Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology

The associate degree program in radiologic technology at Smith Chason College is a 21-month program that features an up-to-date curriculum that combines online and in-person education, including hands-on experience in offsite lab settings and placement in a qualified externship. In our Associate Radiologic Technology program, students will be taught: 

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Medical Terminology
• Radiographic procedures of the entire body habitus
• Imaging equipment, digital display, and image acquisition
• Radiation protection and biology
• Patient care skills
• Venipuncture
• Infection control
• Pathology
• Ethics and professionalism
• Gain hands-on experience alongside your peers in offsite radiology rooms for lab practice utilizing a variety of industry-standard equipment
• Additional hands-on experience in performing X-rays on patients using various types of equipment.

At Smith Chason College, our commitment to comprehensive education extends beyond the classroom. Through our externship programs, we integrate theoretical knowledge with practical experience, empowering our students to thrive in their respective fields. Collaborating with hospitals and clinics nationwide, we offer hands-on learning opportunities under a mentor’s guidance. Whether aspiring to become proficient radiologic technologists, sonographers, MRI technologists, or healthcare professionals, our students gain invaluable real-life experience, supporting their goals to become exceptional practitioners prepared to meet the demands of their chosen profession. 

For our Rad Tech students, these immersive experiences begin in the second quarter of the program and continue throughout the remaining six quarters of their education, enabling students to apply their accumulated knowledge in real-world settings. Moreover, these opportunities often serve as a gateway to potential job opportunities, opening students to forge connections and establish themselves within their chosen field even before graduation. At Smith Chason College, we believe in equipping our students with the skills, practical experience, and industry connections needed for a successful healthcare career.

Our programs work in cooperation with community partners nationally in the medical field, including but not limited to hospitals, rehabilitation centers, clinics, and assisted living.

Externships and clinical rotations may be attended during daytime hours, evenings, or weekends as approved by externship/clinical sites and Smith Chason. Students are responsible for transportation to and from their externship site and may be required to travel more than 75 miles from the campus each way including out of the area or out of state.

In addition, our partners require that we ensure that our students participating in externships or clinical practice at their facilities have required vaccinations, health screenings, and clear background checks.

All programs at our college require clinical applications on real patients as required by the Boards that license our graduates. Therefore, any person enrolling at Smith Chason will be required to perform all clinical requirements to meet graduation and state board requirements.

Program Objectives:

Graduates of the AS Radiologic Technology Program will:

1. Identify, explain, and demonstrate anatomical structures using both traditional and electronic diagnostic imaging modalities. 
2. Describe the role of a radiologic technologist in a variety of medical settings, including general X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and Mammography, selecting the appropriate technical factors. 
3. Analyze, explain, and communicate anatomic structures using non-technical language in both verbal and written form. 
4. Acquire, interpret, transmit, and evaluate images accurately for diagnosis through the use of appropriate equipment, knowledge of anatomy/physiology, medical terminology, physics/radiation protection principles, patient care/safety issues, and radiographic processes and procedures. 
5. Acquire, display, manipulate, and store images to meet the needs of patients and physicians for effective diagnosis. 
6. Perform radiographic examinations. 
7. Develop critical thinking skills in problem-solving. 
8. Demonstrate employment skills, including communication, interpersonal relationships, customer service, ethics/conduct, and a commitment to professionalism. 
9. Conduct a self-evaluation that includes an analysis of professional goals and strengths.

Class schedules are subject to change. Students will be notified of any change prior to the start of the quarter. Not all schedules are available at all campuses. Speak to an admissions representative to learn more about which schedules are available for your requested start date.

Weeknight:

• Evenings: Monday through Friday, 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM
• Externship begins in Quarter II, and students may be assigned days, evenings, or weekends as available per clinical site and when not in didactic courses.

All applicants must meet the Smith Chason College General Admissions Requirements and pass the entrance exam to be eligible for enrollment.

Entrance Exam

All applicants for the Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology program must pass the Wonderlic entrance exam with a minimum passing score of 25 at all College campuses.

