Radiology Technolology

Division of Health Sciences (CEC Campus Bungalow B6 and Main Campus W204)

Additional information: (626) 585-3378. 

The Health Sciences Division offers an array of programs for students interested in entering the health care work force. Programs lead to a certificate and/or degree as an Anesthesia Technologist, Dental Assistant, Dental Hygienist, Restorative Dental Technology, Emergency Medical Technician, Licensed Vocational Nurse, Medical Assistant, Radiologic Technologist, and Registered Nurse. There is also a Career Ladder option from the Licensed Vocational Nurse program to the Registered Nurse program. Program offerings range from six weeks, one year, and two years. Each program is approved by the appropriate regulatory agency, and many have specialized program accreditation. Programs may require that students have clinical experiences on as well as off campus in professional offices, hospital(s), and other educational settings. Specific certificate program outcomes can be found in the Degrees and Certificates section of the Catalog. 

Catalog Description

RADIOLOGY (Health Sciences Division) Radiologic Technology –Associate in Science Degree, Certificate of Achievement Top Code: 1225.00

The curriculum prepares students to work as a Radiologic Technologist in the medical field. Employment opportunities include  offices, clinics and hospitals, education, sales, application specialist,  management once appropriate certificates, licensure are obtained. 

The program is accredited by the Joint Review Commission on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), in coordination with the California Department of Public Health, Radiologic Health Branch (CDPH-RHB).Upon successful completion of the program the student is eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist Examination (ARRT). Upon successfully passing the examination a student then would need to apply to the State of California for their Radiologic Technology License in diagnostic radiology and fluoroscopy.  Advance modalities such as Mammography and Computerized Tomography require further licensure. 

A Certificate of Achievement is awarded upon completion of all required courses with a grade of C or better; an Associate in Science degree is awarded upon attainment of a Certificate of Achievement and completion of all general education requirements for the AS degree with a minimum grade point average of 2.0 in these general education courses. If a student has an advanced degree, they do not seek another degree, unless they choose.  The class of 2022, out of 13 students 9 have advance degrees. 

 Prerequisite Course Requirements are: 

All of the General Education courses that lead to an Associate Degree  are to be completed prior to admission to the program. These are the required prerequisites for the program: Anatomy 025, Physiology 001 Chemistry 002A or higher level of Chemistry, Intermediate Algebra or higher level of Math, Medical Terminology (3-unit class) (Physiology 002A and 002B can be substituted for Anatomy 025 and Physiology 001.) For the selection criteria for admission to the program refer to the Radiologic Technology Brochure online or see a PCC Counselor. 

Effective January 2015, an applicant must have an Associate or higher degree for eligibility for ARRT Certification. 

Program Requirements for Admission

Prerequisite Course Requirements include: All General Education courses need to be completed prior to admission to the program. Students applying to the program with associate degrees, etc.  are not required to complete GE courses, however, prerequisite courses must be completed prior to the application period.  The program does not accept work in progress during the application period, not does the program accept course work from transfer students from other programs. For course evaluation it is recommended the student contact the Health Science Counselor for program criteria, educational path and pathways.

Average GPA of 2.5 in the completed pre-requisite courses.  It highly recommended that courses be taken within a 3-year period. All applicants must have a overall 2.0 in the completed general education courses. If the number of qualified applicants exceeds the number of spaces available, selections will be made by random selection. Alternates will be chosen by random selection and alternate status does not guarantee admission.  

Application  Requirements

A completed Radiologic Technology application submitted online

Official transcripts of all U. S. colleges & universities attending including Pasadena City College.

Minimum age of 18, as mandated by the State of California Radiation Health Branch, Title 17

Social Security number used for background checks and radiation detection monitors.

Copy of DD214 if you are a veteran or spouse of a veteran.  Veterans receive special consideration once pre-requisites & general course requirements have been met.

 

Prerequisite courses required:

Anatomy 25

Physiology 001

Chemistry 002A or higher level of Chemistry,
Intermediate Algebra or higher level of Math
Medical Terminology (3-unit class)

(Physiology 002A and 002B can be substituted for Anatomy 025 and Physiology 001.)

As of January 2015, an applicant must have an Associate or higher degree for eligibility for ARRT Certification.

