Female doctor looking at an X-Ray

Radiologic Technology

Earn your A.A.S. degree in only two years and prepare to earn your license to work as a radiologic technologist assisting with X-rays, MRIs and more.

Gain the skills needed for a rewarding career as a Radiologic Technologist! Our Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Radiologic Technology is a two-year program during which you will acquire the necessary skills and training to perform a wide variety of diagnostic imaging examinations. You will graduate ready to earn national certification and enter the workforce as a radiologic technologist.

9%
job growth expected from 2020-2030 (BLS)
2
years to complete the Radiologic Technology degree
$95K
mean wage in California for radiologic technologists

Radiologic Program Format & Certification

This Radiologic Technology program is full-time with a lock-step curriculum, and a fall start. The program is cohort-based and has a fall start date. Including two summer semesters, it can be completed in two years.

All students meeting the graduation requirements will be eligible to take the National Certifying Examination given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Upon successfully completing the ARRT examination, you will also receive a California license to practice radiography in the State of California. It's necessary to have an associate’s degree to sit for the certifying exam.

What is Radiography?

Radiography is an imaging technique that uses radiation to create visual displays of the human body and internal organs. Radiologic technologists are health professionals who use radiographic techniques to create X-rays, MRIs, and other electromagnetic images that are used to help diagnose and treat patients. After nurses and physicians, radiologic technologists are one of the largest groups of health professionals in the country (ARRT).

Where can I work with a Radiologic degree?

With your associate's degree and certification, you can enter the workforce as a radiologic technologist, assisting physicians with X-rays and other imaging techniques. More than half of radiologic technologists work in hospitals. Radiologic technologists also work in other healthcare facilities, including physicians' offices and outpatient care centers.

After becoming credentialed and licensed, you can choose to jump right into full-time employment or pursue an area of specialty such as MRI, mammography, or CT, to further increase your job prospects and salary potential.

What You’ll Learn in TUC’S A.A.S. in Radiologic Technology Program

Our radiologic program combines world-class didactic training and hands-on clinical experience. You’ll learn:

  • Diagnostic medical imaging
  • Equipment operation
  • Radiographic procedures
  • Patient care
  • Radiation safety and protection

During your first semester, you'll develop a strong foundation in related scientific areas like human anatomy and physiology, as well as learn the core principles of imaging technology. As you progress through the program, you will learn how to X-ray specific anatomical areas, how to care for patients, and learn about more complex scientific topics like radiation physics. 

Beyond coursework, students have ample opportunities to master new technical skills as they rotate through clinical sites, performing procedures under the supervision of certified technologists. A wide range of imaging instruments are available for student use, including simulated, non-energized laboratory equipment to help implement concepts learned in the classroom.

Radiologic Tech Salary & Employment Growth

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage in 2022 was approximately $62,000 for radiographers and MRI technologists nationwide. Radiographers in California earned the highest annual mean wage in the country at $95,170 per year .

The outlook for future students is even brighter. The BLS reports an expected 9% growth in employment for radiologic technologists between 2020 and 2030. California is also one of the top 5 states with the highest employment level of radiologic technologists.

A.A.S. in Radiologic Technology Plan of Study

The A.A.S is a 74.5 credit program completed in five semesters. It is a full-time, cohort-based program.

Fall One

College Writing I (4 credits)

Extensive practice in expository writing, with emphasis on the composition of a three- to five-page research paper in MLA format.

College Mathematics (3 credits)

Algebraic topics including linear equations and inequalities, systems of equations, quadratic equations, all including word problems. Exponents and radicals, operations with polynomials, factoring, and graphing.

Introductory Physics (3 credits)

The Course is designed to provide an introductory survey to basic physics. This course will include discussions in the following subject areas; the structure of matter, electricity, magnetism and electromagnetism.

Principles of Imaging (3 credits)

A study of radiographic imaging and the production of quality x-ray images. This unit will provide the student with knowledge on the production and control of scatter radiation, intensifying screens, cones and collimators, grids, formulations exposure techniques, AED, technique charts. Screen-film Radiography and Screen-film Radiographic Technique, Image Artifacts and Screen-film radiographic quality control.

Human Anatomy and Physiology I / Lab (4 credits)

This course is designed for pre-professional students (i.e., OTA, PTA and Medical Coding) as an introduction to a basic understanding of the structural organization of the human body starting with the tissues, integumentary, skeletal, muscular, digestive and nervous systems. The course will focus on the cellular organization and on the tissue and organ level of each system. In laboratory exercises, students study and learn structures from various available anatomical models. Not for science majors.

Sociology of Health Care (3 credits)

An overview of the sociology of medicine, with a focus on the relationships between social conditions, as the context, and health and disease in human populations, as outcomes. Utilizing sociological methods of analysis, the course investigates the history, function and structure of health care institutions, the roles of patients and health care practitioners, as well as social processes and social behaviors that influence the incidence of sickness and health.

