Admissions

Application Periods & Deadlines

Applications are only available during our application period. We accept applications during the following filing period:

  • Applications must be submitted online from November 1 to November 18 for summer admission

To All Applicants:

As a requirement to access the clinical affiliate sites which are a required part of the curriculum, all students must show proof of completion of an approved Covid-19 Vaccination series.

Although students might be eligible to obtain an exemption to participate in activities on campus, our clinical affiliate sites do not afford trainees this option for the safety and protection of their patients and staff.

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Admission Requirements

To be considered an eligible applicant, you must:

Complete all prerequisite courses (all courses must be college level), all required prerequisite courses must be completed with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, applicant must have an overall GPA of 2.0 or greater for all completed college coursework.

Required Prerequisite Courses: These prerequisite courses must be completed with a Grade Point Average of 2.5 with a grade of "C" or higher.  A grade of "D" or "F" in any of the prerequisite courses will not be accepted.

  • Intermediate Algebra or higher Math
  • Human Anatomy with a lab component
  • Chemistry - General, Organic, or Bio Chemistry
  • Human Physiology with a lab component
  • Medical Terminology (must be a 3-unit semester course)
  • Additionally, all Associate Degree general education courses must be completed with a 2.0 grade point average. Information about the general education coursework needed to complete the degree requirement can be viewed on the website: https://pasadena.edu/academics/degrees-and-certificates/aa-degrees/degree-requirements.php

 “In Progress” work for the general education or required prerequisite courses will not be considered during the selection process.

  • Have a social security number
    State of California requirement. The social security number is used for background checks and radiation detection badges.

  • Be a minimum age of 18 years
    As mandated by the State Health Code, Title 17

  • See a counselor for detailed course information

Selection Criteria

All eligible applicants must have a grade point average of 2.5 in the completed prerequisite courses for consideration for acceptance into the radiologic technology program. An associate degree may be awarded upon attainment of a Certificate of Achievement and completion of all general education requirements for the AS degree with a GPA of 2.0 in the general education courses and minimum GPA of 2.5 in the prerequisite courses. A student must apply to obtain the Associate Science degree after program completion. Many students come into the program with advance degrees, so if a higher degree is already in place an associate degree is not needed.

Selection is based on random selection after completion of the prerequisite and general education courses leading to an associate degree has been verified.

All applicants must have a minimum of a grade point average of 2.5 in the completed prerequisite courses, overall 2.0 in the completed general education courses with an Associate's Degree or higher.  A grade of "D" or "F" in any of the prerequisite courses will not be accepted.

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.  The Health Sciences Division will inform applicants of the status of their application by email only.  Please make sure your email is current when you apply to the program.  It is recommended that courses be completed within a 3-year period prior to the application period.

The program does not maintain a wait list from year to year as applications need to be uploaded in the portal year if students were not accepted. The number of students selected for admission to the program varies from year to year and the program accepts 20-25 per class yearly for summer admission. 

The program no longer has a priority list for admission, as the application is open for everyone who has completed the required pre-requisite courses and completed the GE courses leading to a degree if needed. No priority is given to students from other programs, or who hold an advanced degree.

U.S. Veterans and spouses may receive priority status if all prerequisite courses and GE courses are completed prior to application. For spouses of veterans, a copy of the DD214 form and a copy of a marriage certificate is required to be submitted with the application. The program follows Title 5 admission policies.

How to Apply

1  Apply for admission to PCC

Apply now to PCC .Students are encouraged to write down and save their Pasadena City College Identification Number for any additional application processes.

2   Complete Your Online Application

To apply to the program you need to submit a complete an online application which includes:

  1. A completed Radiologic Technology application.
    Applications are only available online during the filing period, Applications must be submitted online from November 1 to November 18.  
  2. Transcripts:  You will be required to submit official transcripts of all US colleges and universities you have attended including PCC. If you are submitting Advanced Placement coursework to meet any requirement an official A.P. transcript must be submitted. Verification of any advanced degrees you have earned must be posted to your official transcripts.

