Advance Your Career
Become a Radiologist Assistant
Radiologist assistants are experienced, registered radiologic technologists who have completed education and certification that qualifies them to serve as an extension to a radiologist.
Why Radiologist Assistants?
Patient need for medical imaging is increasing at a rapid pace, and radiology departments are struggling to meet the demand. In order to provide better patient care and efficiency, imaging departments are turning to registered radiologist assistants (R.R.A.s) to help meet the needs of patients and provide some relief to radiologists’ workloads.
R.R.A.s are vital team-members in the medical field, functioning as extensions of radiologists and carrying out procedures under their indirect supervision. Duties may include patient assessment and management, and performing clinical exams as needed. A career as an R.R.A. is fulfilling and will allow you to continue to grow and progress in your profession.
Student Quote
”LLU is the only university in California to offer a Radiologist Assistant (RA) program. The program is well organized with clinical and didactic education. I feel like the RA program fully prepares you for a good career opportunity.”
- The program is completely online, although clinical rotations are completed in the student’s home state.
- The program is 7 quarters long, which is 21 months.
- Students are responsible for finding their own clinical site and radiologist mentor.
- Students are required to be on campus in Loma Linda, California a few times during the program, typically for one-day visits.
Our program is nationally recognized by the ARRT, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists,1255 Northland Drive, St. Paul, MN 55120-1155. Visit ARRT for more information.
Loma Linda University is only authorized to offer distance (online) education in certain states. If you legally reside in one of the states that we are not authorized in, you will be unable to apply to the program.
This is a University policy and we are unable to make any exceptions. Please email the program director if you have specific questions regarding this issue.
To view a map of states we are authorized in: LLU State Authorization Info.
You must have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The Bachelor’s degree can be in Administration or Science (does not have to be Radiology related). The degree must be posted, and the official transcript received, in order for the student to begin coursework in the fall quarter.
Applications are completed online, during January 1st – June 1st of each calendar year. The program begins in late September each calendar year.
- BA/BS degree from an accredited institution, degree does not have to be in radiation sciences
- A graduate of an accredited medical radiography (x-ray) program
- ARRT, R.T.(R) licensure, in good standing
- Current CPR certification (must complete ACLS certification prior to applying for boards)
- Two-years, full time work experience (post-medical radiography licensure)
- Course in Statistics (taken within the past 5 years) and does not have to be completed prior to application
- Course in Research Methods (taken within the past 5 years) and does not have to be completed prior to application
Financial Information - tuition rates
Students are charged tuition for all academic and clinical courses. School fees, travel expenses, and book fees are extra and the student’s responsibility. Required certification workshops/courses are not part of the tuition fees for the program.
Complete your FAFSA early as the deadline for many loan applications is February or March. You may begin the loan application process before you have been accepted into the program.
For more information contact Financial aid.
University Catalog - Radiation Technology Programs
For an extensive list of FAQs via the ARRT- including exam content specifications, entry-level job functions, and many other items please visit ARRT FAQ Page.
For career and legislation information via the ASRT please visit ASRT RA Page.
AHCJ 402 Pathology I (4)
- Fundamental mechanisms of disease, including cell injury; inflammation, repair, regeneration, and fibrosis; vascular, cardiac, respiratory, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, urinary reproductive, endocrine, and integumentary pathologies.
AHCJ 403 Pathology II (3)
- Fundamental mechanisms of disease, including the central and peripheral nervous systems; bone and joint, skeletal muscle, developmental, genetic, infectious, and parasitic pathologies; and neoplasia.
AHCJ 566 Theoretical Foundations of Leadership (3)
- Course focuses on leadership theory and practice. Students will examine leadership from a theoretical standpoint; while relating, assessing, and practicing leadership in professional interactions.
RELE 524 Bioethics and Society (3)
- Explores—from Christian and philosophical perspectives—issues confronting both society and patients. Uses case studies to illustrate such themes as health disparities, AIDS policy, end-of-life care, and organ transplantation.
RELT 423 Loma Linda Perspectives (2)
- History and philosophy of Loma Linda University as a Christian health-sciences institution that fosters human wholeness.
RTRA 510, 511 Cross-Sectional Anatomy I & II (1, 1)
- This course identifies normal and abnormal anatomy in two-dimensional as well as three-dimensional planes. The cross-sectional view of anatomy and pathology is related to radiology procedures.
RTRA 518 Radiobiology & Health Physics (2)
- This course reviews the effects of ionizing and nonionizing radiation and fundamental concepts of radiation protection. The content is designed to promote the conscientious operation of radiologic and fluoroscopic devices. Content provides a complement to guided practice in operating the fluoroscopic device during clinical mentoring. Procedures and techniques to optimize image quality while reducing radiation exposure to patients, operator and ancillary personnel will be presented.
RTRA 519 Medical Legal Issues in Radiology (1)
- Introduction to the legal system as it pertains to radiation sciences. Concepts such as malpractice, litigation, informed consent, assault, and battery.
RTRA 521, 522, 523, 524 Radiology Procedures and Image Evaluation I, II, III, IV (3, 3, 3, 3)
- Provides a framework for various imaging procedures and the role of the radiologist assistant in the radiology department. The content is designed to provide the framework the systematic observation of static, digital, X-sectional and dynamic diagnostic images for the purpose of evaluating the presence of abnormalities, anomalies and pathological conditions.
