Medical Radiography (X-ray), AS

Step 1:  Review the website, brochure, and FAQ in detail.

• Medical Radiography Program Brochure
• FAQ for Medical Radiography (Reading this FAQ will answer most of your questions.)
• Career Observation Form - Medical Radiography 

Step 2: Attend a free online information session. This is recommended for all applicants and is an opportunity to virtually meet with our faculty to learn more about our program and ask questions.

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.

• Apply Online 
• Apply for Financial Aid (FASFA) 
• Request to have high school and college transcripts sent to Loma Linda University

Step 4: Schedule the career observation. Contact studyradsci@llu.edu or 909-558-4931 to schedule the career observation. Download the career observation form.

Step 5: Plan to complete all prerequisites by June of the year you plan to attend (you can continue to take pre-reqs during the application process).

Please contact the Department of Radiation Technology at 909-558-4931 or studyradsci@llu.edu for general admissions and prerequisite questions.

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 a Video About the Medical Imaging Programs at LLU

The A.S. in Medical Radiography Program is a 21-month/40-hour-per-week full-time, day-time, face-to-face program. Beginning every September, students complete academic and lab instruction, and complete over 1,850 clinical hours of radiography experience. The A.S. in Medical Radiography Program is a rigorous program, focused on high-quality patient care, professionalism, and service learning.  Students are enrolled for 48 weeks the first year and 56 weeks the second year. Breaks are given between quarters. Students should expect to give full-time attention to this demanding program. 

Students in the past have needed to adjust their personal schedules to make this program a priority.  Students should also plan to drive to their clinical assignments, which are assigned to each student at the beginning of the program.  Students are expected to be responsible, accountable, and dependable. and behave and communicate with high professional standards. Attendance at all classes, clinical hours, and program events is expected. Students are expected to be able to perform the essential job functions throughout the program and on into the profession. Students must maintain a minimum overall and quarterly GPA of 2.5 and above. Over 24-hours of service learning is built into the program.

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. 

What Makes Us Unique

The LLU Medical Radiography program stands out because of its family environment, caring faculty, low student-to-faculty ratio, and emphasis on professionalism, service learning, interprofessional education, values development, transformation, and the whole person. The bar is set high in this program, and the students who engage in all that the program offers are the ones who experience the highest student success.

Service learning is built into the Medical Radiography program. Each student will complete 24 hours of service learning within their first and second year of the program. The motto of the School of Allied Health Professions is "To Lead, To Heal, To Service," so it is no wonder that service--whether local or international--is part of our curriculum. Students also have opportunities to serve on international mission trips.

Interprofessional education is all about collaboration--to build friendships, trust, and respect--between all of the different health care specialties. Second year medical radiography students attend an interprofessional lab where they roll-play scenarios with medical, dental, nursing, pharmacy, behavioral health, and allied health students in order to grow in their ability to work on the health care team.

Program Requirements

Applicants are required to complete an annual drug test, an annual background check, proof of vaccinations with titers and possess a current Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Providers CPR card offered by the American Heart Association upon admission into the program. To remain in the program students must maintain a 2.5 GPA, follow program policy, and adhere to the program’s professional code of conduct.

Career Observation

Applicants must complete 8 hours of career observation prior to the interview. Applicants can request to do career observation at the Loma Linda University Medical Center only after they apply to the program. Email studyradsci@llu.edu for more information and to set up observation hours after your application has been submitted.

Program Resources

• Attend the Loma Linda University Open House
• Request Contact
• See a campus tour

Program Accreditation

The Loma Linda University AS in 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: mail@jrcert.org

The A.S. in Medical Radiography program in the Department of Radiation Technology at Loma Linda University is accredited by:

• WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) 

The A.S. in Medical Radiography complies with the Radiologic Health Branch Title 17.

While in the Program, students will

Goal 1: Students will demonstrate clinical competence

Outcomes:

1. Students will perform radiographic exams of diagnostic quality
2. Students will apply patient care and practices for radiographic procedures

Goal 2: Students will communicate effectively

Outcomes:

1. Students will clearly explain radiographic procedures to patients
2. Students will demonstrate effective oral communication skills
3. Students will demonstrate effective written communication skills

Goal 3: Students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Outcomes:

1. Students will accurately interpret (analyzes and evaluates) and adjust procedures
2. Students will objectively critique and justify conclusions about radiographic images to determine diagnostic acceptability
3. Students will demonstrate quantitative reasoning
4. Students will demonstrate information literacy

Goal 4: Students will demonstrate the values and attitudes of an entry-level radiographer

Outcomes:

1. Students will construct a plan for professional development
2. Students will examin the core values and reflect on personal application

Goal 5: The Program will demonstrate measures of outcome in relation to its mission statement and goals

Outcomes:

1. Students will complete the program at a rate of greater than or equal to 85%
2. Students will demonstrate a satisfaction of the program greater than or equal to 85%
3. Students will meet the satisfaction expectations of employers greater than or equal to 85%
4. Students will pass the ARRT the first-time at a rate of greater than or equal to 85%
5. Students will secure jobs within 6-months of graduation at a rate of greater than or equal to 85%

 Meets the requirements for JRCERT Standard 1.10.

