Entry-Level Radiation Sciences, BS

How to Begin:

Applications are accepted between October 1st and February 15th. There is no waiting list. Up to 25 seats are available for each cohort. The fee for applying is $60. To have the application fee waived, attend a free online information session or attend the annual Loma Linda University Open House in January. Please review the steps to admission:

• Step 1: 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 2: Start the application process. Please note that 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: Schedule the career observation. Contact Christian Roath, Clinical Coordinator, at [email protected] to schedule the career observation or to discuss ARRT ethics issues. 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).  Any GE you wish to transfer over must be completed by the end of our Summer quarter prior to potentially starting the program in the Autumn quarter.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

In addition to Loma Linda University and School of Allied Health Professions admissions requirements, the applicant must also complete the following requirements:

• High school completion from an accredited institution or passed the GED.
• A minimum of 45 quarter units (or 30 semester units) at an accredited college or university.
• Observation experience—A minimum of eight hours of career observation in a radiology department is required. Contact the department to obtain the appropriate form.
• Online application, three references, an essay, and transcripts from all schools attended including high school.  The essay should include: why you are choosing LLU, your process for selecting this profession, what makes you a good candidate, and anything else that helps us get to know you. Contact the department for more information.
• A prerequisite GPA of 2.5 minimum; however, a competitive GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred.
• Preference is given to those who have previously completed volunteer hours in the community (not a requirement).  

Transfer Patterns to LLU

Take Your GE at LLU

Students attending any clinical affiliation are required to have current health-care provider adult, child, and infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR-BLS) certification for all scheduled clinical experiences. CPR certification must be completed at the American Heart Association health-care provider level.  Intravenous (IV) certification will be required with an online course and on-campus lab for Entry-level students and those in emphases requiring IV training. Either of these items is the responsibility of the student to finance as part of the program cost. This may be earned prior to beginning the program of study or may be obtained at Loma Linda University. Classes are available on campus at Life Support Education, University Arts building, 24887 Taylor Street, Suite 102.

Prerequisites (45 quarter / 30 semester units):

• English sequence (English Composition and Critical Thinking)
• Medical terminology
• Interpersonal communication, oral communication, or public speaking
• Human anatomy and physiology, complete sequence (typically two courses, with a lab for each course)
• Elective courses (any humanities, natural science, social science, etc.) to reach the 45-quarter unit min (usually 2 course)

GE courses are required for a BS degree at LLU. Completion of these courses in addition to the prerequisite requirements to save time and money while in the Entry-BSRS program. They are NOT required for entry.

General Education Requirements

*Indicates prerequisite from above

Domain 1: Religion (12 quarter units)

• Completed during enrollment at LLU. Transfer of religion is not permitted (religion transfer in will count as a humanities course)

Domain 2: Arts and Humanities (minimum 16 quarter units)

Minimum of 16 quarter or 11 semester units in 3 different content areas selected from civilization/history, art/music, literature, language, philosophy, religion, or general humanities)

Domain 3: Scientific inquiry and quantitative reasoning (minimum 12 quarter units)

Minimum of 12 quarter or 8 semester units - a statistics course in this domain will be complete during matriculation in the BSRS program)

Domain 4: Social sciences (minimum 12 quarter units)

Minimum of 12 quarter or 8 semester units in 2 different content areas selected from anthropology, economics, geography, political science, psychology, or sociology - cultural diversity requirement met in program)The human diversity requirement is fulfilled in the portfolio core courses: RTCH 491 Portfolio I and RTCH 492 Portfolio II (approved by the University GE Committee).

Domain 5: Written and oral communication (minimum 9 quarter units)

Minimum of 9 quarter or 6 semester units - domain fulfilled in its entirety with the English composition sequence and communication prerequisites listed above; no additional courses/units are needed in this domain)Remaining courses may be selected from the following content areas: computer information systems, critical thinking, and public speaking.

Domain 6: Health and Wellness (minimum 2 quarter units)

Minimum of 2 quarter or 1 semester unit(s) with 1 course in health or nutrition required and 2 PE courses totaling a minimum of 1 quarter unit required)Courses in General Education (GE) that have been taken prior to entry to the program may fulfill GE requirements in the program (except religion). 