Spring One

Radiation Protection (2 credits)

The unit will provide the students with knowledge of the basic elements of radiation protection for the patient, radiographer, other personnel and the general public, shielding requirements, units of measurements and exposure monitoring are discussed. The principles and concept explaining basic interaction with matter, maximum permissible doses and the effects of measurements are also included. Content of this course is designed to impart awareness on the proper application of radiation limiting devices and techniques, radiation monitoring systems, safety standards, units of measurement and calculation exposure.

Radiographic Anatomy II (3 credits)

This course is designed to provide each student with knowledge of the basic structure and function of human body. The course material is presented in lecture format. The course covers the This course is an introduction to human anatomy and physiology from an integrative perspective. Students learn the structure and function of the tissues, the skeletal system, the nervous system, the endocrine system, and muscle function from the level of the cell to the level of the organism. Emphasis will be placed on Radiologic Anatomy. At the end of the entire course, the student should be familiar with all principal organs of the human body, should have a good working knowledge of their functions and interactions, should have a basic understanding of human metabolic processes and should understand the elements of human anatomy. This course will use both a systems & regional approach to uncover the anatomy. It is our intention to provide the best environment to facilitate your learning. You will be encouraged to discuss, challenge, and critique information by interacting with your peers and the instructors.

Radiographic Procedures I (4 credits)

This course will provide the student with the fundamental knowledge of skeletal anatomy. The course will teach the student different positioning terminology and basic positioning principles as well as x-ray projections and how the two relate to create an image. Anatomical regions that the student will know how to image include: chest, abdomen, fingers, hand, wrist, arm, elbow and shoulder joints, entire leg including hip, knee and ankle joints and foot; pelvis including ilium and 51 joints, axial spine and thorax.

Patient Care I (3 credits)

This course introduces the concepts and techniques of patient assessment and patient care. The student will demonstrate proficiency in measuring vital signs and pulse oximetry, and taking a complete patient medical history. Care of patients receiving contrast media, having central venous line or nasogastric tube. An Introduction to EKG and interpretation of EKG waveform will be discussed. Knowledge of common medical emergencies and how to deal with them will be introduced to students.

Principles of Imaging II (2 credits)

This course will include discussions on the following subject matters; Computers in medical imaging and Computed Radiography; Digital Radiography, Digital radiographic technique, Viewing the digital radiographic image. Digital radiographic artifacts Digital radiographic quality control.

Radiation Physics I (2 credits)

This course will include discussions on the following subject matters; The essential concepts of Radiologic Science, The structure of matter, Electromagnetic energy, electricity, magnetism and electro magnetism.

Clinical Radiography I (1 credit)

This is the first of four clinical externship courses. This course is designed to provide the student with hands-on-radiographic positioning and patient care experience at a clinical site under the supervision of a qualified Radiologic technologist. Emphasis is placed on achieving clinical competency in performing radiographic examinations of the chest, abdomen, upper and lower extremities as per the A.R.R.T. competency requirements for primary certification in radiography. In addition, student must demonstrate appropriate critical thinking and affective skills and the clinical education setting.

Summer One

The World of Work (2 credits)

This interactive, hands-on course that will focus on professional development skills. Through class lectures, mock interviews, resume writing, guest speakers, practice sessions and homework assignments, students will learn work place etiquette advancement strategies and an introduction to leadership and professional communication/ presentation skills.

Clinical Radiography II (.5 credits)

This is the second of four clinical externship courses. This course is designed to provide the student with hands-on-radiographic positioning and patient care experience at a clinical site under the supervision of a qualified Radiologic technologist. Emphasis is placed on achieving clinical competency in performing radiographic examinations of the chest, abdomen, upper and lower extremities as per the A.R.R.T. competency requirements for primary certification in radiography. In addition, student must demonstrate appropriate critical thinking and affective skills and the clinical education setting.

Biomedical Ethics (3 credits)

This course is designed to provide a fundamental background in ethics. With both the historical and philosophical basis ethical behavior will be discussed. Ethical issues and dilemmas found in clinical practice will be examined. Legal terminology, concepts and principles will be presented. The ASRT scope of practice, misconduct, malpractice, and other legal and professional standards will be discussed.

Radiographic Procedures II (4 credits)

This course will provide the student with the fundamental knowledge of skeletal anatomy. The course will teach the student different positioning terminology and basic positioning principals as well as x-ray projections and how the two relate to create an image. Anatomical regions that the student will know how to image include: radiographic positioning of the lower extremities and pelvic girdle.

