Mission of program

The mission of the Radiologic Technology program is to prepare qualified medical imaging practitioners, who will support the highest level of ethical care, while employing competent technical practices.  A commitment to professional growth and life-long learning will be developed.

Goals of the program

1.  To graduate students who are clinically competent and ready to begin a successful

     career in Diagnostic Radiology Sciences.

2.  Graduates will be able to provide ethical patient care, comfort, and safety.

3.  Enhance communication and develop independent critical thinking skills, in order to

     effectively participate in the health care environment.

4.  Instill in students the concept of life-long learning and continued education, as well as

     the need to participate in professional Radiology Technology organizations and campus

     organizations.

5.  Prepare graduates to meet staffing needs of the imaging community.

Description of job for which program prepares students

Performs diagnostic x-ray procedures/examination.

Required program prerequisites

          q  Allied Health 010: Health Occupations

          q  Biology 221: Human Anatomy and Physiology

          q  Allied Health 111: Medical Terminology

          q  General education requirements for the Associate of Science degree

Associate of Science Degree and program graduation

All students must meet OCC Associate of Science degree requirements even though they may have degrees from other institutions.  Students should have official transcripts evaluated and should contact the OCC Counseling office to meet with a counselor to assure all requirements have been met or transfer. (see college catalog)

Upon successful program completion, the graduate is eligible to apply for the California State CRT Examination, California Fluoroscopy Permit Examination, and the AART examination.

Does this program transfer?

California State University, Northridge and Loma Linda University

Program cost

The Radiologic Technology program costs approximately $3,600 - $3,800 total over the two year program. This includes tuition (California residents), lab fees, required textbooks, and uniforms for clinical experience.  Students must also provide transportation to their assigned clinical facility.

Procedure for program admittance

Selections are made from students successfully completing Allied Health 010.  The formal program application process is completed during the Allied Health 010 course.  This short-term course is mandatory for all prospective program applicants.  Allied Health 010 is offered every semester in both on campus and online Internet formats.  (See OCC class schedule for specific course meeting times)  Applicants must meet minimum acceptance criteria:

          q  English 100 or equivalent

          q  Graduation math requirement

          q  Program prerequisites with a grade of ‘C’ or better

          q  General education requirements for the Associate of Science degree

Students with prior Limited Permit Radiologic Technology training and experience may be eligible to waive Allied Health 010.  Call the program coordinator for further information.

Program start

The program starts in the fall semester of each school year.

Employment possibilities upon program completion

Hospitals, private medical offices, clinics, imaging centers, teaching, or sales of medical equipment.

Salary

Beginning $45,000 annually.  $20 - $24/hour.  Chief technologists: $70,000 - $90,000/year

Courses within the program which students can take while seeking admission to the program (subject to catalog restrictions)

          q  Prerequisites and general education courses

          q  Allied Health 120: Human Diseases

Length of program

Four semesters, one summer and two intersessions (4 weeks during the 1^st year and 2^nd year between fall and spring)  Total of 22 months.

Spaces available

28

Background checks

All students will be required to submit an application for pre-clinical background check.  The background check will include Social Security number, address verification, a two-county felony criminal history, a State sex offender search, and a Medicare/Medicare Sanctioned Fraud List verification (OIG/GSA) search.  The background checks will be performed by a service provided by the District and must be completed prior to beginning of the first clinical rotation.  The student understands that the results of background checks must be provided to the clinical sites before patient care or clinical work commences.

Clinical requirements

The program requires that students participate in scheduled course clinical experience concurrent with classroom courses. Clinical assignments provide students with hands-on application of knowledge and skills learned in the classroom and laboratory courses at OCC contracted hospitals, medical centers, and/or outpatient facilities.  It is the responsibility of each student to provide his or her own transportation to assigned clinical sites.

Just prior to entry into clinical students are required to complete/obtain:

          q  A physical examination

          q  Criminal background check clearance

          q  CPR, HIPAA training, Blood borne pathogen training provided through Al H 115

          q  Student liability insurance

Students must adhere to appropriate required dress code which may include a laboratory coat, nametag, and other program specific requirements.

Clinical sites may require drug testing or other blood work.  There may be exposure to hazardous materials or pathogens in the clinical setting.  Students will adhere to all safety and precautionary measures.  The student receives no financial compensation for clinical experience, but does receive course units as a required class in the program.

The program requires the student to participate in clinical experience concurrent with classroom courses.  Clinical assignments will be arranged by the Radiologic Technology faculty.  Clinical requirement is as follows: First year: Fall semester – 16 hours/wk; intersession – 32 hours/wk; spring semester – 24 hours/wk; summer – 32 hours/wk/8 wks.  Second year: Fall semester – 32 hrs/wk; intersession – 32 hrs/wk/4 wks; spring semester – 24 hrs/wk.  Clinical experience will include evening up until 9:30 pm and/or weekend assignments.  Total clinical experience is approximately 1,850 hours. 

Post-program requirements

To obtain employment within California, the following is required:

1.  National AART Certification; an examination given by the American Registry of
     Radiologic Technologists.

2.  Certified Radiologic Technologist License (CRT) issued by the California Radiologic
     Health Branch (CRHB) upon successful passing of the ARRT examination.

3.  Fluoroscopy Permit; a separate examination given by the California Radiologic Health

     Branch (RHB).

To be eligible for the above requirements, the student must complete all Radiologic Technology program courses with a grade of ‘C’ or better and all course requirements fro the Associate of Science Degree as required by Orange Coast College.  All requirements must be completed to graduate from the program.  All core classes must be completed within the program two-year time frame.

Accreditation of program

Fully accredited by the California Radiologic Health Branch and the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.

Criminal convictions

If you have been convicted of any offense other than a minor traffic violation, you are required to state this on your registry examination application.  This may affect your eligibility to take the examination or obtain licensure.  Evaluation of the national registry requirements can be accomplished prior to program entry.  The program strongly encourages prospective applicants to complete this process before starting program. Contact AART at www.aart.org for details.

Drug and alcohol policy

The Radiologic Technology program adheres to the Coast Community College District policy with regards to alcohol and drugs.  The Radiologic Technology program is committed to a drug-free campus so that students and staff can work in a drug-free environment.  Please see the OCC college catalog for Student Code of Conduct.

Other

Orange Coast College also a Diagnostic Medical Sonography imaging program.

Contact information

Loren Sachs, Program Coordinator            Dan Adelmann, Allied Health Advisor

Office: C&L 100-C                                   Office: C&L 114 B

lsachs@occ.cccd.edu                              dadelmann@occ.cccd.edu

714-432-5540                                        714-432-5541
                                                           714-432-5702 appts

Lorraine Henry, Clinical Coordinator

Office: Home Economics 106B

lhenry@occ.cccd.edu

714-432-5757

Allied Health Assistant
Jane McLaughlin
jmclaughlin@occ.cccd.edu
714- 432- 5729