam, students are eligible to apply for the State of California, Department of Health Public Services, Radiation Health Branch, Certified Radiologic Technologist (C.R.T.) licensure and the Fluoroscopy examination and licensure (C.R.T.), (R.F.).
Program Readmission and Course Repetition
Students who leave the Radiologic Technology program for any reason that does not conflict with the ARRT Standards of Ethics (self or faculty initiated) are eligible to be readmitted to the program subject to availability of space. Students will be required to re-apply to the program unless the leave of absence request for personal reasons is less than 6 months. Radiologic Technology courses in which a student has received a D or F grade may be repeated one time and the student may only re-enter the program one time. The JRCERT requires that all students complete the program within three years of their original admission date. This policy is available for review in the Program Director’s Office and is published in the Student Handbook Student academic standing at the time of leaving the program will determine whether academic support courses will be prescribed before re-entry. Students must comply with all conditions of acceptance for re-entry, including submission of a self-evaluation and filing a new application before the student may return. The application points will also be considered when ranking the returning students. The student may be asked to repeat courses previously passed within the program for successful continuance in the program.
Advanced Standing
The student with prior training or experience may petition for credit by examination for RTEC 111 and RTEC 123 .
Prospective students who have had prior education in an accredited Radiologic Technology program may request consideration for entry into the Radiologic Technology Program with advanced placement if space permits. Foreign graduates must have their transcripts evaluated and meet with a college counselor for matriculation prior to meeting with the Program Director regarding the application process.
Special Note Regarding American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Certification
Students must comply with the “Rules of Ethics” contained in the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Standards of Ethics. The “Rules of Ethics” are minimally acceptable standards of professional conduct for all Registered Technologists and Applicants. The “Rules of Ethics” are intended to promote protection, safety and comfort of patients. Registered Technologists and applicants engaging in any of the conduct or activities noted in the “Rules of Ethics” or in the conviction of a crime, including a felony, gross misdemeanor or a misdemeanor with sole exception of speeding and parking violations, all alcohol and drug related violations are subject to sanctions and must be reported. Applicants who have questions regarding limitations related to licensure should contact the ARRT directly.
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