Associate of Science in Medical Radiography
Have You Considered a Career in Medical Radiography?
The Medical Radiographer, also known as a Radiologic Technologist or X-ray Tech, is responsible for imaging body structures, such as bones and soft tissue. The Radiographer’s job is to position the patient, determine exposure factors, manipulate medical imaging equipment, evaluate radiographic image quality, provide patient comfort, and oversee patient and medical team radiation protection. Radiologic Technologists also assist in procedures that visualize the gastrointestinal and urinary tracks using radiographic contrast and fluoroscopy. Radiographers can specialize in Computed Tomography (CT), Imaging Informatics, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Mammography, Nuclear Imaging, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Radiation Therapy, and Radiologist Assistant. Radiographers participate in fast-paced work challenges in a variety of healthcare settings, and must possess the ability to be accurate and calm under pressure.
Associate of Science in Medical Radiography Program
The A.S. in Medical Radiography Program is a 21-month/40-hour-per-week program, beginning every September, where students complete academic instruction and gain over 1,850 clinical hours of Radiography experience.
Courses incorporate a variety of learning activities, such as lectures, classroom activities, hands-on positioning lab, imaging lab, group projects, and online assignments. It is a full-time program with no arrangements for part-time or evening status. Students also gain experience in digital radiography and CT.
Students complete this program with a well-rounded Associate’s degree, education to be a Medical Radiographer, and qualification to sit for the ARRT board exam in Radiography. The LLU program in Medical Radiographer holds a first-time ARRT board pass rate of over 90%. These numbers are based on average cohort sizes of between 28 and 32 students.
Term Dates
The A.S. in Medical Radiography Program follows the Loma Linda University Quarterly academic terms. The program begins each September. The Fall quarter runs from the end of September to mid-December. The Winter quarter runs from the first part of January to mid-March. The Spring quarter runs from the end of March to the middle of June. The Summer quarter runs from the end of June to approximately to the beginning of September. Please refer to the Academic Calendar since the actual dates change yearly.
Academic Calendar- Choose Acadmic Calendar at top right
Costs and Fees
The estimated cost of the program is updated yearly based on the University's tuition and fees, which are subject to change (usually summer quarter). Tuition rates above do not reflect books, uniforms and supplies, living and transportation costs. A University quarterly fee is charged as well as a quarterly fee of $40 for Medical Radiography students.
Program Expectations
The A.S. in Medical Radiography Program is a rigorous program. Students should expect to give full-time attention to this demanding program. Students in the past have needed to adjust their personal schedules to make this program a priority. Students should also plan to drive to their clinical assignments, which are assigned to each student after the program begins. Students are expected to be responsible, accountable, and dependable. and behave and communicate with high professional standards. Attendance in all classes is also expected. Preparing for a 21-month demanding program is a key factor in program completion success. Students are also expected to be able to perform the essential job functions throughout the program and on into the profession, and maintain an overall and term GPA of 2.5 and above.
MISSION
The Medical Radiography Program at Loma Linda University, School of Allied Health Professions, provides a quality educational experience focused on the whole person, preparing students to be registry-eligible, entry-level radiographers, equipped with the knowledge, skills, values, attitudes, and behaviors appropriate for providing excellent patient care and safely managing radiation exposure.
VISION
Our vision is to be known by our students, alumni, faculty, and the communities that we serve as the Medical Radiography Program of choice. Additionally, we want the program experience to be known as "a close family" that is exciting, challenging and fun.
VALUES
We will accomplish our mission and vision by setting and achieving high standards of excellence in professional behavior, academic and clinical education, customer service, and collaborative success.