  3. All applicants should request one (1) official transcript from each college they have attended. All applicants are required to upload a set of official transcripts from each college (including Advanced Placement transcript scores) attended with your online application.  All documents uploaded to your application must be in PDF format.

    Follow these basic directions for scanning documents to your online application:

    Open and scan the official transcripts using a device such as a printer or scanner. The transcripts you have now opened should be kept for your personal records.

    Follow the scanner manufacturer's directions to scan each document to your computer or USB drive

    Select the PDF file format option before scanning. Only PDF files of your transcripts and other supporting documents will be accepted. Formats such as JPEG, GIF, BMP, TIF, screenshot, word documents, etc. will not be accepted for the application process.

    Save your PDF document to a folder in a location on your computer or removable drive that you can easily access (Desktop or Documents folder is suggested)

    NOTE: Students who do not have access to a personal scanner may choose to use a commercial copying center to have their required documents scanned and made into PDFs that then may be uploaded as part of your application.

    Follow these basic directions for uploading documents to your online application:

    When prompted on the application to upload your documents marked "Drop Files here or Select Files" click on this button

    Find the PDF files you want to upload from your computer or flash drive

    Select the file by double clicking on it (tap twice)
    Your file will be uploaded.

  4. If you are a student with foreign transcripts, you must have your transcripts evaluated by one of the following three companies before applying.
    Note: If you have foreign transcripts, please read our information on how to have your transcripts evaluated.
  5. A copy of DD214, if you are a veteran or spouse of a veteran.
    As a veteran, you may receive special consideration for admission once requirements have been met. Spouses of veterans must also provide a copy of your marriage certificate.  Documentation must be scanned and saved as a PDF file. The PDF file must be uploaded to your online application.

Incomplete applications will not be considered in the selection process. 

3   Submit Your Online Application 

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive notice that your application has been submitted.

Program Acceptance

The Health Sciences Division will inform you of the status of your application by email only. Please make sure your email is current when you apply to the program. We do not maintain a waiting list from year to year, so if placed on the wait list, you need to re-apply for acceptance each year. The number of students selected for admission to the program varies from year to year. We generally accept 20-25 per class. 

After you are accepted to the program, you will need to comply with the following requirements. 

  • Send official transcripts of all colleges attended (except for PCC) to the Office of Admissions and Records.
  • You are required to submit evidence of good health documented by a recent physical with the required immunizations including Covid 19 vaccinations and boosters.
  • TB test results must be no older than one year and must be done yearly.
  • Drug testing may also be required.
  • You must have and maintain a current American Heart Association CPR/Basic Life Support Card for Health Care Providers while in the program. Other types of CPR certification will not be accepted (example: Red Cross certification).
  • You are expected to comply with the program’s clinical uniform standards.
  • You must provide their own transportation to all on and off campus clinical sites (note that some classes will include evening sessions).
  • You are required to maintain vehicle liability insurance at all times if using a vehicle to attend clinical or classes.
  • You are required to obtain professional liability insurance while in the program.
  • As the curricula requires clinical experience, you must be cleared through the process of the criminal background check. In the event that you cannot obtain a background clearance, acceptance to the program will be forfeited.
  • If you 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.

Transcript Evaluation

If you are a student with foreign transcripts, you must have your transcripts evaluated by one of the following three companies before applying:

International Research Foundation (IERF)
(310)-258-9451 | www.ierf.org

Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute (ACEI)
(310)-275-3530 | www.aceil.com

American Education Research Center (AERC)
(626)-339-4404 | www.aerc-eval.com

Estimated Cost of the Program

All costs are estimated and subject to change.