 

Program Learning Outcomes (During the Program)

a)       Students will complete the program and courses with high success rates

b)      Demonstrate effective communication with patients ,staff, and other member in the healthcare field

c)       Exhibit technical skills abilities, problem solving skills and practice safety protocols during examination

d)      Students will develop knowledge about professional growth, foster empathy, and the need to work toward excellence

 

Program Learning Outcomes (After the Program)

a)  Upon graduation students will pass the certification and/or licensing examination.

b)  Graduates will express overall satisfaction with the RT program.

c)  Graduates will obtain employment in the field of radiology.

d)  Employers will express overall satisfaction with the graduates’ performance.

 

The Radiologic Technology Program will evaluate and monitor program effectiveness through the measurement of the graduates’ success rates, job placement rates, annual program completion rates, graduate, and employer satisfaction surveys.  The annual results of the ARRT pass rate, job placement and program completion are located on the program website and posted at: www.jrcert.org &  www.pasadena.edu/divisions/health-sciences/radiology/

 

 

Class of 2021  16 students completed the program

Class of 2022 13 students will complete the program in June 2022.

Program Goals

1. Students will be clinically competent. (Clinical Courses)

a)       Students will be able to perform routine radiographic images.

b)      Students will possess knowledge of radiographic procedures and patient care.

c)       Students will employ radiation protection to patients, themselves, and others.

 

2. Students will effectively communicate. (Clinical and Didactic Courses)

a)       Students will demonstrate effective communication with patients, staff, and others.

b)      Students will be able to demonstrate good communication skills through class presentations.

3. Students will demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills.(Clinical and Didactic Courses)

a)       Students will assess patients’ condition and make appropriate modifications to the procedures based on their conditions and age group.

b)      Students will evaluate radiographic images and make appropriate changes when necessary.

4. Students will demonstrate ethics and professionalism. (Clinical and Didactic Courses)

a)       Students will evaluate career opportunities and advancement for the radiographer.

b)      Students will demonstrate professionalism with patients, self, and others.

c)       Students will create a professional portfolio that illustrates growth with their careers.

Each course within the Radiologic Technology program has course objectives.

 

Program Requirements for Admission

Prerequisite Course Requirements are: All General Education courses need to be completed prior to admission to the program. Students applying to the program with associate degrees, etc.  are not required to complete GE courses, however, prerequisite courses must be completed prior to the application period.  The program does not accept work in progress during the application period, not does the program accept course work from transfer students from other programs. For course evaluation it is recommended the student contact the Health Science Counselor for program criteria, education path and pathways.

Average GPA of 2.5 in the completed pre-requisite courses.  It highly recommended that courses be taken within a 3-year period. All applicants must have a overall 2.0 in the completed general education courses. 

If the number of qualified applicants exceeds the number of spaces available, selections will be made by random selection.  Alternates will be chosen by random selection and alternate status does not guarantee admission.  

Application Requirements

A completed Radiologic Technology application submitted online

Official transcripts of all U. S. colleges & universities attending including Pasadena City College.

Minimum age of 18, as mandated by the State of California Radiation Health Branch, Title 17

Social Security number used for background checks and radiation detection monitors.

Copy of DD214 if you are a veteran or spouse of a veteran.  Veterans receive special consideration once pre-requisites & general courses have been met.

Radiologic Technology Program

JUSTIFICATION:  Recommendations for updating the curriculum were received from the Advisory Board. All courses in the Radiologic Technology Program have been modified and updated. On advisement, and in alignment with other community colleges, the program admission GPA has been raised to 2.5 for prerequisite courses.

Item 1.  Program Goals & Objectives

Program Goals

1. Students will be clinically competent. (Clinical Courses)

a)      Students will be able to perform routine radiographic images.

b)     Students will possess knowledge of radiographic procedures and patient care.

c)      Students will employ radiation protection to patients, themselves, and others.

2. Students will effectively communicate. (Clinical and Didactic Courses)

a)       Students will demonstrate effective communication with patients, staff, and others.

b)      Students will be able to demonstrate good communication skills through class presentations.

3. Students will demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills.(Clinical and Didactic Courses)

a)       Students will assess patients’ condition and make appropriate modifications to the procedures based on their conditions and age group.

b)      Students will evaluate radiographic images and make appropriate changes when necessary.

4. Students will demonstrate ethics and professionalism. (Clinical and Didactic Courses)

a)      Students will evaluate career opportunities and advancement for the radiographer.

b)     Students will demonstrate professionalism with patients, self, and others.

c)      Students will create a professional portfolio that illustrates growth with their careers.

Program Learning Outcomes (During the Program)

a)       Students will complete the program and courses with high success rates

b)      Demonstrate effective communication with patients, staff, and other member in the healthcare field

c)       Exhibit technical skills abilities, problem solving skills and practice safety protocols during examination

d)      Students will develop knowledge about professional growth, foster empathy, and the need to work toward excellence

Program Learning Outcomes (After the Program)

a)  Upon graduation students will pass the certification and/or licensing examination.

b)  Graduates will express overall satisfaction with the RT program.

c)  Graduates will obtain employment in the field of radiology.

d)  Employers will express overall satisfaction with the graduates’ performance. 

The Radiologic Technology Program will evaluate and monitor program effectiveness through the measurement of graduate success rates, job placement rates, annual program completion rates, graduate, and employer satisfaction surveys.  The annual results of the ARRT pass rate, job placement and program completion are located on the program website and posted at:www.jrcert.org & www.pasadena.edu/divisions/health-sciences/radiology/ 

Radiologic Technology Program

Program Effectiveness Data

2016-2020

                                  Program Completion Rate

·                                              Five Year Completion Rate average: 87%

Program completion rate is defined as the numbers of students who complete the program within the stated program length. The program length for the clinical &didactic phase of the program is 24 months and program completion rate are defined as those students graduating within 24 months of beginning the didactic phase of the program.

Class of	Applicants Accepted	Applicants Graduated	Percentage	Benchmark	Benchmark Met
2020	16	13	81	75%	Yes
2019	24	21	88	75%	Yes
2018	23	21	91	75%	Yes
2017	23	19	83	75%	Yes
2016	23	21	91	75%	Yes
Year Average	109	95	87	75%	Yes

Five-year average credentialing examination (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Radiography exam) pass rate of not less than 75 percent at first attempt within six months of graduation.

ARRTCREDENTIALING EXAMINATION FIVE YEAR PASS RATE

·                                  Five Year Pass Rate average: 94%

Class of	Students who took exam & passed first attempt	Percentage	Benchmark	Benchmark Met
2020	13/13	100%	75%	Yes
2019	20/21	95%	75%	Yes
2018	20/21	95%	75%	Yes
2017	17/19	89%	75%	Yes
2016	19/21	90%	75%	Yes
Total	89/95	94%	75%	Yes

**The Class of 2021, all passed their National Board Exam on the first attempt. (Data not presented).

                                    Job Placement within twelve months of graduation

·                                            Five Year Job Placement average: 99%

Class of	Graduates Employed	Graduates Seeking Employment	Percentage	Benchmark	Benchmark Met
2020	12	13	92	75%	Yes
2019	20	20	100	75%	Yes
2018	20	20	100	75%	Yes
2017	17	17	100	75%	Yes
2016	19	19	100	75%	Yes
Total	88	89	99%	75%	Yes

      JRCERT has defined not actively seeking employment as:

·        graduate fails to contact program officials regarding employment status after multiple attempts or

·        graduate is unwilling to seek employment that requires relocation or

·        graduate is unwilling to accept employment due to salary or hours or

·        graduate is on active military duty and/or

·        graduate is continuing education in Radiation Therapy School, MRI/CT, or other advanced schools

GRADUATE SURVEYS

Surveys for satisfaction are surveyed upon completion of the program. Graduate surveys for employment are typically sent to graduates six months to one year after graduation.  Most of our students are employed in the clinical facilities where they did their initial training.

       Class of 2021, 1 graduates surveyed 16 were satisfied with their overall experiences with the RT Program.  All graduates submitted the surveys during their exit interviews.

·        Class of 2020-of the 13 graduates surveyed 13 were satisfied with their overall experiences with the RT Program.  All graduates submitted the surveys during their exit interviews & were surveyed after one year

·        Class of 2019-of the 21 graduates surveyed 21 were satisfied with their overall experiences with the RT Program.  All graduates submitted the surveys during their exit interviews & were surveyed after one year.

·        Class of 2018-of the 21 graduates surveyed 21 were satisfied with their overall experiences with the RT Program.  All graduates submitted the surveys during their exit interviews & were surveyed after one year.

·        Class of 2017-of the 19   graduates surveyed 19 were satisfied with their overall experiences with the RT Program. All graduates submitted the surveys the surveys during their exit interviews& were surveyed after one year.

·        Class of 2016-of the 21 graduates surveyed 21 were satisfied with their overall experiences with the RT Program.  All graduates submitted the surveys the surveys during their exit interviews & were surveyed after one year.

·        Graduates have semester evaluation of the program regarding clinical instructors, clinical facilities, courses, faculty.  Surveys consist of: Clinical Evaluations,2 per semester, Clinical Instructor Evaluations per semester, Clinical Practicum Evaluations 2 per semester, Course Evaluations, at the end of each semester, Instructor Evaluations, at the end of each semester, and Program Evaluations at the end of program completion.  All evaluations are shared with the faculty, clinical instructors, and clinical facilities.

The program monitors student success in the Program Effectiveness Data (PED) as required by the outside accreditation agency.  A sample of this in included in the above section.  In addition, the program monitors the Assessment Plan which includes the SLO’s for selected courses for a period of 5 years. Current pass rate, program completion, and job placement is found on the Radiologic Technology webpage.

Currently the program does not articulate with any California University for advanced degrees, since many students already have a degree upon coming into the program or are changing careers where advanced degrees were required. Their current degree and certification meet the educational philosophy in the radiology discipline and students are eager to begin working rather than pursuing advanced degrees.  Some students are accepted into the City of Hope Radiation Therapy Program where they do continue their radiology training and from that program no degree is conferred. Some students want more of advanced training and they apply to CSUN or Loma Linda University for MRI Certificates.  In those cases, the requirements for education needed is completion of a JRCERT Certified Program and current ARRT certification.  Once in the program the student just completes their course of study and will be gainfully employed upon completion.

Item 2.  Catalog Description

The Radiologic Technology program prepares students to take on responsibility as a member of the radiologic technology health care team.

The Radiologic Technology Certificate of Achievement prepares students to begin a career and gain employment as a Radiologic Technologist in the medical field. Additional employment opportunities are available in medical offices, clinics and hospitals, education, sales, PACS Administrators, and management. 

Upon successful completion of the program the student is eligible to apply to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist Examination (ARRT).  Upon successfully passing the national examination a student applies to the State of California to obtain their Radiologic Technology License in Diagnostic Radiology and Fluoroscopy. Further examination is required for advance modalities such as Mammography, CT,MR, Interventional Radiography. 

Students have an opportunity to take advanced modality courses within the program and upon program/course completion obtaining National Board certification, and applying to the State of California for licensure  and can be gainfully employed in CT, Mammography, Interventional Radiology.  The program currently does not have an MR program, this will be addressed, and staff is considering on an Skills Certificate  for a Bone Density Course. 

The sequences of courses are consistent with the learning environment, where one semester builds upon another semester.  Second year students take a sequence of course which are more challenging for students, and expectations are higher for them in the clinical environment. 

A Certificate of Achievement is awarded upon completion of all required certificate courses with a grade of C or better; an Associate of Science degree is awarded to those students who apply for the degree and upon attainment of a Certificate of Achievement and completion of all general education requirements for the AS degree with a minimum grade point average of 2.0 in these general education courses. Many of the students coming into the RDTC program already possess advance degrees, and an associates degree is not needed to receive the Certificate of Achievement.  An associate degree is required to take the ARRT National Boards Certification.  Currently the units for program completion are 74-77, depending on if students complete both courses in the last semester of their training. A memo was sent to Curriculum Committee to help justify the high unit value.

The program maintains an eight-year Accreditation by Joint Review Commission on Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) and is approved by the State of California Radiologic Health Branch (RHB).  The next site visit will be in early spring 2022.  JRCERT Self Study report was submitted January 2022. 

