FAQ - Medical Radiography
Where do I begin?
Step 1: Research the radiologic technology field in general
Step 2: Attend a free online information session
Step 3: Read all about our program at www.llu.edu/radiography.
Step 4: Apply to the LLU Medical Radiography program early in the application window.
Who can apply?
Applicants to our Medical Radiography program at Loma Linda University must be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. If you are an international student seeking to attend Loma Linda University in general, please visit International Student & Scholar Services for more information.
When do I apply?
Applications are accepted for the Medical Radiography Program at Loma Linda University between October 1 to April 1.
What is the competition like?
About 32-35 seats are available. We receive over 65-75 applications each year. Acceptance into the LLU Medical Radiography Program is very competitive. Only the highest qualified applicants will be accepted. The minimum GPA is 2.5. The competitive GPA is over 3.0. The early bird deadline is February 15.
Is there a waiting list to get into your programs?
Currently, we do not have a waiting list for our programs; however, our programs are competitive. We often receive two to three times the number of applicants over the number of open seats in each program. Not everyone can be accepted. Some applicants will need to apply multiple times over a 1-3 year period before being accepted.
How do I apply to one of the programs?
Please only apply for one program at a time. There is a $60.00 online application fee.
Do I have to complete the prereqs before applying?
You do not have to complete all of the prereqs before applying to the program; however, to be considered a top candidate for acceptance, you must complete all the prereqs by June of the year you are planning to start.
Where do I take my prerequisites?
Prereqs can be taken at any accredited junior college or college. If you find that you are having a hard time getting these classes, GE courses are offered at LLU. To see a list of classes at LLU, visit www.llu.edu/ge.
What is the process for applying to a program in the Radiation Technology Department?
- Complete the online application, verifying that all questions are answered, and the application fee is included.
- Send the recommendation forms to three (3) individuals to be completed and returned to you or to the School of Allied Health Professions Admissions Department.
- Submit an essay about your reasons for applying to the Radiation Technology program of your choice. The essay is to be included with your online application.
- Arrange to have original transcripts from your high school and all colleges attended sent directly to: Admissions Processing, Loma Linda University Loma Linda, CA 92350. Transcripts sent from you personally or hand delivered are not considered "official" transcripts.
Once I apply, when will I hear from the program faculty?
The application and interview process is thorough and detailed. This means that pre-screening and interview appointments will start once all of the paperwork is completed and transcripts have been received. Not every applicant will receive an interview, but we do our best to communicate with each applicant so everyone knows what is going on during the silence. Pre-screening and interviews will be going on between March and May.
What are the prerequisites?
Prerequisites must include the following courses from a regionally accredited college or university:
- Freshmen English: Complete sequence in college
- Oral Communication or Interpersonal Communication: One quarter/semester in college
- Medical Terminology: One quarter/semester in college
- Human Anatomy and Physiology: Complete sequence with labs, typically two quarters/semesters in college
- Introduction to Physics: College level Physics, no lab required
- Social Sciences: General Psychology or General Sociology in college
- Electives: Students may take any additional non-remedial/undergraduate-level college courses to meet the minimum of 42 quarter units (28 semester units) required overall for transfer. Recommended courses include: Language, Cultural Anthropology, Nutrition, Physical Education, Critical Thinking, Psychology, Sociology, Chemistry, Computers, Physics, Statistics, Biology, Philosophy, History, Art/Music Appreciation, Geology, Political Science, Economics, etc. Applicants interested in later advancing to complete a Post-Professional BSRS degree can request additional advisement on elective courses that will apply both to the ASMR and the Post-Professional BSRS programs
What do I need to start the program?
Applicants are required to complete a background check, drug test, and TB test a minimum of two times in the program. The student is to possess a current Health Care Provider CPR card offered by the American Heart Association upon admission into the program, and keep it current throughout the program.
When does the program start?
The AS in Medical Radiography begins at the end of September, which is the Fall Quarter of each year. Only one cohort starts each year.
When does the program finish?
For the AS in Medical Radiography, the 21-month program ends in June and culminates with Commencement Ceremonies the second week of June.
Is financial aid or student loans available?
