Welcome to the Medical Radiography (X-Ray), AS program at Loma Linda University
Loma Linda University's Associate of Science in Medical Radiography (ASMR) program prepares students for careers as radiologic technologists through a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and supervised clinical education. This 21 month, full time program combines technical training in medical imaging and radiation protection with patient care skills and professional development. Students learn to produce diagnostic quality images while prioritizing patient safety, comfort, and compassionate care. Graduates who meet the program requirements are eligible to pursue national certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Applications open October 1st, with a priority deadline of December 31st and a final deadline of February 15th for the program’s annual September Fall term start.
About the Radiography Profession
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. Radiographers participate in fast-paced work challenges in a variety of health care settings. Radiographers must provide a positive patient experience, possess the ability to be accurate and calm under pressure, and critically think through challenges. Radiographers perform exams for diagnosis, including fluoroscopy procedures such as VCUGs, swallow studies, small bowel follow-throughs, and barium enemas. The career outlook is positive. Medical Radiography opens the door to advancement in CT, MRI, CVI, Cardiac Electrophysiology, Radiation Therapy, Nuclear Medicine, Radiology Administration, Radiology Education, and Radiologist Assistant.
Watch the video below to hear medical radiography career insights from Loma Linda University Health imaging professionals.
Why Choose the Medical Radiography Program at LLU?
- Hands On Learning That Builds Confidence: Develop practical imaging skills through laboratory instruction and supervised clinical experience. Apply what you learn in the classroom as you prepare to work with patients and perform diagnostic X ray procedures.
- Learn From Imaging Experts in a Supportive Environment: Learn in a department where faculty and staff take a personal interest in student success. With a close knit atmosphere and guidance from instructors who are leaders in the field and want to see you succeed, you can build the knowledge and skills needed to begin your career and thrive in medical radiography.
- Clinical Training With Leading Healthcare Partners: Gain hands on experience through clinical assignments with established healthcare partners throughout the Inland Empire, including Loma Linda University Health, a nationally recognized academic medical center and Level I trauma center. Training across multiple healthcare settings helps students strengthen their imaging skills, work with diverse patient populations, and prepare for the demands of professional practice.
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Take Your Skills Beyond the Classroom Through Mission Service: LLU’s commitment to service extends beyond the classroom through local service learning and international mission trip opportunities. ASMR program students take part in service that reflects the university’s mission of whole person care, with past trips reaching communities in Honduras, Haiti, and Belize. Many students describe these mission trips as life changing, highlighting the lasting impact of serving others and seeing healthcare through a broader perspective.
Program Overview
Prerequisites and Requirements
The following program prerequisites (42 quarter units or 28 semester units completed at an accredited institution) are required for the A.S. in Medical Radiography program with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. A competitive GPA of 3.4 or higher is recommended. Applicants must submit official transcripts, complete eight hours of career observation, provide three references, and submit a personal essay. Applicants can continue to take prerequisites during the application process, with the goal to complete them by June of the year of matriculation. All applicants are required to attend the free online information sessions available to register at https://alliedhealth.llu.edu/academics/radiation-technology. Not all applicants will receive an interview.
- Complete sequence of college English
- Medical terminology
- Interpersonal communication, oral communication, or public speaking
- Human Anatomy with a Lab or Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology with a Lab
- Psychology (introduction, general, or developmental) OR sociology (introduction or general). Psychology is preferred.
- Elective courses (humanities, natural science, social science, etc.) to reach the 42-unit minimum for ASMR
Essential Job Functions and Technical Standards
Medical radiography requires physical stamina, sensory abilities, critical thinking, effective communication, and professional conduct. Students must be able to perform essential functions such as lifting and moving equipment, assisting with patient transfers, standing for extended periods, understanding technical information, communicating effectively in English, protecting patient confidentiality, and working safely under pressure.
Students must meet these essential job functions throughout the program. A complete list will be provided during the interview process, and applicants must demonstrate the required abilities during a pre-entrance physical examination. Inability to meet these standards may affect continued enrollment in the program.
