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 Education Fund has partnered with multiple educational vendors to provide eligible Ed Fund members the opportunity to participate in various Imaging programs. Students will then be eligible to sit for the National Radiologic Technologist Exam or other qualifying exams depending on the area of study.
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 & Dates
Find your region below and click to expand and find out about start dates, program length and more:
California
Provider: PIMA Medical Institute
Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences (BSRS)
Program Length: Full-time: 16 months, Part-time: 30 months
Program Start Date: August 31, 2022
Application Deadline: August 8, 2022
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: Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts
A.O.S. in Radiologic Technology
Program Length: 104 weeks
Program Start Date: September 26, 2022
Application Deadline: August 17, 2022
Location: Van Nuys
Prerequisites: Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT) minimum score required
Provider: Concorde Career Colleges
A.A.S. in Neurodiagnostic Technology
Program Length: 78 weeks
Program Start Dates: July 5, 2022; December 5, 2022
Application Deadlines: June 10, 2022; August 19, 2022
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
Program Start Date: December 19, 2022
Application Deadline: August 19, 2022
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
Program Dates: September 26, 2022
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
Program Start Dates: July 2022; September 2022
Prerequisites: Degree requirements
Provider: Concorde Career Colleges
Diploma in Polysomnographic Technology
Program Length: 35 weeks
Program Start Dates: July 5, 2022; December 5, 2022
Application Deadlines: June 3, 2022; August 19, 2022
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
Program Start Date: August 31, 2022
Application Deadline: August 8, 2022
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
Program Start Date: August 22, 2022
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
Program Start Date: September 19, 2022
Application Deadline: August 19, 2022
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
Program Start Date: August 31, 2022
Application Deadline: August 8, 2022
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.
Get started
If you’re interested, feel like you might be a good fit and are ready to get started, follow these steps:
- Schedule an appointment with a career counselor.
- Submit Application.
For questions, please ask a career counselor by using the Find Out More button below: