The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the demand for radiologic technologists such as X-ray technicians will increase by 17 percent from 2008 through 2018. Because techs administer diagnostic tests that could potentially expose patients to dangerous radiation, the federal government mandates that all technicians receive a license before entering the field. A number of community colleges in the United States offer education programs approved by the American Registry of Radiologic Technicians that are designed to qualify and prepare students for licensing examinations in their respective states.
Mt. San Antonio College
With more than 65,000 credit and non-credit students at its campus 25 miles east of Los Angeles, Mount San Antonio College is one of the largest community colleges in California. To qualify for the college's Associate of Applied Science in radiologic technology program, students must possess a high school diploma or GED with previous secondary-level coursework in chemistry and algebra. Required coursework for the program include computing with a Macintosh operating system, medical terminology, anatomy, fluoroscopy, pathology and radioactive theory. The program lasts for four semesters and three summer sessions, with seven clinical rotations included in the curriculum. In addition to federal and state financial aid, the college participates in veteran's benefit programs and grants a limited number of institutional scholarships.
Mount San Antonio College
1100 N. Grand Ave.
Walnut CA 91789
909-594-5611
mtsac.edu
Westmoreland County Community College
Located in Youngwood, Pennsylvania, Westmoreland County Community College is about 40 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. The school is home to more than 6,400 students and grants a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree in radiologic technology. Admissions requirements for the program include a high school diploma or GED and one college-level course in anatomy and physiology. Among the courses required for graduation are microcomputing, college writing, algebra, psychology, radiation physics, pharmacology, radiation protection and medical terminology. In addition to X-ray technology, students in the program also learn to perform computed tomography (CT scans). Five clinical rotations are required for graduation. The college participates in federal and state aid programs, veterans benefits and work-study opportunities.
Westmoreland County Community College
145 Pavilion Lane
Youngwood PA 15697
724-925-4000
wccc.edu
Jefferson State Community College
Based in Birmingham, Alabama, Jefferson State Community College is home to more than 11,000 credit and non-credit students. The college's radiologic tech associate degree program requires students to have a high school diploma or GED and pass a placement examination to enroll. The program lasts for five terms and features classes in patient care, imaging equipment, radiation protection and biology, mathematics, anatomy, English, psychology and image evaluation. Starting with the first term, students complete one clinical rotation each semester. Sources of financial aid for eligible students include federal and state grants and loans, work-study, veterans benefits, institutional-sponsored emergency loans and scholarships.
Jefferson State Community College
2601 Carson Road
Birmingham AL 35215
205-853-1200
jeffstateonline.com
Tags: Community College, Antonio College, County Community, County Community College, federal state
