EL CAMINO COLLEGE
RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY
PROGRAM
APPLICATION AND PROGRAM
INFORMATION - 2011
AWARDED THE JRCERT MAXIMUM
ACCREDIATION OF 8 YEARS ! 
This Presentation…
• Is intended to provide information
• Application process for the Radiologic
Technology Program at ECC
• You can view this entire presentation at
www.elcamino.edu/faculty/mcolunga
Key Points
• Program Information
• How to Apply and who can apply?
• What classes are needed
• Is there a waiting list?
• What does it take to become an R.T.?
RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY
A
“HIGH TECH” – “HIGH TOUCH”
PROFESSION
Caring for others
Helping others
Radiography
of the past and present
Film Imaging to
DIGITAL IMAGING
THE PROFESSION & SKILL LEVELS
ARE CHANGING!
Digital Imaging is here at ECC
1st College to get digital
Different Types
of RT Programs
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University-based
College-based
Hospital-based
Military
Commercial Schools
RT Programs
Didactic and Clinical Education
DIDACTIC CLASSES
LABS
CLINICAL
EL CAMINO COLLEGE
IS SIMILAR TO THIS
MODEL
Some Programs
SIMILAR TO THIS MODEL
To get the List of
RADIOGRAPHY SCHOOLS
(in California)
•www.csrt.org
•www.cdph.ca.gov/rhb
•www.jrcert.org
Questions to ask programs…
• What is your accreditation & how long?
• What is your pass rate for ARRT?
• How many students find jobs after
graduation?
• How many students start and finish?
• What are your costs to attend?
• How many faculty & clinical sites?
• Do you have a website?
RAD TECH PROGRAM
ORGANIZATIONAL
CHART (2007)
EL CAMINO COLLEGE
RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY
PROGRAM
• 2 years of Radiologic Technology Program courses
– INCLUDES CLASSES ON CAMPUS
– WORKING/ TRAINING UNDER SUPERVISION AT THE
CLINICAL SITES (HOSPITALS) WITH PATIENTS
• FULL TIME / DAYTIME* PROGRAM
– Monday TO Friday *7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (approximate)
– DEPENDING ON THE SEMESTER OF ATTENDANCE
ECC
GRADUATE WITH
• A.S. (Associate in Science) Degree
• Radiologic Technology Certificate
– Eligible to take national certification
– Eligible to get state license
• The Program is JRCERT accredited
• Step 1: ARRT: National Certification
– Graduates are eligible to apply for certification
exam for ARRT (R.T.)
• Step 2: California Licensure
– California Department of Public Health:
Radiologic Health Branch (C.R.T.) & (R) (F)
---------------------------------------------------------• Passing the ARRT exam and licensure is
necessary for employment.
Supervision of Students
Clinical Instructors
• Direct supervision
– Until students
demonstrate
competency
• Indirect Supervision
– Once competency is
demonstrated
LAB PRACTICE
Student Mentors: LAB
Image Review and Critique
What can you
do NOW
to prepare for a career in
the Health Sciences?
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
• IN ABOUT 3 – 4 YEARS
– 1-2 years general education courses
• 2 years in the RT program
– MUST BE 24 MONTHS FOR FULL
ACCREDIATION
HOW MUCH $$$$$$
• To attend ECC $26/unit
• End of program = 91 units + ( $2400.00)
• APPROXIMATE PROGRAM
• TOTAL = $3,000
• High School (210 units) = free
• University $110/unit to $1000/unit
• Private RT Schools ~ $15,000 to - $30,000
Application Prerequisites
• Anatomy 32 - Principles of Human Anatomy (4 units)
• Physiology 31 - Human Physiology (4units)
– OR Anatomy 34A & 34B
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RTEC A - Introduction to Radiologic Technology (3 units)
Psychology 5 - General Psychology (3 units)
Computer Information Systems13 – Intro to Computers (3 units)
Math 70,73 or 80 –Intermediate Algebra (4 units) (as of 8/2009)
English 1A – Reading and Composition (4 units)
Medical Terminology (3 units)
Humanities Course (3 units)
Contemporary Health, PE (3 units)
Total Units 40
**Equivalent Courses may be taken at other colleges :
Meet with a Counselor for Articulation with ECC
Anatomy & Physiology
• MUST BE A TOTAL OF 8 UNITS
• Combo classes of 4, 5 or 6* units WILL NOT
meet the requirement (ex. Anatomy 30)
• With a 6 unit you may be able to get a credit
for Physiology
– But will still have to take a 4 unit Anatomy class
Community College Program
note new req for AS of Fall 2009
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Complete GENERAL EDUCATION CLASSES:
English 1A
Math 40 (beginning Algebra) As of FALL 2009 –
Intermediate Algebra (70) now: 73 or 80)
(Social Science) History or Poli Sci * As if FALL 2009
removed the social and behavioral science course only 1 course is required
and it would be satisfied by taking Psychology 5.