Radiologic Technologists not enrolled in the RDTC program at PCC  are able to enroll in the Advanced Modality courses such as: RDTC 103C, Sectional Anatomy, RDTC 121, Mammography, RDTC 123, Computerized Tomography. These courses are available during the spring and fall semesters and are held in the evenings.  The program does not offer clinical placement for non PCC students.  In order for a student to be accepted, they need to hold ARRT & CRT certification and licensure so they can complete their competencies.  Since they would be working directly with patients, they need state licensure.

Item 3.  Program Requirements (Pre-Requisites)

Intermediate Algebra or higher Math course

Physics 010 and 010L-This course is scheduled to be removed from the pre-requisites

Chemistry –General or Organic or Biochemistry, **Chemistry 022 or 001A is acceptable, Chemistry 002A is preferred.  

Anatomy 025 &Physiology 001, or equivalent (must include a laboratory component)

Physio 2A &2B will be accepted until 2022.

Medical Terminology(must be a 3-unit course)

All Associate Degree general education courses completed.

“In Progress” work for the prerequisites will not be considered during the selection process.

Program Acceptance: Program Follows Title V Guidelines for equal opportunity

1.  A complete Radiologic Technology application submitted online. Faxed applications will not be accepted.

 2. Official transcript of ALL U. S. colleges and universities attended including Pasadena City College and verification of the advanced degree must be uploaded with your online application. Transcripts must be scanned and saved in a pdf format.

3. Minimum age of 18 years, as mandated by the State of California Radiation Health Branch Title 17.

4. A social security number (State of California requirement). The social security number is used for background checks and radiation detection monitors.

 5. Copy ofDD214 if you are a veteran or spouse of a veteran. Veterans may receive special consideration for admission once requirements have been met. Spouses of veterans must provide copy of marriage certificate if applying to the program if special consideration is requested. Documentation must be scanned and saved in pdf format and uploaded with your application.

 6. If you have taken courses and if you are unsure if they are transferable or equivalent to   prerequisite requirements it is the applicant’s responsibility to determine course equivalency prior to applying to the program. Please contact the Counseling Office if you have questions regarding required courses. If you have taken prerequisite courses and are requesting substitution or waivers, please submit a “Student Petition” or a “Student Request for Course Substitution and Waivers” form to the Office of the Vice President for Student and Learning Services, L -112 or online. Approval must be submitted with the application to  the Health Sciences Division or can be submitted prior to the application period for verification. Scan the documentation and save as a pdf file to upload with your application.

7. Volunteer or Observation hours are not required at this time. We do not offer placement of individuals for observation or volunteering. UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE NOTE: If you are not accepted to the program, you must reapply the next year and submit all information again. We do not maintain a wait list. and previous applications, and transcripts are not kept on file. A completed application packet must be submitted online & received through the Radiologic Technology website

 Requirements after Acceptance

Students are required to submit evidence of good health documented by a recent physical with the required immunizations. COVID 19 Vaccination requirement is needed to attend the clinical portion of the program.

The two-step TB test results must be no older than one year and must be done yearly.

Students must have and maintain a current American Heart Association CPR/Basic Life

 Support Card for Health Care Providers while in the program. 

 Students are expected to comply with the program’s uniform standards.

Students must provide their own transportation to all on and off campus clinical sites (some classes will include evening sessions).

Students are always required to maintain vehicle liability insurance if using a vehicle to attend clinical or classes. (If applicable)

  Students are required to obtain and maintain professional liability insurance while in the program.

Students enrolled in the Radiologic Technology Program require clinical experience in the curricula (beginning in the summer semester), must be cleared through the process of the criminal background check. If a student cannot obtain a background clearance, acceptance to the program will be forfeited.

Students who are found to be ineligible for clinical placement by the clinical agency after admission to the program shall be subject to dismissal from the program, as they will be unable to complete mandatory clinical rotations and objectives. Random drug testing may be required by some clinical facilities.

Other Important Information

The Radiologic Technology program is a 2 year full time program, some evening classes are required for second year students.  Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from clinical and didactic courses.  Program is a Monday-Friday program, with hours from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.  

·      The prerequisites may take approximately 1-2 years to complete. 

·       It is recommended that students work no more than 15-20 hours per week. 

·       Financial aid and scholarships may be available for the student.