Pasadena City College fees:

PCC Fees - California Resident

Please refer to the PCC Admissions and Records website:

https://pasadena.edu/admissions-and-aid/admissions-and-records/fees-and-tuition/index.php

PCC Fees - Non California Resident

Please refer to the PCC Admissions and Records website:

https://pasadena.edu/admissions-and-aid/admissions-and-records/fees-and-tuition/index.php

PCC Fees - International Students

Please refer to the PCC International Student Program website:

https://pasadena.edu/academics/international-students/index.php

Parking Fees

Please refer to the PCC Admissions and Records website:

https://pasadena.edu/admissions-and-aid/admissions-and-records/fees-and-tuition/index.php

Student Representation Fee

Please refer to the PCC Admissions and Records website:

https://pasadena.edu/admissions-and-aid/admissions-and-records/fees-and-tuition/index.php

Expenses for the first year of the program:

  • 1st summer semester book = 100.00
  • 1st fall semester bundle (3 textbooks + online support and downloads for laptop) = 450.00
  • 1st fall semester unbundled books: Physics text and workbook = 200.00
  • 1st spring semester bundle (2 textbooks + online support and downloads for laptop) = 200.00
  • Castlebranch, background check, drug testing, OSHA, HIPPA, Covid Verification = 150.00
  • Various books for different semesters include: Cross Sectional Anatomy, Mammography, Computerized Tomography, Digital Imaging and Pathology = 400.00
  • Calculator for spring courses = 20.00
  • Other miscellaneous fees throughout the two years of the program include: ID name tag, marker and dosimeter replacement, extra resources = 200.00

Additional Program Related Student Costs:

  • Criminal Background check for clinical placement = 75.00
  • American Heart Association Basic Life Support CPR card for Health Care Providers training and certificate = 50.00 - 75.00
  • Lead ID X-ray Image/Film Markers (2-3 sets) = 25.00
  • Uniforms (2 sets) and lab jacket = 100.00 - 200.00
  • Health Check/Physical (physical exam, blood work, TB, Hep B, Flu, Covid immunizations and boosters, etc.). Costs vary depending on the student's health insurance.  Students are encouraged to utilize the PCC Student Health Center = 50.00 - 150.00
  • Malpractice Insurance - renewed every year = 40.00
  • Replacement fee for radiation detection monitoring devices (lost or late) = 25.00
  • CSRT Student Membership (optional) = 30.00
  • ASRT Student Membership (optional) = 35.00

Expenses for the second year of the program:

  • Annual TB clearance or Chest X-ray = 5.00 - 150.00
  • AHA BLS/CPR renewal = 50.00 - 75.00
  • Books for classes = 300.00

Expenses for the last semester of the program:

  • Application completed and mailed to take ARRT and State Exams for certification and licensing upon graduation from the program = 600.00+
  • Graduation expenses (individual and class pictures, invitations, decorations, etc.) = 100.00

Technical Standards

Technical Standards for Radiography requires proficiency in the application of technical knowledge, operation of specialized equipment in a competent and safe manner, and the ability to provide physical care and emotional support to patients during radiographic procedures.

To be admitted to the Radiologic Technology Program, or to remain  in the program after admission, all applicants should possess:

  1. Visual acuity, such as needed in the accurate preparation and administration of contrast media and for the observation necessary for patient assessment, care, and management.
  2. Auditory perception to receive verbal communication from patients needing assistance and from members of the health care team.
  3. Communication skills (speech, reading, writing) to interact effectively and sensitively with patients in order to elicit information; describe changes in patients condition; assess non-verbal communications; and be able to effectively and efficiently transmit information to patients, fellow students, faculty, staff and all members of the health care team.
  4. Gross and fine motor coordination to carry out diagnostic procedures including reaching, lifting, and moving radiographic equipment.  Applicants should be able to execute motor movements reasonably required to provide general and emergency care to patients.
  5. Intellectual ability to be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze and evaluate as required for direct patient care.  The applicant must be able to comprehend three-dimensional and spatial relationships.
  6. Emotional stability to enable use of intellectual abilities, exercise good judgment, promptly complete all responsibilities attendant to care of the patient.
  7. Social attributes to allow the development of mature, effective relationships with patients, faculty, coworkers, and administrators.

The "Technical Standards for Admission" have been established as a guidance tool for use in realistically informing the student of minimum standards needed to satisfactorily function in the Program and ultimately in the radiologic profession.