Program Curriculum
| Year 1 - Fall Quarter | Units |
|---|---|
| AHCJ 326 Fundamentals of Health Care | 2 |
| AHCJ 328 Wholeness Portfolio 1 | 0 |
| RTMR 202 Clinical Orientation | 1 |
| RTMR 224 Legal Issues in Radiography | 1 |
| RTMR 246 Professional Communication & Presentation | 2 |
| RTMR 253 Med Radiography Procedures 1 | 3 |
| RTMR 253L Med Radiography Procedures Lab 1 | 1 |
| RTMR 285 Principles of Radiography 1 | 3 |
Total: 13
| Year 1 - Winter Quarter | Units |
|---|---|
| AHCJ 328 Wholeness Portfolio 1 | 0 |
| RTMR 221 Radiologic Patient Care | 2 |
| RTMR 254 Med. Radiography Procedures II | 3 |
| RTMR 254L Med. Radiography Procedures Lab II | 1 |
| RTMR 282 Imaging Physics, Radiobiology, & Radiation Protection | 3 |
| RTMR 286 Principles of Radiography II | 2 |
| RTMR 371 Medical Radiography Affiliation I | 5 |
Total: 16
| Year 1 - Spring Quarter | Units |
|---|---|
| AHCJ 328 Wholeness Portfolio I | 1 |
| RELT 423 Loma Linda Perspectives | 2 |
| RTMR 247 Languages for Radiographers | 1 |
| RTMR 255 Med. Radiography Procedures III | 3 |
| RTMR 255L Med. Radiography Procedures Lab III | 1 |
| RTMR 325 Radiologic Pathology | 1 |
| RTMR 372 Medical Radiography Affiliation II | 7 |
Total: 16
| Year 2 - Summer Quarter | Units |
|---|---|
| RTMR 373 Medical Radiography Affiliation III | 12 |
Total: 3
| Year 2 - Fall Quarter | Units |
|---|---|
| RELR 275 Whole Person Care | 2 |
| RTCH 324 Introduction to Imaging and Therapeutic Modalities in the Radiation Sciences | 3 |
| RTMR 374 Medical Radiography Affiliation IV | 7 |
Total: 12
| Year 2- Winter Quarter | Units |
|---|---|
| RTCH 327 Professional Development | 1 |
| RTMR 363 Comprehensive Review I | 2 |
| RTMR 375 Medical Radiography Affiliation V | 7 |
| RTSI 367 Cross-sectional Radiographic Anatomy | 2 |
Total: 12
| Year 2 - Spring Quarter | Units |
|---|---|
| RTMR 365 Comprehensive Review II | 3 |
| RTMR 386 Medical Radiography Affiliation VI | 10 |
Total: 13
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.
CLINICAL ASSIGNMENTS
The ASMR program clinical sites are located in Loma Linda, Redlands, San Bernardino, Hemet, Palm Springs, Riverside, Apple Valley, Murrieta, Los Angeles, and the Imperial Valley. Students are expected to provide their own transportation to and from clinicals, which could be up to 60 miles one way from the university. Students are assigned to a clinical site at the beginning of the program.
Tuition
View program tuition and expected cost estimates here.
Financial Aid
It is recommended that applicants and students talk directly with the LLU Financial Aid Office to learn more about the assistance and scholarship opportunities available. Applicants can also visit the FAFSA.gov website for more information.
Application Timeline and Program Start Date
Applications Open: October 1
Priority Application Deadline: December 31
Final Application Deadline: February 15
Program Start: September, Fall term
Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, and offers of acceptance will be determined by the end of June. There is no waiting list. Priority consideration will be given to applicants who have all prerequisite coursework complete and have submitted applications by December 31. In-progress or projected prerequisite coursework must be completed by June 20th.
Steps to Admission
Step 1: Review the website and FAQ page in detail.