Fall Two

Patient Care II (3 credits)

This course introduces the concepts and techniques of patient assessment and patient care. The students learn how to admit a patient to the radiology department and how to properly move and transfer patients. The students are taught to care for patients with various problems (e.g. skull or spinal injuries, pediatric or geriatric patients, shock, etc.). Proper methods of the administration of enemas and caring for patients with various types of tubes are discussed. Surgical aseptic technique, and proper skin preparation. The student is taught how to assist with drug and contrast media administration. Various contrast complications and anaphylactic reactions are discussed. Transmission of microorganisms and isolation techniques are learned.

Radiographic Anatomy III (3 credits)

The core of this course will consist of positioning of the bones of the thorax and spine. Specific procedures for mobile, operating room, pediatric and geriatric imaging will be covered. Review of anatomy and image evaluation for each area of interest is also included. Including demonstration and practice of radiographic positioning for the bones of the thorax and spine discussed in the classroom. Students will also be evaluated on their ability and skills to perform previously covered procedures, diagram and image identification of anatomy and positioning errors.

Clinical Radiography III (1.5 credits)

This is the third of four clinical externship courses. This course is designed to provide the student with hands-on-radiographic positioning and patient care experience at a clinical site under the supervision of a qualified Radiologic technologist. Emphasis is placed on achieving clinical competency in performing radiographic examinations of the chest, abdomen, upper and lower extremities as per the A.R.R.T. competency requirements for primary certification in radiography. In addition, student must demonstrate appropriate critical thinking and affective skills and the clinical education setting.

Radiographic Procedures III (4 credits)

The core of this course will consist of positioning of the bones of the thorax and spine. Specific procedures for mobile, operating room, pediatric and geriatric imaging will be covered. Review of anatomy and image evaluation for each area of interest is also included. Includes demonstration and practice of radiographic positioning for the bones of the thorax and spine discussed in the classroom. Students will also be evaluated on their ability and skills to perform previously covered procedures, diagram and image identification of anatomy and positioning errors.

Radiation Physics II (2 credits)

This course will provide the information on the special equipment used in radiography such as fluoroscopy, TV camera and different recording systems. The content of this course will provide the student the necessary knowledge on the quality control and quality assurance of the radiographic department. The equipment used for different quality control tests, maintenance of the different radiographic equipment and the different methods to troubleshoot malfunctions are discussed.

Spring Two

Advanced Imaging (3 credits)

This unit will provide the students with the basic fundamental concepts pertaining to special procedures including: Gastric Procedures/Fluoro, OR/Port Fluoroscopy, Mammography, CT, MRI, Pediatrics and Geriatrics. The patient care, radiation protection, positioning techniques and equipment required for each procedure will also be discussed.

Radiation Biology (3 credits)

This course provides instruction on the principles of cell radiation interaction. Radiation effects on cells and factors affecting cell response are presented. Acute and chronic effects of radiation are discussed. Topics include: radiation detection and measurement; patient protection; personnel protection; absorbed dose equivalencies; agencies and regulations; introduction to radiation biology; cell anatomy; radiation/cell interaction; and effects of radiation.

Clinical Radiography IV (1.5 credits)

This is the fourth of four clinical externship courses. This course is designed to provide the student with hands-on-radiographic positioning and patient care experience at a clinical site under the supervision of a qualified Radiologic technologist. Emphasis is placed on achieving clinical competency in performing radiographic examinations of the chest, abdomen, upper and lower extremities as per the A.R.R.T. competency requirements for primary certification in radiography. In addition, student must demonstrate appropriate critical thinking and affective skills and the clinical education setting.

Comprehensive Review (4 credits)

This course is designed to provide the student with a comprehensive review to prepare the student for the ARRT certification in radiology. Student will be administered mock examinations to simulate actual exam conditions. Stress reduction and test taking skills will be emphasized. This course also includes a complete review of the radiography curriculum in preparation for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists National examination.

Radiographic Pathology (3 credits)

This course will acquaint the student radiographer with basic medical terminology used to describe various pathologic conditions occurring in the human body and introduce the student to some specific imaging techniques.

Program Learning Outcomes for AAS in Radiologic Technology

Students graduating from the AAS in RT Program will be able to:

  • Demonstrate appropriate technical skills in the clinical setting.
  • Demonstrate effective written and oral communication.
  • Demonstrate proper positioning skills.
  • Exhibit proficiency in performing radiographic exams.
  • Demonstrate professionalism.

Accreditation & Licensure

The Program provides the theory, skill, and experience necessary to apply for admission to the licensure exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT); and for licensure from the State of California, Department of Public Health, Radiologic Health Branch, as a Certified Radiologic Technologist (CRT). The student is also eligible to take the State Fluoroscopy Permit exam.

Touro University California is accredited by WASC. This program is pending approval by WSCUS and will not commence until approval is granted.

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