• Humanities (? now Hum 1 ok)
• P. E or Health Class
•
(SEE WORKSHEET ON WEBSITE or back of handout)
Suggested Ed Plan:
• Complete prerequisites
• Meet with counselor for course completion
and GPA
• Complete application
– Page 1-2 you fill out
– Pages 3-4 counselor fills out
– Pages 5-6 filled out by application committee
– With all supporting documents
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Copy of DL and school ID
• 2 self addressed stamped envelopes
Courses taken at other colleges?
• Download Application and take pages 3-4 to
counselors
– Chris Jefferies, Janice Ishikawa, Rene
Lozano or Kelsy Ilino
• Continuous vs. New Student requirements
FAQ’S: WAITING LIST?
• NO – the process has changed this year
• Application are accepted during early
Spring
• Applicants are notified in June
– Summer orientation (MANDATORY)
• New class begins in Fall Semester
Recommendations
• Anatomy should be taken within 5 years
from start of Program
• Refresher course in Anatomy or RTEC A
• Take courses to transfer to BS program
Extra Points
How do I increase my possibility
of getting into the program?
GPA
4.0 + 30 points
3.5 + 25 points
3.0 + 20 points
2.5 + 10 points
2.25 + 5 points
STUDY! STUDY! STUDY!
Previous academic degrees or
diplomas, or completion of additional
courses for personal enrichment
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BS/ BA ( 5 points)
AS/AA ( 3 points)
PE 201: Adaptive PE ( 3 points)
ESL 51 B or C (2 points)
Public Speaking course : Communication 1
or equivalent ( 1 point)
Maximum total: 10 points
Relevant health care certificates held by an
applicant , or volunteer or observation hours
credits
• LVN RN, or other health care professions
(5 points)
• Limited XT ( 5 points)
– Work experience above 1000 hours + 10
points
• Observation hours (up to 3 points)
• Volunteer (heath care related) (2 points)
• Maximum total: 10 points
Relevant Life experiences or special
circumstances of an applicant
• A need to work (3 points)
• Proficiency in a language other than
English (2 points)
• Veteran Status ( 5 points)
• Maximum points : 5 points
CLINICAL AFFILIATES
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Little Company of Mary – Torrance
Little Company of Mary – San Pedro
Santa Monica Medical Center
Centinela – Freeman & Marina Campus
Torrance Memorial Medical Center
California Hospital Medical Center
Kaiser Permanente Harbor City
Who Can Apply
• Those who meet application requirements
• Prior to ACCEPTANCE to the Program:
– Health Check
– Background Check – for Clinical (JCAHO)
– “Pre- application” is possible
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING A.R.R.T.
CERTIFICATION ELIGIBILITY
• Students must comply with the “Rules of
Ethics” contained ARRT Standard of
Ethics.
• The A.R.R.T. may deny applications for
certification if the applicant has been found
guilty of dishonesty, fraud, deceit, acts
which deceive the public, felony, child
abuse, sex offender crimes; acts involving
narcotics, dangerous drugs or devices,
assault and/or battery and other crimes.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING A.R.R.T.