Step 2: Attend a free online information session. Applicants are required to attend an online information session.
Step 3: Start the application process. Please note the you must be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. to be eligible for this particular program. For more information, please visit International Student & Scholar Services.
Step 4: Complete Prerequisite Coursework. Plan to complete all prerequisite coursework by June 20 of the year you plan to enroll. You may complete outstanding prerequisites while your application is in progress. Learn more about how you can take your GE's at LLU here.
Step 5: Research the Radiography Profession. Before your admissions interview, research the radiography profession using online resources such as day in the life videos, professional organization websites, job postings, and the LLU career profile video. Eight hours of career observation is required, and may be done in a virtual setting or in-person at a hospital or clinic. Additionally, a 500-word reflection describing what you learned about radiography and what you appreciate about the profession is required, and must be written in your own words without AI assistance.
*To request observation at Loma Linda University Medical Center, you must have already applied to the program and email [email protected] for instructions. Please note that the process takes time and requires a flu shot.
- Apply Online
- Program Tuition and Estimated Costs
- Program Faculty
- Student Housing and Dining
- Student Services
- LLU Students for International Mission Trips (SIMS)
- Apply for Financial Aid (FASFA)
- Veterans Information
- International Students
- University Catalog
- Register for LLU's Open House
- Register for Virtual Information Session
- View On-Demand Recorded Information Session
Please contact the Department of Radiation Technology at 909-558-4931 or [email protected] for general questions.
Program Outcomes
Goal 1: Students will demonstrate clinical competence.
Outcomes:
- Students will use ALARA principles to perform radiographic procedures of diagnostic quality.
- Students will apply appropriate patient care and radiation protection practices for radiographic procedures.
Goal 2: Students will communicate effectively.
Outcomes:
- Students will clearly explain radiographic procedures to patients.
- Students will demonstrate appropriate communication for diverse populations.
Goal 3: Students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Outcomes:
- Students will critically think through the adjustment of radiographic methods (position and/or technique) in accordance with accepted standards and protocols.
- Students will evaluate radiographic images to determine diagnostic quality and acceptability.
Goal 4: The Program will demonstrate measures of outcome in relation to its mission, goals and student learning outcomes.
- Graduation rate: at least 75%
- Program satisfaction: at least 75%
- Employer satisfaction: at least 75%
- Students will earn a passing score on their first ARRT attempt: at least 75%
- Students will secure jobs within 6 months of graduation: at least 75%
ASMR Program Outcomes
The following program outcomes are measured in the ASMR program. Upon completion of the program, the graduate should be qualified to:
- Demonstrate clinical competence (JRCERT)
- Communicate effectively (JRCERT)
- Develop critical thinking skills (JRCERT)
- Demonstrate critical thinking through examination of ideas and evidence before formulating an opinion or conclusion (Program Core)
- Demonstrate the ability to reason and develop evidence-based decisions using numerical information (Program Core)
- Demonstrate the ability to identify, locate, evaluate, utilize and share information (Program Core)
Meets the requirements for JRCERT Standard 1.10.
PROGRAM EFFECTIVENESS DATA
The following is the most current program effectiveness data. Our programmatic accreditation agency, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), defines and publishes this information. Click here to go directly to the JRCERT webpage.
CREDENTIALING EXAMINATION
The number of students who pass, on the first attempt, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination, or an unrestricted state licensing examination, compared with the number of graduates who take the examination within six months of graduation. The five-year average benchmark established by the JRCERT is 75%.
