Imaging Pathway
Modern technology gives doctors many options for diagnosing a patient’s condition. Some techniques are invasive, others exploratory, and others are minimally or non-invasive. Diagnostic Imaging (DI) refers to a group of methods that utilize non-invasive techniques to identify and monitor certain diseases. DI is the field of medicine that uses non-invasive imaging scans to diagnose a patient. The tests and equipment used sometimes involve low radiation doses to create highly detailed images of an area.
Radiographers (X-Ray, Rad Tech) are considered an entry-level professional in the medical imaging industry. Radiographers with experience can move into other advanced imaging modalities, such as Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Cardiac Labs, Vascular and Interventional labs, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy, Dosimetry, Sonography, and Densitometry.
The Importance of Imaging Technology
Imaging can identify a wide range of problems, from broken bones to gastrointestinal conditions. In addition to identifying issues, doctors can use diagnostic imaging to monitor how your body responds to current treatment or screen for diseases like breast cancer and colon cancer.
Examples of Imaging Modalities / Specialties Include:
- Radiography (X-rays)
- Ultrasound
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scans
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scans
- Nuclear Medicine Scans
Why become an Imaging Technologist?
- The average salary for an Imaging Technologist in California ranges from $29.09 – 40.71 per hour. (dependent on specialty)
- With experience and depending on the region, Technologists earn as much as $61.31 per hour.
- Imaging Technologists can work in various healthcare settings, including state, local, and private hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, offices of physicians and other health care professionals, and outpatient care centers.
*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Program Locations
Find your region below and click to expand to find out about program length, prerequisites and more:
California
Provider: PIMA Medical Institute
Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences (BSRS)
Program Length: Full-time: 16 months, Part-time: 30 months
Location: Online
Prerequisites: Applicants will need to complete the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification to officially start the BSRS program, proof of high school diploma or GED equivalent, must have completed a total of 70 semester credits of specific coursework within the last 5 years or provide recent proof of practice.
Southern California
Provider: Concorde Career Colleges
A.A.S. in Neurodiagnostic Technology
Program Length: 78 weeks
Location: San Bernardino
Prerequisites: Complete any required entrance examinations, including Wonderlic SLE and Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI) A2 exam
Diploma in Polysomnographic Technology
Program Length: 35 weeks
Location: San Bernardino
Prerequisites: Complete any required entrance examinations, including Wonderlic SLE
Northwest (Washington and Oregon)
Provider: Portland Community College
Associates of Applied Science in Radiology Associates Degree
Program Length: 104 units
Prerequisites: Complete a C or better in Human Anatomy and Physiology I, II, III, and College Algebra or higher course.
Provider: Clatsop Community College
Radiology Technology Degree
Program Length: 2 years
Prerequisites: Degree requirements
Provider: Concorde Career Colleges
Diploma in Polysomnographic Technology
Program Length: 35 weeks
Location: Portland
Prerequisites: Complete any required entrance examinations, including Wonderlic SLE
Colorado
Provider: PIMA Medical Institute
Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences (BSRS)
Program Length: Full-time: 16 months, Part-time: 30 months
Location: Online
Prerequisites: Applicants will need to complete the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification to officially start the BSRS program, proof of high school diploma or GED equivalent, must have completed a total of 70 semester credits of specific coursework within the last 5 years or provide recent proof of practice.
Provider: Community College of Denver
Radiologic Technology Associates Degree
Program Length: 58 units
Prerequisites: Complete with a C or better and 20 units in Human Anatomy & Physiology with Lab, College Algebra, and one of the following: English Composition I or Technical Writing. One of the following: General Psychology or Introduction to Sociobiology or Human Growth and Development. One of the following: Introduction to Radiography, Human Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab courses.
Provider: Concorde Career Colleges
A.S. in Radiologic Technology
Program Length: 91 weeks
Location: Aurora
Prerequisites: Complete any required entrance examinations, including Wonderlic SLE and Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI) A2 exam
Nevada
Provider: PIMA Medical Institute
Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences (BSRS)
Program Length: Full-time: 16 months, Part-time: 30 months
Location: Online
Prerequisites: Applicants will need to complete the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification to officially start the BSRS program, proof of high school diploma or GED equivalent, must have completed a total of 70 semester credits of specific coursework within the last 5 years or provide recent proof of practice.
Program status
We appreciate your interest in the Education Fund’s programs and services. We have received a tremendous response to our education and training programs and have reached our enrollment limit for many of our current programs. As a result, we are not accepting applications for this Education Fund program. (We may have limited availability for members in the Northwest, Colorado, Nevada, and New Mexico and we encourage you to login to MyEdFund to check availability.)
We anticipate a high level of interest and limited availability again in 2023, and we encourage you to create an individualized educational plan for 2023 with your Career Counselor/Regional Coordinator. You can make an appointment via MyEdFund, our secure, online member portal.