·       The Radiologic Technology program has established a “Declaration of Pregnancy Policy” that follows the Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulations & JRCERT guidelines. More information will be given to the student during the beginning of the summer courses. This will be discussed during the RDTC 100/101 courses and reviewed throughout the two years. Written documentation will be handed out at the beginning of the first session (summer).

·      Students accepted into the program are required to pay college tuition, skills pack, and health fees, parking, and any other appropriate fees.

·        The cost of tuition, books, uniforms, insurance, professional membership, markers, and name tags is estimated to be at least $6,500.00 for two years.  Non-resident and International students may pay a higher tuition fee.  All fees are subject to change.

·        Rules and regulations of the college as well as the program must be  adhered to.

·        To enhance student success, students who have English as a second language are  encouraged to enroll in college Speech classes.

·        The PCC Radiologic Technology program does not accept transfer students from other Radiology programs due to difference in curriculum and course sequences.

·        Effective January 2015 an associate degree or higher is required prior to taking the ARRT exam.

·        Due Process information can be found in the student clinical handbook and on the PCC College website.

Addressing the number of units for the Radiology Program. Recently all the courses within the program were updated and once they were updated it was determined there were errors regarding the units and the number of clinical hours required attached to the courses. Courses have not been updated in sometime, therefore all courses were not current, staff worked with Curriculum Committee to update the clinical hours with the correct unit values, and unit values  went up significantly. There were no courses added to the curriculum, however, three courses were removed, RDTC 118 & RDTC 113 A & B. The reason for the removal was due to being over the number of required clinical hours for the program as mandated by the State of California, Radiation Health Branch. The removal of RDTC 118, Fluoroscopy was because the State of California no longer requires the student to sit for the Fluoroscopy Licensure Examination, as students already are taking the ARRT exam can just apply for California Licensure. All Fluoroscopy information will be incorporated within the courses in the program.

RDTC 121 & RDTC 123, are advanced modality courses and students must take one or both elective courses to receive a Certificate of Achievement upon program completion. Having these number of units and required courses allows the student to obtain employment upon program completion and obtaining national and state licensure. 

Item 4.  Master Planning

The PCC Radiologic Technology program is a 24-month, low-cost program.  Radiology Technology is ranked among the top ten professions according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics with a significant increase in employment expected over the next several years. Current Labor market surveys indicate over 375 job openings in the Los Angeles County are currently available.  Students may apply for acceptance into the program once they complete the prerequisite courses and complete all the GE courses prior to acceptance.  The program does not accept courses in progress during the application period and does not accept students from proprietary schools, due to the nature of the courses they complete.  Current and graduate students may choose a variety of career paths once they complete the program.  This includes but not limited to, Diagnostic Radiology, Mammography, CT, MRI, Cardiac Cath Lab, Interventional Radiology, Radiation Therapy, Education, Sales and Management. 

Upon program completion the graduates are eligible to take their National Board Examinations through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.  Once students pass the boards, they are eligible to apply to the State of California Radiologic Health Branch for the California Licensure (CRT) and for the Fluoroscopy licensure.  The program is recognized by the state and is nationally recognized. Outside state and national accreditation requires the program to be following state regulations and accreditation standards, addressing technology, modern facilities, curriculum content, technical skills development, and professional growth for faculty.  In review of curriculum, program improvements the master plan will target areas of                       improvement in student recruitment, expansion, modernization of facilities, professional development for faculty etc. and these improvements will ensure the program graduates students who are qualified and ready for employment.  Additionally, this proposed project will target opportunities to possibly enroll more students to address the shortage of radiologic technologists.  The Radiologic Technology Program was established in the 1960’s and was in the Sarafian Building (U-Building) until the program was relocated to the Community Education Center in 2011.  The masterplan hopes to address the need for expansion of programs and ensure the facilities would be able to accommodate the program and the needs of the program for the expansion.

“The mission of the Pasadena City College Radiologic Technology Program is to prepare students to become qualified imaging practitioners who are committed to the highest patient care and ethical standards, and technical practices while instilling the importance of professionalism”.