ASMR:
| Credentialing Examination Rate | Number passed on 1st attempt divided by number attempted within 6 months of graduation |
| YEAR | RESULTS |
| Year 1-2021 | 29 of 33 - 88% |
| Year 2-2022 | 20 of 28 - 71% |
| Year 3-2023 | 29 of 35 - 83% |
| Year 4-2024 | 13 of 15 - 87% |
| Year 5-2025 | 17 of 21 - 81% |
| PROGRAM 5 YEAR AVERAGE | 108 of 132 - 81.8% |
ASMR+BSRS
| Program Year | Year | Number passed on first attempt within 6 months of graduation | Number attempted within 6 months of graduation | % passed |
| 1 | 2021 | 29 | 33 | 88 |
| 2 | 2022 | 20 | 28 | 71 |
| 3 | 2023 | 29 | 35 | 83 |
| 4 | 2024 | 13 | 15 | 87 |
| 5 | 2025 | 23 | 32 | 72 |
Program five-year average pass rate is 80%.
114 students passed within six months of graduation.
143 students attempted the exam within six months of graduation.
JOB PLACEMENT
The number of graduates employed in the radiologic sciences compared to the number of graduates actively seeking employment in the radiologic sciences within twelve months of graduating. The five-year average benchmark established by the JRCERT is 75%.
ASMR:
| Job Placement Rate | Number employed divided by number actively seeking employment within 12 months of graduation |
| Year | Results |
| Year 1-2021 | 24 of 24 - 100% |
| Year 2-2022 | 24 of 24 - 100% |
| Year 3-2023 | 19 of 20 - 95% |
| Year 4-2024 | 5 of 5 - 100% |
| Year 5-2025 | 13 of 13 - 100% |
| PROGRAM 5 YEAR AVERAGE | 85 of 86 - 98.8% |
ASMR+BSRS:
| Program Year | Year | Number of employed within 12 months of graduation | Number actively seeking seeking employment within 12 months of graduation | % passed |
| 1 | 2021 | 24 | 24 | 100 |
| 2 | 2022 | 24 | 24 | 100 |
| 3 | 2023 | 19 | 20 | 95 |
| 4 | 2024 | 5 | 5 | 100 |
| 5 | 2025 | 20 | 20 | 100 |
Program five-year average employment rate is 99%.
92 students were employed within 12 months of graduation.
93 students were actively seeking employment within 12 months of graduation.
PROGRAM COMPLETION
The number of students who complete the program within the stated program length. The annual benchmark established by the program is 85%.
ASMR:
| Program Completion Rate | Number graduated divided by number started the program |
| YEAR | RESULTS |
| Year-2025 | 21 of 21 |
| ANNUAL COMPLETION RATE | 100.0% |
ASMR+BSRS:
| Program Year | Year | Number graduated | Number started the program | Percent completed |
| 1 | 2025 | 32 | 32 | 100 |
| ANNUAL COMPLETION RATE | 100.0% | |||
Our Mission
Our mission is to prepare students to be registry-eligible, entry-level radiographers who are equipped to provide excellent patient care and safely manage radiation protection and exposure.
Our Vision
Our vision is to be the #1 radiography program of choice where we are motivated by excellence and compassion, where relationships are close and transformational like family, and where career dreams become reality.
Our Values
Welcoming
- We create a safe learning environment where every voice is heard.
Excellence
- We strive to achieve excellence in all we do.
Collaboration
- We promote cooperation, commitment, and teamwork.
Accountability
- We aim for equity and fairness in all of our procedures and practices.
Respect
- We honor diversity and recognize the worth and contribution of all.
Equity
- We aim for equity and fairness in all of our procedures and practices.
The radiography program is accredited by the
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
312-704-5300
Email: [email protected]
The program’s current award is 5 years. General program accreditation information and the current accreditation award letter can be found by visiting: https://www.jrcert.org/programs/loma-linda-university/
Information Sessions
Meet Us Online and Get Your Questions Answered
View a Pre-Recorded Information Session
ASMR Program Leadership
Michael F. Iorio, PhD, MPA, RT(R) (CT) (ARRT) CRT
Brenda Boyd, PhD, R.T.(R)(M)(ARRT)
Email: [email protected]
Department Office: 909-558-4931
Fax: 909-558-7965
Christian Roath, BSRS, R.T.(R)
Email: [email protected]
Department Office: 909-558-4931, ext. 47250
Fax: 909-558-7965