GOALS & STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SLOs)
Goal 1: Students will demonstrate clinical competence
Outcomes:
Students will perform radiographic exams of diagnostic quality
Students will apply patient care and practices for radiographic procedures
Goal 2: Students will communicate effectively
Outcomes:
Students will clearly explain radiographic procedures to patients
Students will effectively communicate and work with healthcare team
Students will demonstrate appropriate communication for diverse populations
Goal 3: Students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Outcomes:
Students will appropriately adjust procedures
Students will critique images to determine diagnostic acceptability
Goal 4: Students will demonstrate the values and attitudes of an entry-level radiographer
Outcomes:
Students will construct a plan for professional development
Students will model professional behavior
Students will examine the core values and reflect on personal application
Goal 5: The Program will demonstrate measures of outcome in relation to its mission statement and goals
Outcomes:
Students will complete the program at a rate of greater than or equal to 80%
Students will demonstrate a satisfaction of the program
Students will meet the satisfaction expectations of employers
Students will pass the ARRT the first-time at a rate of greater than or equal to 75%
Students will secure jobs within 6-months of graduation at a rate of greater than or equal to 75%
Clinical Training and Essential Job Functions
Each student is assigned to an affiliated imaging center. We have clinical sites located in Loma Linda, Redlands, San Bernardino, Hemet, Palm Springs, Riverside, Apple Valley, Murrieta, and the Imperial Valley. Students are expected to have transportation during the program. Students are assigned a clinical site near the beginning of the program. Some clinical sites may involved a 60 minute drive from Loma Linda University.
Essential Job Functions
The essential job functions of a radiographer require certain physical, mental, & emotional attributes. Physical demands include lifting; carrying; bending; manipulation of equipment; patient assistance; walking and prolonged standing; the ability to read written orders, computer screens, patient records, and equipment controls; and the ability to communicate with patients, physicians, and coworkers. Mental and emotional demands include critical decision making, interaction with patients of different ages and health conditions, maintaining patient confidentiality, and being able to work under pressure in stressful conditions, such as in the operating or emergency room.
Loma Linda University: Educating Radiology Professionals
Loma Linda University offers a number of programs in the medical imaging field. Besides Medical Radiography, we offer programs in Computed Tomography, Imaging Informatics (online), Cardiac Electrophysiology, Magnetic Resonance, Nuclear Medicine, Sonography, Radiation Therapy, and Dosimetry. We also offer an online Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Radiation Sciences, a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration, and an online Radiologist Assistant Master’s degree program.
Eligibility for ARRT Certification
Eligibility for the ARRT certification exam may be affected if the applicant has a prior felony or misdemeanor conviction. Prior to applying to this program the applicant should contact the ARRT at 651-687-0048 to determine if eligibility will be granted.
Application Window
Applications are accepted between October 1 and February 1. An extension is granted to those who attended our Open House in February. If an applicant does not attend the Open House in February, the application deadline is February 1. Interviews are conducted from March to June.
Admissions Requirements
It is recommended to submit your completed application as early as possible during the enrollment period so that ample time is provided for receiving official transcripts and personal references.
Applicants are also required to complete a background check during the application process. There is a fee associated with this requirement and is the students responsibility.
Students are required to have a current Health Care Provider CPR card offered by the American Heart association upon admission into the program and maintain it for the entire length of the program. CPR courses are available through our Life Support Education Department.
Interview & Application Requirements
To be eligible for the interview, the applicant must:
- Complete a pre-screening phone interview,
- Complete a minimum of 42 quarter units (28 semester units)
- Hold a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, and a prerequisite GPA of 2.5 or higher,
- Submit official transcripts,
- Submit three references,
- Write and submit admissions essay, (see application portal for details of this essay)
- Complete 12 hours of career observation in a Radiology Department. Form
- LLU must receive transcripts, references, and the career observation for no later than March 1. Send all elements to: Loma Linda University Admissions Processing Loma Linda CA 92350.
Interviews are conducted between March and June. The final determination of the class will be made in June. Thirty-two seats are available. An average of 100 applications are received yearly for this program. If the application process is not complete (ie: references, clinical observation, and transcripts are not received) by March 1, those individuals will not be considered for pre-screening or interviews.
The faculty looks for professionalism, medical career readiness, academic history and potential, goals, interest, life experience, service activities, maturity, ability to perform essential functions, and career fit during the application process. Students with low science GPAs or uncompleted prerequisites by June, of the application year, may not be considered for the current year due to the competitiveness of the program.
To remain in the program students must maintain an overall and quarterly 2.5 GPA, pass three program milestones, and adhere to the University and program’s professional code of conduct. Prerequisites must include:
Program Prerequisites:
Introduction to Chemistry or Physics: One year of high school, or one quarter/semester at the college level
Freshmen English: One-year college sequence
Speech: One quarter/semester in college
Introduction to Computers: One quarter/semester in college; or 1 year of high school computer courses
Medical Terminology: One quarter/semester in college
Human Anatomy and Physiology: Must include two sections, both with a lab
Mathematics: Two years of high school math: Algebra I & II, Geometry, Trigonometry; or quarter/semester college equivalent of Intermediate Algebra.