CERTIFICATION ELIGIBILITY
• Applicants having questions regarding
limitations related to licensure should contact:
• THE AMERICAN REGISTRY OF
RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGISTS
• 1255 NORTHLAND DRIVE
• ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA 55120-1155
• TEL: (651) 687-0048 Web Site:
www.arrt.org
• For a Pre-Application
Packet $75.00
Acceptance into the
program…
Mandatory Orientation
Summer before program starts
HEALTH FORMS
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Background check– Criminal history
Health/ Physical
TB Test (annually)
Hepatitis B Vaccine or waiver
Influenza Vaccine or waiver
Physical Fitness
Up to date immunizations
– MMR, varicella etc.
Approximate Costs
to Start the Program ~$ 1500.00
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Textbooks Total: ~ $ 800 1st yr 1st semester
~ $ 200 2nd year
Uniforms ~ $ 200
Health Physical & Tests ~ $ 200
CPR card ~ $ 50
Background Check ~ $ 50
Other Supplies ~ $ 50
Tuition, etc (20/unit x 12 units) ~300
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN TO DO:
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Communicate
Deliver Exceptional Patient Care
Perform Radiographic Exams
Challenge Yourself
Make New Friends
Learn Lots Of Information!
– Develop Yourself More Than You Could Ever
Realize!
RAD TECH PROGRAM COURSES
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ANATOMY
POSITIONING
RADIATION PHYSICS
RADIATION
PROTECTION
RADIATION
PRINCIPLES
PATIENT CARE
IMAGE PRODUCTION
FILM CRITIQUE
• ETHICS
• PATHOLOGY
• SPECIAL
PROCEDURES
• VENIPUNCTURE
• + 2000 CLINICAL
HOURS
RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM COURSES
FIRST YEAR
1st Semester/ Units
Clinical
R.T. 106 4
hrs arranged : (12 - 15hrs/wk)
Academic
R.T. 111 4
R.T. 123 4
2nd Semester/ Units
R.T. 107 7
(24 hrs/week)
R.T. 124 4
3rd Summer / Units
R.T. 108 5
(35 hrs/week)
SECOND YEAR
4th Semester /Units
Clinical
R.T. 217 7
hrs arranged : (24hrs/wk)
Academic R.T. 233 3
R.T. 244 4
5th Semester/ Units
R.T. 218 7
(24 hrs/week)
R.T. 255 4
R.T. 91 1
R.T. 93 1
6th Summer / Units
R.T. 219 6
(40 hrs/week)
POST SESSION
7th. Semester Units (First 8 weeks of Fall Semester)
Clinical & Review Class
R.T. 328 4.5
hrs arranged :
(24hrs/wk for 8 weeks + 3 hrs/ wk on campus review)
Want to be successful?
• Outside Job
– LESS THAN 16 hrs per week
• Healthy
– Rest, exercise and eat well
– Helps you COMBAT ILLNESS
• Support system
• Back up Plan
– CHILDCARE
– CAR PROBLEMS
What can you do
while waiting to start the
program?
Recommendations for preparation
while waiting
 THEATER ARTS – ACTING CLASS
 BEGINNING SPEECH CLASS
 ADAPATIVE PE ASSISSTANT CLASS (PE 201)
• ESL – Language & Communication classes
• VOLUNTEER (Observation) HOURS IN A
RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT
More Suggestions
While waiting to start the program:
• WORK & SAVE YOUR $$$$$$$
– Recommended not to work more than 16 – 20
hours per week outside of program
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FULL TIME – DAY TIME PROGRAM
Monday – Friday ( No weekends)
7:00 AM – 7:00PM
Optional 1 -2 weeks of evening shift last summer
semester in the program
Early years in
Radiologic Technology
• Nurses or nurses aides taught how to
“take an x-ray”
• NO special education
• Only “ON THE JOB” training
• Experience the best teacher
What is a
RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST?
• An important member of the HEALTH
CARE TEAM
• Uses RADIATION to create IMAGES
of the human body for medical
diagnosis and treatment of disease
or illness
Did You Know...?
Radiologic Technologists
are the largest group of
allied health professionals
in the country
What does an RT do?