The assessment of an applicant's compliance to these Standards will be accomplished in the following manner:

  • Faculty counseling to determine applicant's goals and expectations.
  • A physical examination performed by a licensed physician.
  • Program Admissions Committee meeting to identify deficiencies that may become barriers to the professional success of the student.  Some deficiencies may pose a concern when being placed into the clinical environment.  Ultimately, it is up to the clinical facility to accept a student with deficiencies.

Applicants who may be deficient in one or more of the areas mentioned above should contact the Program Director.

The Program Admissions Committee will consider applicants who are deficient in any of these categories, providing the deficiency can be remedied with reasonable accommodations.

Essential Technical and Job Function Skills

Work Hours:

  1. Must be able to work at various clinical sites, including the hospital, at least 8-10 hours per day two to five days per week.
  2. Must be able to attend the radiology and other college theory classes an additional 1-3 days per week.
  3. Must be able, on some days, to take theory and clinical classes on the same day (see program curriculum)

Physical Demands:

  1. Must be able to complete all physical demands required in the Radiologic Technology Handbook and the hospital site or facility where the clinical course is scheduled.
  2. Must be able to use all physical senses, i.e., seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling in a manner that allows the technologist to be able to accurately assess the patient and clinical situation.
  3. Must be able to use fine motor skills of the hands to carry out clinical procedures accurately and safely.
  4. Manipulate radiologic, medical equipment and accessories, including but not limited to switches, knobs, buttons, and keyboards utilizing fine and gross motor skills.
  5. Must be able to perform such duties as but not limited to:

a.  Lifting patients of various sizes and weights into, onto and out of bed, chairs, stretchers, and other surfaces.

b.  Maneuvering, pulling, pushing, lifting and turning patients in awkward positions.

c.  Performing related tasks which require the use of hands, arms, shoulders, legs and feet.

d.  Participating in work-related tasks which require extensive bending, kneeling, crouching, stooping, standing and critical movements.

Work Environment:

  1. Must be aware of potential risks in healthcare settings which require wearing of safety equipment such as masks, head coverings, glasses, latex or non-latex gloves, shoe coverings, etc.
  2. Must be able to meet hospital and college performance standards.
  3. Must be able to travel to and from academic and clinical training sites.  It is the responsibility of the student to seek transportation to and from clinical sites.

Cognitive Abilities:

  1. Must be able to understand and work from written and verbal orders.
  2. Must possess effective verbal and written communication skills in English sufficient to safely work in academic and clinical settings.
  3. Must be able to understand and implement related academic and health regulations, healthcare facilities, and hospital policies and procedures.
  4. Must follow all state, federal and local hospital policies regarding confidentiality rules on patients' personal, family and health-related information.
  5. Must possess technical competency with radiographic procedures, equipment and computers in patient care and related areas.
  6. Must be able to speak and communicate effectively in English to individuals and small groups in a manner that can be readily understood.
  7. Must be able to conduct personal appraisals and educate patients and families.
  8. Perform the assigned job responsibilities with the intellectual and emotional functions necessary to ensure patient safety and exercise independent judgment and discretion.
  9. Must be able to demonstrate the ability to adapt to changing patient care and professional situations.
  10. Must not have any disability that would interfere with cognitive, physical or sensate ability to function safely in patient and nursing situations.
  11. Utilize the above standards/functions to respond promptly to the patients needs and/or emergency situations.

This program is designed to be completed in months.

This program will cost if completed within normal time. There may be additional costs for living expenses. These costs were accurate at the time of posting, but may have changed.

Of the students who completed this program within normal time, the typical graduate leaves with of debt.

License requirements:

For more information about graduation rates, loan repayment rates, and post-enrollment earnings about this institution and other postsecondary institutions please click here: www.collegescorecard.ed.gov.

This program has not passed standards established by the U.S. Department of Education. The Department based these standards on the amounts students borrow for enrollment in this program and their reported earnings. If in the future the program does not pass the standards, students who are then enrolled may not be able to use federal student grants or loans to pay for the program, and may have to find other ways, such as private loans, to pay for the program.