• This is an evening program with didactic (theory) courses starting at 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday, and will be held online through a live lesson.
• As students progress in the program, they may not be in didactic courses 5 days a week. 
• Some courses are lab courses that supplement the didactic course. Lab will be held in person at the assigned lab for practice, preparing for externship. 
• Externship begins in Quarter II and students may be assigned days, evenings, or weekends as available per clinical site, and when not in didactic courses.  
• It is the student’s responsibility to adjust their personal responsibilities to be available to attend externship as assigned. 

All Radiologic Technology students attend laboratory classes at off-site locations. These sites are equipped with medical imaging phantoms. Please refer to the list of these off-site locations included in the school catalog.

About Tuition and Fees

Knowing what to expect is important when planning for your college education. We understand that this can be a big commitment for you in your life and for your finances. Combining quality with value is important, and we aspire to give you both.

The current schedule of tuition and fees is included in the latest School Catalog under “Tuition and Fee Schedules”. The cost is dependent on the term and location; for exact financial information please contact your local representative.

See details about Tuition here

Financial Aid is available.

Smith Chason College is eligible to participate in federal financial assistance programs, California state aid programs, approved for the training of veterans and eligible persons, private student loans, and scholarships. Learn more about financial options available to those who qualify at Smith Chason College on our Financial Aid page.

Radiologic technology, also known as radiography or medical imaging technology, is a branch of healthcare that uses various imaging techniques to diagnose and treat diseases and injuries. Radiologic technologists, also called radiographers, perform imaging examinations such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and nuclear medicine procedures.

Radiologic technologists operate sophisticated equipment to create images of the inside of the body. These images allow healthcare professionals to visualize and analyze the structures and functions of organs, tissues, and bones. They also help doctors diagnose illnesses, injuries, and other medical conditions accurately.

As a radiologic technologist, you will perform various duties related to medical imaging procedures. What you’re typically going to do are like:

• Prepare patients for imaging procedures by explaining the process, addressing concerns, and ensuring correct positioning.
• Operate various imaging equipment to obtain clear X-ray images while minimizing radiation exposure.
• Adjust patient bodies or limbs and use supportive devices to visualize the area of interest to position them for optimal imaging.
• Administer contrast agents in imaging procedures to improve the visibility of specific structures or organs.
• Prioritize safety by wearing protective equipment and following strict radiation safety guidelines and regulations to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure.
• Monitor and maintain imaging equipment to ensure proper function by performing routine maintenance tasks, troubleshooting technical issues, and reporting malfunctions.
• Work closely with radiologists and other healthcare professionals to ensure accurate imaging procedures and interpretation and provide input on patient care decisions.
• Accurately document imaging procedures, patient information, and other data for reference and legal purposes.

To become a radiographer, you must start with formal education through an accredited degree program. The Radiologic Technology associate degree program at Smith Chason College can prepare you for an entry-level career in radiography. We can help you prepare for the necessary registries or certification exams needed for employment. Our program utilizes hands-on education guided by experienced medical professionals in the field. Radiographers should be:

• Skilled Technicians: They should possess strong technical skills to operate complex imaging equipment and produce high-quality diagnostic images.
• Knowledgeable: Radiographers should have a thorough understanding of anatomy, physiology, and medical imaging techniques to effectively perform imaging procedures and assist in diagnosing medical conditions.
• Safety-Conscious: They must prioritize the safety of patients, themselves, and others by following radiation safety protocols and using protective equipment to minimize radiation exposure.
• Detail-Oriented: Radiographers need to pay close attention to detail to ensure that images are correctly positioned, exposed, and processed for accurate diagnosis.
• Compassionate: They should demonstrate empathy and compassion toward patients, especially those who may be anxious or in pain during imaging procedures, and provide support to help alleviate their concerns.
• Effective Communicators: Radiographers should have strong communication skills to explain procedures to patients, address their questions and concerns, and collaborate effectively with other members of the healthcare team.
• Adaptable: They should be able to adapt to different situations and patient needs, as well as stay updated on advancements in technology and techniques in the field of medical imaging.
• Ethical and Professional: Radiographers should adhere to ethical standards and professional guidelines in their practice, maintaining patient confidentiality and respecting their rights and dignity at all times.

The state of Arizona is seeing a projected 40% growth in employment for radiologic technologists and technicians from 2020 to 2030, which exceeds the average for all occupations.