RTRA 525 Fluoroscopy and Protection (1)
- Course focuses on the quality assurance and management aspects of fluoroscopy. Topics will include fluoroscopic radiation exposure and protection techniques, technical management, operation of fluoroscopic equipment, and quality control.
RTRA 526 Radiology Reporting (1)
- Student develops and organizes an imaging report for procedures performed under the supervision of a radiologist. Topics include, learning to report, style guidelines, and the American College of Radiology Guideline for Communication.
RTRA 531, 532 Pharmacology for Radiologist Assistants I & II (2, 2)
- Survey of pharmacological agents currently used in medicine, including their kinetics, dynamics, and therapeutics. Special emphasis placed on pharmaceuticals commonly used by and given to radiology patients including contrast media, antineoplastic agents, and radioactive isotopes.
RTRA 534 Pathophysiology (2)
- Covers the structure and function of human biology. Assists with developing skills of interpretation of laboratory data and increases the understanding of the pathophysiology behind patient care.
RTRA 541, 542 Patient Assessment I & II (2, 2)
- Provides skills in interviewing, physical examination, and interpretation of laboratory data. The course increases understanding of the pathophysiology behind patient care. An emphasis on analysis and interpretation of physiological data to assist in patient assessment and management will occur.
RTRA 543 Clinical Management and Education (2)
- Focuses on analysis and interpretation of physiological data to assist in patient assessment and management. Utilizes critical thinking, action plans, and protocols. Includes relationship centered patient care, effective communication, and patient education. Introduces clinical pathways, multidisciplinary clinical practice, and a focus on quality and coordination of care.
RTRA 546 Topics for the Radiologist Assistant (2)
- Course will introduce the student to the basics of Ultrasonography for Radiology Assistants. It is designed to meet the AART requirements for Clinical Experience and Competence Assessments for Radiology Assistants, and has both didactic and clinical components. The goals are to provide a fundamental understanding of the ultrasound modality, and to prepare students to participate in a variety of US related interventional procedures.
RTRA 588, 589 Comprehensive Review I & II (1, 1)
- A review of the major content areas covered in the radiologist assistant program. Student evaluation and performance analysis accomplished.
RTRA 614 Professional Portfolio (1)
- Development of a portfolio that illustrates the potential graduate’s ability to meet the goals set by the School of Allied Health Professions for graduates of baccalaureate and master’s degree programs.
RTRA 771 Clinical Internship I (1)
- This course is a 12-week rotation consisting of 1 day/week for a total of 96 hours of clinical experience. During the mentored clinical experience students will complete a wide variety of competencies and will be able to generate a report stating initial observations of diagnostic images on neonatal, pediatric, adult and geriatric populations. Students will utilize clinical contracts and a clinical portfolio.
RTRA 772 Clinical Internship II (1)
- This course is an 11-week rotation consisting of 2 day/week for a total of 168 hours clinical experience. During the mentored clinical experience students will complete a wide variety of competencies and will be able to generate a report stating initial observations of diagnostic images on neonatal, pediatric, adult and geriatric populations. Students will utilize clinical contracts and a clinical portfolio.
RTRA 773 Clinical Internship III (2)
- This course is an 11-week rotation consisting of 3 days/week for a total of 248 hours. During the mentored clinical experience students will complete a wide variety of competencies and will be able to generate a report stating initial observations of diagnostic images on neonatal, pediatric, adult and geriatric populations. Students will utilize clinical contracts and a clinical portfolio.
RTRA 774 Clinical Internship IV (3)
- This course is an 11-week rotation consisting of 3 days/week for a total of 248 hours. During the mentored clinical experience students will complete a wide variety of competencies and will be able to generate a report stating initial observations of diagnostic images on neonatal, pediatric, adult and geriatric populations. Students will utilize clinical contracts and a clinical portfolio.
RTRA 775 Clinical Internship V (2)
- This course is a 12-week rotation consisting of 3 days/week for a total of 272 hours. During the mentored clinical experience students will complete a wide variety of competencies and will be able to generate a report stating initial observations of diagnostic images on neonatal, pediatric, adult and geriatric populations. Students will utilize clinical contracts and a clinical portfolio.
RTRA 776, 777 Clinical Internship VI, VII (2, 2)
- These courses are 11-week rotation consisting of 3 days/week for a total of 248 hours. During the mentored clinical experience students will complete a wide variety of competencies and will be able to generate a report stating initial observations of diagnostic images on neonatal, pediatric, adult and geriatric populations. Students will utilize clinical contracts and a clinical portfolio.
RTRS 621 Capstone I (3)
- In this online course, the first of a two-course sequence, students will explore a relevant topic of interest. Students will develop a literature review of publishable quality and examine professional publication avenues.
RTRS 622 Capstone II (3)
- The second course in a two-course, online sequence. Students explore aspects of professional presentation delivery and incorporate their Capstone I project to develop a presentation of professional quality.
- Perform procedures and clinical activities of the profession.
- Engage in activities that advance the profession.
- Impact health-care delivery.
- Maintain recognized educational standards of the profession.
- Employ proper ethics within the profession.
Students must meet specific health requirements prior to enrolling in classes. All vaccination policies are developed in accordance with current guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). For more information regarding pre-admission health requirements including a list of required vaccinations, please visit our Student Health page for more information.
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