Entry-Level Radiation Sciences, BS

Step 1:  Review the website and program brochure in detail.

Entry-Level Radiation Sciences, BS, Brochure

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 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.

Apply Online 

Apply for Financial Aid (FASFA) 

Step 4: Schedule the career observation. Contact Christian Roath, Clinical Coordinator, at CRoath@llu.edu 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.

Please Contact the Department of Radiation Technology at (909) 558-4931 or studyradsci@llu.edu for help in answering admissions and prerequisite questions or should you need general assistance.

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. Additionally, the Radiation Sciences, BS program provides further instruction in administration, education, imaging informatics, CT, MRI, Cardiac Imaging, Vascular Imaging, and Mammography. Beyond medical imaging, graduates can continue into advanced degrees such as Physician Assistant, Radiologist Assistant, Medical School, and more.

Watch a Video About the Medical Imaging Programs at LLU

The Radiation Sciences, BS Entry-Level Medical Radiography Program is a 3 year/40-hour-per-week full-time, daytime, face-to-face program for the first two years. Beginning in year 3, students transition to an online course format while continuing their clinical rotations 4 days a week. Starting every September, students complete academic and lab instruction, and complete over 1,850 clinical hours of radiography training. In addition, students will complete up to 1,000 hours of training in a selected area of emphasis during their third year.

Areas of Emphasis include: Administration, Education, Imaging Informatics, CT, MRI, Mammography (with CT or MRI), Cardiac Imaging, Vascular Imaging, or continuation to Advanced Medical Radiography training.  The Radiation Sciences, BS Program is a rigorous program, focused on high-quality patient care, professionalism, leadership, and service learning.  Students are enrolled for 48 weeks the first year and 56 weeks the second and third years. 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.

The Entry-Level Bachelor of Science in Radiation Sciences (BSRS) is a full-time, 3-year program that includes online and on-campus classes. This program is designed to provide students with a pathway to satisfy educational requirements and apply for the ARRT credential in Radiography. Didactic classes are offered on-campus and online, either synchronously or asynchronously. Clinical classes are offered in-person at one of the approved clinical education locations. Additionally, this program offers students opportunities to prepare for advanced specialty areas such as Cardiac Interventional Radiography (CI), Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Mammography (M), Vascular Interventional Radiography (VI), and education and management.

The schedule may involve limited evening assignments. Clinical and classroom involvement in the program is full time (40 hours/week). Students are free on all national holidays and during quarter breaks.

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 core
• BSRS program core
• Religion
• Clinical affiliation
• Advanced specialty classes
• Professional portfolio and service learning

Upon completion of the requirements for the Radiation Science, BS degree, the graduate is eligible to take 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.

Graduates completing advanced modalities in their emphasis are eligible for ARRT examinations in CT, MRI, M, CI, and/or VI.

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.

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 a background check and possess a current Health Care Provider CPR card offered by the American Heart Association. To remain in the program students must maintain a 2.5 GPA, pass three program milestones, pass a mock board exam, and adhere to the Program’s professional code of conduct. Students at some clinical sites may need a drug test.

Program Resources

Attend the Loma Linda University Open House

Request Contact

See a campus tour

PROGRAM ACCREDITATION

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 | mail@jrcert.org | 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.

1. Graduate imaging professionals, managers, and educators who contribute to the imaging disciplines through service and leadership.

2. Graduate leaders who advocate for excellence in patient care.

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

Transfer Patterns to LLU

Take Your GE at LLU

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 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)

• Units must be selected from at least three of the following content areas: civilization/history, art, literature, language, philosophy, religion, or general humanities electives. A minimum of 3 quarter units in an area are required to meet a "content area.

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

• *Human anatomy and physiology with laboratory, complete sequence (two course minimum)
• *Introductory or general physics at the college level (one quarter/semester)

Domain 4: Social sciences (minimum 12 quarter units)

• Psychology elective (one course minimum)
• Sociology elective (one course minimum)
• Select additional units, as needed, from: anthropology, economics, geography, political science, psychology, and sociology

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) 

• *English composition, complete sequence that meets the baccalaureate degree requirements of a four-year college or university

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) 

• A didactic course in health or nutrition (e.g., personal health, personal nutrition, population health, global health, and community nutrition) minimum of 2 units
• Physical education. Must include at least two separate physical activity courses totaling a minimum of one quarter units.

Other:

• *Medical terminology

Courses in General Education (GE) that have been taken prior to entry to the program may fulfill GE requirements in the program (except religion). 

Year 1

Year 2

* General education class if applicable

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. 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.

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. 

APPLICATION WINDOW

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.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Admission is based on a competitive, selective process.  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).  

To get started, go to llu.edu/apply

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 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:

• Do you need a degree to enter the program? No, only the prerequisites.
• What if I have a BS degree already? Let us know and we can help guide what program is best for you.
• Do I have to be SDA to attend LLU? Absolutely not.  We have a diverse student body.
• Is this program aid eligible? Yes.
• Is this program accredited? Yes, by both WSCUC (regional) and JRCERT (professional).
• Is this program online? Parts are online but most of the program is face-to-face and clinical. The post-professional is online but only for imaging professionals. Some entry-level information and clinical training can’t be replaced with online instruction. We do have limited distance education opportunities.
• What program should I choose ASMR or BSRS? Let us know and we can help guide what program is best for you.

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. 

JRCERT Program Effectiveness Data 2016-2020

For information on clinical obligations, grading systems, graduation requirements, and much more, view our Medical Radiography Program Policies and Student Handbook 2020-2021