Performs radiographic exams to
help in diagnosis and treatment of
diseases, injury and illnesses
How RADIOGRAPHS
(X-RAYS) ARE MADE
• X-rays created in an x-ray tube
– controlled by the technologist
• Patient is placed into a position to see the
anatomy best
• Radiation passes through and leaves an
impression on the film inside of the x-ray
cassette
X-rays can provide
information about:
• Obstructions (blockage)
• Tumors
• Fractures
• Other diseases & illnesses
The Radiologic Technologist
Preserve life
Role
•
• Avoiding further harm
• Obtaining further
medical assistance
• Knowing when
assistance is
warranted
(most important)
EXAMS
DIVERSITY
&
PEOPLE
• HEAD TO TOES
• TRAUMA
• SPECIAL
PROCEDURES
• CRITICAL PATIENTS
• WALK INS
• SURGERY
PATIENTS ARE:
• INFANTS
• ELDERLY
• ALL CLASSES
• ALL ETHICITY
• ALL BACKGROUND
ALL PATIENTS
HEAD INJURIES
• It is not the
radiologic
technologist
responsibility
to diagnose,
but it is useful
to have basic
knowledge for
assessment
purposes
Open fracture
communited
Patient
Patient
1.
1. X
X--ray
ray Exposure
Exposure
5. Computed
Radiograph
unexposed
unexposed
4.
Image
Scaling
X
X--ray
ray
system
system
Image
Recorder
2.
2.
PSP
PSP
detector
detector
Image
Image
Reader
Reader
exposed
exposed
re
re--usable
phosphor
phosphor
plate
FLUOROSCOPYXRAYS IN
MOTION
Stat scan total body
Is this the future of
radiography?????
Digital “trauma
scan”
Digital whole body scan
What about the DOSE to the PATIENT????
ADVANCED SKILL LEVELS
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CT Scan
MRI
Angiography
Radiation Therapy
Mammography
PET
Bone Densitometry
• Ultrasound
• Nuclear Medicine
• Management
• Education
Bone Densitometry
MAMMOGRAPHY
RT (M)
T he potential for more efficient access to mamm ogram s is possible because images can be
transm itted via the computer on P AC S - also provides instant viewing for P atient,
M ammographer and Radiologist
W ith E lectronic Zoom
W ithout Electr onic Z oom
ULTRASOUND
ULTRASOUND
uses a technique similar to
Navy SONAR to produce
diagnostic images.
CT scans
MRI
• NOT IONIZING RADIATION
• USES MAGENTIC RESONANCE
• (RADIO WAVES)
• R.T. (MR)
INTERVENTIONAL
RADIOGRAPHY
• ANGIOGRAPHY
• CARDIAC CATH
• AND MANY OTHERS
• RT (CV) (CIT) (CVIT)
NUCLEAR
MEDICINE
PET = FUSION IMAGING
MRI+NUCLEAR MED
RADIATION
THERAPY
SALARY RANGES
• NEW R.T. = $ 25 -$35 PER HOUR
• ON-CALL + O.T. $45,000 – $60,000 YR
• ADVANCE SPECIALTIES
• $ 30 - $50 PER HOUR $100 +++
• A SHORTAGE IN ALL HEALTH CARE – A
GREAT NEED TO AQUIRE NEW
TECHNOLOGIST TO THIS AREA
OTHER PATHWAYS
• SALES
• APPLICATIONS SPECIALIST
• INDUSTRIAL X-RAY
• MANAGEMENT (DEGREE)
• EDUCATON
New - RA
• Radiology Assistant (Like PA)
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Weber State
LLU
3 others in US
BA degree
$$$$ NEW GRADS = 100 K/YEAR
PART OF RADIOLOGIST GROUP
NEED – JOB SECURTIY
• PEOPLE ARE GETTING OLDER –
LIVING LONGER
• TECHNOLOGIST ALSO GETTING
OLDER
• NEED NEW, YOUNG PEOPLE TO TAKE
OVER THE JOBS & TAKE CARE OF THE
SICK AND ELDERLY
TRAVELING TECHNOLOGIST =
SEE THE WORLD AND GET $$$
Other working opportunities…
• Registry (local)
• Registry (out of
state)
• X rays taken
around the world !!
The end
Have more Questions??
Mina Colunga
www.elcamino.edu/faculty/mcolunga
Program Website:
www.elcamino.edu/academics/health
sciences/radiologictech/
Thank you!