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) provides national certification for Radiologic Technologists. In Arizona, ARRT certification plus state licensure from the Department of Health is required for employment. Obtaining state licensure is called “by endorsement.”

Smith Chason College graduates are eligible to sit for their registry exams to become registered radiologic technologists. Smith Chason strongly recommends obtaining certifications to provide you with the best knowledge and opportunities when entering the medical imaging field. Registry reviews and assistance with the registry exam process are available for students as they navigate through their program.

During the Rad Tech program, a capstone review course will provide experience in taking the ARRT certification exam through simulation exams. For optimal results, students are encouraged to sit for the ARRT exam within 90 days (about 3 months) of graduation.

Students will apply for the ARRT certification board exam in the final quarter, in RAD212 Capstone Review, as part of their final grade in the course. 

The ARRT exam window will open on the day following the final day of the RAD212 course

• Graduates will have the opportunity to sit for the exam 3 times in 3 years.
• If a graduate does not take or does not pass the exam in 3 years, they must return to school and repeat the program.
• Each window is 1 year long. The window cannot be changed by the student.
• The application fee is forfeited if the exam is not taken within the window.
• Smith Chason includes the cost of the exam for the first attempt at the ARRT exam in the program cost

In addition, the state of Arizona has approved through the Department of Health that students in the program are eligible to sit for the CPTR exam after completing the first year or quarter four of the program. The CPTR is a limited-scope program, and licensure allows the student to work in the field in some clinical settings during the program’s second year.

It is important to note that graduates must be registered (RT) to work as professionals in the field in the state of Arizona. This is not the same as the CPTR or limited scope. To be employed as limited-scope graduates, graduates must have the CPTR credential.

Review our Pathways to Registry for Radiologic Technology Students to learn more about our suggested pathway and which exams are included in the program cost.

*The program is focused on general diagnostic radiography. The post-primary modalities (CT, Mammography, MRI, Bone Densitometry Cardiac Interventional Radiography, vascular interventional radiography, vascular sonography, and Radiology Assistant) are covered as an introduction onl, and will not qualify students for the certification exam in any modality. Students will be eligible to sit for these registries, but additional education and clinical experience/competencies will be required.

The state of Arizona has provided approval through the Department of Health for students in the program to be eligible to sit for the CPTR exam after completing the first year, or quarter IV, of the program. The CPTR is a limited-scope program, and licensure allows the student to work in the field in some clinical settings during the program’s second year.

• The CPTR license is for the state of Arizona and if a student moves to another state and desires to work as a limited-scope technician, they will have to abide by that state’s rules regarding licensure for a limited-scope technician.
• Detailed information will be provided by the Program Director during the first year for each cohort.
• Smith Chason includes the cost of the exam for the first attempt at the CPTR test in the program cost

The Radiologic Technology program curriculum meets Arizona educational requirements for licensure. The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) is responsible for the certification of radiologic technologists in the state of Arizona. Radiographers must be licensed in the state of Arizona to work. If you are planning to pursue professional licensure or certification in a state other than Arizona, we recommend that you contact the appropriate licensing board in that state to seek information and guidance regarding licensure or certification requirements before beginning an academic program.

Students completing the Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology at Smith Chason are eligible to pursue the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) national examination. This examination is a fundamental step toward a career in Radiography.

In the field of Radiologic Technology, every state has specific licensure requirements for individuals seeking to practice as Radiologic Technologists. For those who have earned a Radiography degree in one state and wish to become licensed in another, the process is commonly referred to as reciprocity or endorsement.

The Disclosure for Programs Leading to Professional Licensure Radiologic Technology provides information related to individual state educational requirements for licensure, and an assessment if the Radiologic Technology program meets the state requirements. The Disclosure is located on the Smith Chason College’s Consumer Information page (https://smithchason.edu/consumer-information/).

No, admission to the program is strictly between the student and their physician. The program is not responsible for a student’s exposure to radiation.

• The program strives to keep student exposure to radiation to a minimum as per the program’s radiation protection policy. Radiation exposure is monitored throughout the program, and students will always receive a copy of their monitoring badge (dosimeter) report quarterly. There is never a good reason for a student to receive exposure. In the clinical setting, lead aprons and thyroid shields are available if a student must be in an actively exposed area.
• This situation does not qualify for special accommodation.