Social Sciences: General Psychology or Sociology in college
Religious Studies: Students who attended a Seventh-day Adventist College must have 4-quarter units of credit for each year attended.
Electives: Students may take any type of regular (non-remedial) college courses to make up the required 42 quarter-units (28 semester units).
Prerequisite grades of C or above are accepted. C- grades are not transferrable and accepted as prerequistes or courses into the program.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must complete 12 hours of career observation prior to the application deadline of February 1st.
Forms Page
Applications are accepted beginning October 1st through February 1st. It is recommended to submit your completed application early on in the open enrollment period to better your chances of admission. The class may fill before the published deadline dates.
Applicants are also required to complete a background check during the application process.
Students are required to have a current Health Care Provider CPR card offered by the American Heart Association upon admission into the program and maintain it for the entire length of the program. CPR courses are available through our Life Support Education Department.
Program Curriculum
Year 1 - Fall Quarter
| |
Units | |
| RTMR 202 | Orientation Lab (1 day/week) |
1 |
| RTMR 224 | Legal Issues in Medical Radiography |
1 |
| RTMR 246 | Professional Communications |
2 |
| RTMR 253 | Med Radiography Procedures 1 |
2 |
| RTMR 253L | Med Radiography Procedures Lab 1 | 1 |
| RTMR 285 | Principles of Radiography 1 |
3 |
| AHCJ 326 | Fundamentals of Health Care |
2 |
| AHCJ 328 | Portfolio Practicum I |
1 |
| RELT 423 |
Loma Linda Perspectives |
2 |
| TOTAL |
15 |
Year 1 - Winter Quarter
| Units | ||
| RTMR 221 | Radiologic Patient Care |
2 |
| RTMR 254 | Med Radiography Procedures II | 2 |
| RTMR 254L | Med Radiography Procedures Lab II | 1 |
| RTMR 284 | Radiation Protection & Biology | 2 |
| RTMR 286 |
Principles of Radiography II |
3 |
| RTMR 371 |
Medical Radiography Affiliation I 2 days/ week |
1 |
| TOTAL |
11 |
Year 1 - Spring Quarter
| Units | ||
| RTMR 255 | Med Radiography Procedures III |
2 |
| RTMR 255L | Med Radiography Procedures Lab III | 1 |
| RTMR 283 | Radiologic Physics |
3 |
| RTMR 287 | Principles of Radiography III |
2 |
| RTMR 372 | Medical Radiography Affiliation II 3 days/week |
2 |
| RTMR 247 | Spanish for Radiographers | 1 |
| TOTAL |
11 |
Year 2 - Summer Quarter
| Units | ||
| RTMR 373 |
Med Radiography Affiliation III 5 days/week |
3 |
| TOTAL |
3 |
Year 2 - Fall Quarter
| Units | ||
| RTMR 321 |
Radiographic Image Evaluation |
2 |
| RTMR 305 | Intro to CT1 |
2 |
| RELE 457 |
Christian Ethics and Healthcare |
2 |
| RTMR 374 | Med Radiography Affiliation IV 4 days/week |
2 |
| Total | 8 |
Year 2 - Winter Quarter
| |
Units | |
| RTMR 306 |
Introduction to CT II |
2 |
| RTMR 345 |
Radiologic Pathology |
2 |
| RTMR 363 |
Comprehensive Review I |
1 |
| RTMR 375 | Med Radiography Affiliation V 4 days/week |
2 |
| Total | 7 |
Year 2 - Spring Quarter
| Units | ||
| RTMR 342 |
Professional Development |
1 |
| RTMR 365 | Comprehensive Review II |
1 |
| RTMR 386 | Medical Radiography Affiliation VI 4 days/week |
2 |
| Total | 5 | |
| Program Total | 60 |
Please Note: C- grades or below are not transferable for credit. If you repeat a class the latest grade is recognized. Courses must be from an Accredited Institution.
Contact
Brenda Boyd, MS, MAOM, R.T. (R)(M)(AART), Assistant Professor, Program Director
bboyd@llu.edu
(909) 583-3033
(909) 558-4931 Department Office
(909) 558-7965 Fax
For More Information
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