The Radiologic Technology Program’s Mission statement emphasizes successful learning.  The program to continues to provide high quality, academically and technically rigorous curriculum, a state-of-the-art learning laboratory, qualified program instructors, and learning activities and projects carefully designed to prepare students for successful achievement of a Certificate of Achievement in Radiologic Technology. In achieving its mission, the Radiologic Technology program provides educational and technical opportunities for students that include customary and high technology practices in the radiology healthcare profession.  The program meets or exceeds the standards as set forth by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists(ASRT), American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), and the Joint Commission in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). The program maintains an 8-year accreditation from JRCERT and Received the Gold Star Award from the California Chancellors Office in 2018. 

The standards are met by:

 Facilitating a positive learning environment for students that promotes:

·        The pursuit and discover of knowledge

·        Development of new and innovative laboratory experiences

·        Creative teaching methodologies directed to assist students’ highest potential

·        Partnering with the state of art clinical facilities for students to complete their clinical experiences.

·        Providing the state-of-the-art fully equipped facilities, equipment of current industry standards, one that will facilitate students’ ability to acquire, and practice needed technical skills and knowledge.

·        Provide information, an opportunity to learn and guide individuals interested in the Radiologic Technology Program.

·        Demonstrate commitment to multicultural sensitivity including addressing the special needs of physically challenged and non-traditional students.

·        Encourage students the importance of continuing their education in the radiologic technology field upon program completion.

·        Stressing the importance of participation and involvement in the radiologic technology profession by assuming leadership roles within the professional organizations.

The Radiologic Technology Program is committed to creating a positive education and clinical environment which can help stimulate the development of students and graduates who are capable of critical thinking, problem solving and decision making in the provision in the health care field. 

VISION OFTHE PCC RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM 

P-Personable

C-Compassionate & caring patient care

C-Commitment to excellence in the radiologic technology profession

R-Respect for all

D-Diversity consciousness

T-Timeless energy

C-Continued pursuit of excellence & learning

Didactic Education 

When instructors share their experiences with students, it comes from their own experiences. Many of our instructors continue to practice in the radiology technology field are instructing students and sharing those special experiences that occurred in their careers.  Our faculty members serve on various statewide & national committees that help develop future technologists.

Laboratory & Clinical Facilities

The radiologic technology program is constantly striving to remain current with new technology.  This is accomplished by the assistance with our clinical facilities.  This helps us ensure that our students develop strong skills that will allow them to become be part of the clinical facility upon program completion.

Item 5.  Enrollment and Completer

      Program Completion Rate

·        Five Year Completion Rate average: 87%

Program completion rate is defined as the numbers of students who complete the program within the stated program length. The program length for the clinical & didactic phase of the program is 24 months and program completion rate are defined as those students graduating within 24 months of beginning the didactic phase of the program.

 

Class of	Applicants Accepted	Applicants Graduated	Percentage	Benchmark	Benchmark Met
2020	16	13	81	75%	Yes
2019	24	21	88	75%	Yes
2018	23	21	91	75%	Yes
2017	23	19	83	75%	Yes
2016	23	21	91	75%	Yes
Year Average	109	95	87	75%	Yes

 

Program completion rate is defined as the numbers of the students who complete the program within the stated program length.  The program length for the clinical and didactic phase of the program is 24 months and the program completion rate is defined as those students graduating within 24months of beginning the didactic phase of the program. This requirement is updated yearly and is following the compliance of the accrediting board

According to the Data Mart hyperlink at www.cccco.edu, indicates that 13 certificates were distributed for 2019/2020. That number is inconsistent due to the extra modality Occupational Certificates were not included in the count for the year and students did not apply for certificates.  Many students already have an advanced degrees coming into the program which is why limited associate degrees are not given out.

Student enrollment has been low due to a variety of issues such as: lack of clinical facilities, students realizing that the program is not what they expected once they enrolled in the program, family responsibilities etc. The program is currently seeking additional clinical facilities to increase enrollment and seek means to continue to maintain a successful program.  Few students drop out due to poor grades since the program maintains strong study groups, instructor lead tutoring session sand extensive review assignments to assist students who are not passing at mid-term.

 According to the LMI, June 2021 report indicates that there will be approximately 272 job openings per year through 2024 due to job growth and replacements.