Resource Links

• Entry-Level Radiation Sciences, BS, Brochure
• Applicant Observation Form - Medical Radiography
• JRCERT Program Effectiveness Data 2016-2020
• Medical Radiography Program Policies and Student Handbook 2020-2021

The baccalaureate degree comprises a minimum of 211-215 quarter units in the following:

General education (can be transferred prior to beginning the BSRS program or completed during matriculation in the BSRS program).

• Professional didactic core
• BSRS didactic core
• Religion
• Clinical affiliation

Advanced specialty classes Professional Registration & Certification

Upon completion of the requirements for the EL BSRS program. Graduate  are eligible to apply to the qualifying examination of The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in Radiography (R). Program graduates who pass the ARRT examination in radiography are eligible to pay for and receive the state license (CRT) in California without further testing within five years of passing the ARRT examination. Graduates are encouraged to become members of the California Society of Radiologic Technologists and the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for professional growth and continuing education in their professional discipline.

In consultation with the program advisor, students have the opportunity to select classes in advanced specialty areas to fulfill the minimum degree and program requirements. These classes include areas such as: Cardiac Interventional Radiography (CI), Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Mammography (M), Vascular Interventional Radiography (VI), education, and management. Completion of advanced specialty courses does not guarantee satisfying minimum ARRT post primary pathway requirements for credentials in these advanced specialty areas.Program Goals (Learning Outcomes)

Upon completion of the program, graduates should be qualified to:

• Demonstrate clinical competence.
• Communicate effectively.
• Refine skills related to critical thinking, information literacy, quantitative reasoning, oral and written communication.
• Apply concepts from advanced specialty courses.
• Demonstrate comprehension of emotional intelligence and moral leadership concepts
• Evaluate trends in healthcare.Essential Functions

Essential job functions for medical imaging include physical, vision, hearing, mental, communication, and professional demands to ensure safety and effectiveness in radiography. Physical requirements cover lifting, prolonged standing, and stamina, while vision and hearing needs involve patient observation and distinguishing colors. Communication demands include proficiency in English, and mental requirements involve critical thinking and technical comprehension. Professional skills emphasize patient confidentiality, adaptability, teamwork, and calmness under pressure—factors that prospective students should evaluate before choosing this career path.

Year 1

Year 2

* General education class if applicable

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

The EL BSRS 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.

TERM DATES

The Entry-level Radiation Sciences, BS 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

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Is a degree required to apply to the EL BSRS program? 
  • No, only the prerequisites.
• Is membership in the Seventh-Day Adventist church required to apply to the EL BSRS program?  
  • No.
• Is the EL BSRS program aid eligible? 
  • Yes.
• Is the EL BSRS program accredited? 
  • Yes, by WSCUC (regional) and JRCERT (professional).
• Is the EL BSRS program online? 
  • This program incorporates on campus, online, and hybrid instructional methodologies.

OUR MISSION

The Radiation Sciences, BS Program at Loma Linda University provides a quality educational experience focused on the whole person. The program prepares students to be registry-eligible, entry-level radiographers equipped with the knowledge, skills, values, attitudes, and behaviors appropriate for providing excellent patient care and safely managing radiation exposure.

OUR VISION

Our vision is to be known by our students, alumni, clinical instructors, faculty, professional community, and staff as the Medical Radiography Program of choice. Additionally, we want the program experience to be known as "a close family" that is exciting, challenging transforming and fun.

OUR VALUES

We will accomplish our mission and vision by setting and achieving high standards of excellence in professional behavior, academic and clinical education, customer service, and collaborative success, in addition to living to the core values of Loma Linda University: integrity, compassion, excellence, purity/self-control, humility, justice, and freedom.

The Entry-level Radiation Sciences, BS (Medical Radiography) program in the Department of Radiation Technology at Loma Linda University is accredited by the following organizations:

WASC (Western Associate of Schools and Colleges)

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)

20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850

Chicago, IL 60606-3182

312-704-5300 | [email protected] | www.jrcert.org

WASC approval pending (9/3/2021)

Length of Accreditation Award: 8 years

The Entry-level Radiation Sciences, BS (Medical Radiography) complies with the Radiologic Health Branch Title 17.