Financial aid is available to students depending on credit history. Contact the financial aid department for more information and deadlines. Please note: FASFA applications can begin in October. Students are encouraged to secure educational funding as part of their application process. Start the FAFSA process as soon as possible.
Can I work full-time or part-time while taking radiology coursework?
Most of our programs are comprehensive and intense professional programs. We do not recommend that you attempt to work full-time during the program. It is possible to work weekends but on a flexible, part-time basis. Living expenses can be built into financial aid assistance as an option for meeting your living expenses.
Is the LLU Medical Radiography Program accredited?
Loma Linda University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities. The A.S. in Medical Radiography at Loma Linda University holds a specialty accreditation by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. The program is also approved by the Radiologic Health Branch (RHB) of the state of California, Department of Public Health.
What is LLU looking for in a student who applies to one of the Radiation Technology programs?
- An individual knowledgeable about the field, either from reading or observing, who knows why she/he wants to enter the profession.
- An enthusiastic, motivated individual who desires to maintain high standards for didactic and clinical performance.
- Strong references from the applicant's prior work supervisors, instructors, or health care professionals knowledgeable about the applicant.
- A person whose transcripts reflect academic excellence in science classes, as well as related courses.
- A person who is motivated to take initiative, be a leader, act professionally, and maintain high standards.
- A person who is motivated and challenged by the University's motto: "To Make Man Whole".
What is the job outlook for radiology professionals?
Like many health care positions, x-ray, CT, MRI, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy, and sonography technology jobs are expected to grow much faster than other professions. Furthermore, career advancement opportunities exist in education, administration, research, and in commercial companies as education/application specialists, sales representatives, technical advisors, etc.
Will I be prepared to take the board exams that go with each program?
Upon successful completion of a program in the Department of Radiation Technology, our graduates are able to sit for that respective national board exam. Classes are taught within the program that prepare students for board exams.
What physical and mental abilities must I possess?
Entrance and completion of this program signifies that the candidate is prepared to practice in the profession. The candidate must be prepared to work in the standing position, do frequent walking, lift and transfer patients, communicate effectively, and perform with both hands. For more information on this, please consult the Program Handbook.
What must I do if I have studied outside of the United States?
Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by an approved evaluation center. Please visit LLU International Academic Transcripts for more information.
Do you offer weekend or night classes?
No, we do not. Our programs are a full-time, day program. Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. You will also be assigned homework to complete.
Do you offer online courses?
The Medical Radiography program is a face-to-face program requiring students to be local to the campus and surrounding clinical sites; however, some courses offer a blended learning environment with some online components.
Who do I contact to set up my career observation at Loma Linda University Medical Center?
Contact the department for further info.
How do I start the process of signing up for the 8 hours of career observation?
You can start the process of signing up for 8 hours of career observation by contacting studyradsci@llu.edu
Where do I get the career observation information?
Career observation information is available at www.llu.edu/radiography.
If I live out of the area, can I do my career observation time at another facility?
Yes. Be sure to complete the career observation form.
What do I wear to career observation appointments? Dress professionally: Lab coat or scrubs preferred or professional dress for patient care setting. See observation page for more information. Wear sturdy shoes. No open toe shoes.
Am I required to provide transportation to school and to clinical sites?
Yes. Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from school and clinical sites. Some sites are located as much as an hour away from the Loma Linda campus. You are expected to have working transportation throughout the program.
How are clinical sites assigned?
We do the best we can to assign clinical sites as close to your home as possible. In many cases, clinical sites are assigned randomly, for equality.
Do you have to be a Seventh-day Adventist to be accepted?
No. All applicants are considered for acceptance based on qualifications, not on religious beliefs.
What do I need to know about service hours?
Loma Linda University now provides opportunities within courses in the medical radiography program that have been designated as service learning. If you have done volunteer work prior to applying to the program we welcome you sharing that with us in your interview and how it has shaped your viewpoint. Opportunities are provided in the program to participate in service learning locally in the community, as well as applying to join other students on mission trips internationally.
If you have any further questions, please contact us at studyradsci@llu.edu or visit www.llu.edu/radiography.