View our faculty page

Loma Linda University has a financial aid office. It is recommended that applicants and students talk directly with the LLU Financial Aid Office. Applicants can also visit the FAFSA.gov website for more information.

• Financial Information (FAFSA.ed.gov)
• Tuition and Fees

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. We no longer require a mathematics prerequisite.

• Freshmen English: Complete sequence in college
• Speech, 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: One quarter/semester at the college level, 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
• Transfer Patterns to LLU
• Take Your GE at LLU

University Catalog - Radiation Technology Programs

Program Curriculum

Total: 13

Total: 12

Total: 11

Total: 3

Total: 7

Total: 7

Total: 5

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.

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Application Window & Timeline

Applications are accepted between October 1 and February 15. Interviews will be conducted in April and May. Acceptances will be given in June. There is no waiting list.

Interview & Application Requirements

Applicants must complete a minimum of 42 quarter units (28 semester units) 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.

Eligibility for ARRT Certification

Eligibility for the ARRT certification exam may be affected if the applicant has a prior felony or misdemeanor conviction. Prior to applying to this program the applicant should contact the ARRT at 651-687-0048 to determine if eligibility will be granted.

Clinical Assignments

We have clinical sites 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. Students are assigned to a clinical site at the beginning of the program.

Term Dates

The A.S. in Medical Radiography Program follows the Loma Linda University Quarterly academic terms. The program begins each September.  The Fall quarter runs from the end of September to mid-December.  The Winter quarter runs from the first part of January to mid-March.  The Spring quarter runs from the end of March to the middle of June.  The Summer quarter runs from the end of June to approximately to the beginning of September.   Below are general term dates for each quarter; however, please refer to the Academic Calendar since the actual dates change yearly.

• Fall                     Last week in September – Second week in December 
• Winter                First week in January – Second week in March
• Spring                Last week in March – Second week in June
• Summer             Last week in June  – Last week in September

Essential job functions and technical standards in the field of medical imaging are tasks, duties, and responsibilities expected to accomplish the job’s purpose and objectives. Some of the categories of essential functions include physical, vision and hearing, mental, communication, and professional. Essential job functions provide significant insight into the choice of Radiography as a career. The Radiography career is demanding on many levels. It is very important that the prospective student honestly evaluate their own ability to perform the job. Examples of the essential job functions outlined below help explain the demands of the radiography profession, and are in place for the safety of the student, patients, and the health care provider team.

Some of the physical demands include: lifting and carrying 50 lbs, bending, balance, pushing gurneys and portable imaging equipment, transferring 250 lb. patients, walking, prolonged standing with a heavy lead apron, stamina throughout an 8-10 hour shift, manual dexterity, agility, and ability to provide first aid or life support.

Some of the vision and hearing demands include: reading, distinguishing between colors, and visibly and audibly observing patients. Some of the communication demands include: communicating in English, appropriately responding to verbal and non-verbal communication, and writing and speaking skills. 

Some of the mental demands include: learning new information, repeating previously learned information, understanding technical information, applying theoretical concepts to clinical practice, thinking critically, and making critical decisions. Some professional demands include: interacting with patients of different ages, cultures, and health conditions; maintaining patient confidentiality and adhering to HIPAA; adapting to the demanding and changing health care environment; staying calm while working under pressure; and interacting appropriately on a team. 

Students must maintain essential job functions and technical standards throughout the program. A complete list of essential job functions will be made available during the interview process. Students are required to demonstrate physical, mental, vision and hearing, communication, and professional functions during the pre-entrance physical exam by the applicant’s health care provider prior to full acceptance into the program. If at any time the student is unable to perform these essential job functions, or if a student is removed from a clinical site due to essential job functions not being met, continuance in the program will be re-evaluated and could result in dismissal from the program.

The Loma Linda University Radiography Program is accredited by JRCERT. 
The Loma Linda University 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: mail@jrcert.org

The program’s current award is 8 years. General program accreditation information and the current accreditation award letter can be found here.

Please visit the JRCERT site to find the LLU program information page. https://www.jrcert.org/programs/loma-linda-university/

• JRCERT Program Effectiveness Data
• JRCERT Award Letter
• For information on clinical obligations, grading systems, graduation requirements, and much more, view our Medical Radiography Program Policies and Student Handbook