Item 6.  Place of Program in Curriculum/Similar Programs

a)   Data Mart information was reviewed; however, it does not contain all the documented students we had that completed the program and or certificates.  This is due to the lack of verification that was sent to the Records Office.  According to the LMI from the years 2017-2020, the average is 24 certificates/degrees were given out, the numbers are inconsistent with student enrollment in the program. Certificate of completion just includes students completing the radiology program only.   Students often do not feel the need to get another degree once they receive an associate degree or bachelor’s degree, so they do not apply for any degree from PCC. Many of the students coming into the program have bachelors or master’s degrees.  Having an additional degree does not necessarily get the student a better paying job or any extra incentives. In reviewing the LMI, it looks as though PCC has the lowest number of certificate awards, and LA City has the highest.  I spoke with the director, and he indicated that the reason his are so much higher is because he includes all the certificates given out, which includes, Patient Care, Mammography, Fluoroscopy etc.  Whereas other schools may not incorporate the extra courses outside of the program into the calculations.

b)   Other programs/certificates offered by the program consist of Mammography, Fluoroscopy,, Cross Sectional Anatomy, Computerized Tomography These are extra in addition to the Certificate in Radiologic Technology. For future the program will monitor the courses that are above just the radiology certificate and incorporate the advanced modalities. Program is looking into the possibility of a MRI course, Bone Density, and Interventional Radiography. 

Item 7.  Similar Programs at Other Colleges in Service Area

·        Mt. San Antonio College, Walnut, California

·        Cypress College, Cypress, California

·        Los Angeles City College, Los Angeles, California

·        El Camino College, Torrance, California

      Chaffey College, Rancho Cucamonga, California

All above noted colleges websites were reviewed and some similarities are observed.  Some college have different prerequisites, different course sequencing, and different courses. Colleges target a different group of students, depending on the locations and ethnicity.  It is noted that some of the colleges use wait lists to accept students, require essays, use the point system, TEA's testing.  PCC uses the random selection of all students who completed pre-requisites and GE courses.  Some institutions comprise a wait list of students who do not have the pre-requisite courses completed and maintain a 3-5year wait list. What makes the PCC program stand out is that students once they complete the program all employed within 6 months after receiving their California License and ARRT certification. Many students are employed in the clinical site where they did their initial training or secondary rotation.

 A significant concern is the increase and number of proprietary schools in the area, these schools offer signing on bonuses with the clinical sites to have the students train in the clinical facility. This causes a significant impact with the number of students that can be assigned to the clinical sites from the community colleges.

 

 

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
RDTC 100 RDTC 101 RDTC 102 RDTC 103A RDTC 110 RDTC 112A RDTC 117A RDTC 103B RDTC 104 RDTC 112B RDTC 117B RDTC 113 RDTC 119 RDTC 103C RDTC 105 RDTC 111 RDTC 117C RDTC 116 RDTC 117D RDTC 120 RDTC 121 RDTC 123	Introduction to Medical Imaging Medical Procedures for the Technologist Radiation Protection & Radiobiology Radiographic Anatomy & Positioning, A Professional Ethics Radiologic Physics, A Clinical Practicum, 1 Radiographic Anatomy & Positioning ,B Principles of Radiographic Exposure Radiologic Physics, B Clinical Practicum, 2 Clinical Practicum, 3 Clinical Practicum, 4 Cross Sectional Anatomy Special Radiographic Procedures Computerized Imaging Clinical Practicum, 5 Radiology Technology Review Clinical Practicum,  Independent Study Mammographic Procedures Computerized Tomography, (CT)	2 3 3 3.5 2 3 4.5 3.5 3 3 4.5 4.5 7.5 3 3 3 9 2 7.5 1 3 3	Y1/S1 Y1/S1 Y1/S1 Y1/S1 Y1/S1 Y1/S1 Y1/S1 Y1/S2 Y1/S2 Y1/S2 Y1/S2 Y2/S2 Y2/S2 Y2/S3 Y2/S3 Y2/S3 Y2/S3 Y2/S4 Y2/S4 Y2/S4 Y2/S4 Y2/S4

Los Angeles City College, Cypress College, El Camino College, Chaffey College

Los Angeles City College, Cypress College, El Camino College, Chaffey College

20-24