Frequently Asked Questions

Currently we use random selection of those students qualified with pre-requisites and degree.  The Program does not place potential students in the clinical facilities to satisfy the observation or volunteer requirements.  It is up to each individual student to find their own place of observation.  etc. (RECOMMENDATION). Apply at a clinical facility and continue to volunteer after the required hours are met.  The reason for observation/volunteering is because we had previous students who have been accepted into the program and do not have any idea what a RT does or what their responsibilities are. If an applicant is working in the health care field (radiology) that would be acceptable. All documentation needs to be completed and submitted with the application.  The volunteer/observation form is available online on radiology website.

 If one of the courses is repeated, the higher grade prevails

The applications are available only from January 1 to February 1.  Applications must be completed and submitted online with all official college transcripts scanned and saved as a PDF attachment. Brochures are currently available online only. We no longer print copies of the brochures to be handed out

 

·         Priority 1:  GPA of 2.0 in the completed prerequisite courses, 2.0 in the completed general education courses with an Associate Degree or higher.

YES.   We do not have the means to look up each student’s transcripts.  Once we receive the applications, all information is sent to the evaluation office. We do not keep a yearly file of transcripts from applicants. 

 NO. However, some courses may have the same course number at different colleges, but they may contain different course materials.  An example is LACC offers 100 & 101 classes and they are completely different from our RDTC 100 & 101 classes. A student may petition to have the pre-requisite courses accepted and those course petitions are sent to the appropriate deans of that division.  We do not have the means to test a student out of a course since all of the courses are required to meet the accreditation board and the state board requirements. If courses are taken at another college, please provide a course description with the application. However, courses may not be acceptable unless verified by the counseling office and staff.

 This would depend on the evaluations done by the evaluation office. They would need to determine whether the course material is similar. Physics 10 must have a lab with it to be considered the same and Chemistry is also a pre-requisite. 

 All pre-requisite courses need to be completed by the end of the application period. We will not accept WIP or course substitutions for the pre-requisites. ALL PRE-REQUISITES MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO APPLICATIONS BEING SUBMITTED. WE DO NOT ACCEPT WORK IN PROGRESS.

 Acceptance letters are sent out within 6-8 weeks after the application period ends, rejection letters may take somewhat longer. However, the Health Science Division Office tries their best to get them out as soon as possible. All letters will be sent out via PCC email. Please make sure the email is correct when submitting applications, as we are not responsible for emails returned, spam etc. 

 NO. Associates degree or higher is required in order to take the board exam. Foreign degrees are not acceptable by the accrediting board. 

 Proof of a high school degree is not required. An Associate’s Degree is not required as a pre-requisite to apply to the program, it is highly recommended that students have a degree prior to applying as it is difficult to take any classes outside the program due to the time requirements of the RDTC program. Priority placement is given to those students who have everything completed. An Associate’s Degree from any school is acceptable and a certificate in Radiologic Technology is required to take the Board Exam. 

 At the present time if a student is accepted into the program and fails with a D or F they are not permitted to continue. Remediation and taking refreshers courses may allow students to reapply to the program. If a student voluntarily withdraws, they are permitted to re-apply and be placed on the alternate list and may be accepted if there is space available. (Each circumstance is considered) 

 YES, repeat is necessary for the sciences but courses such as Math and general education would be acceptable if similar courses are taken in another country.  Students would need to have their transcripts evaluated by one of the three acceptable evaluation agencies:  International Education Research Foundation (IERF), Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute (ACEI), or American Education Research Corporation (AERC).  

Anywhere from 100-125 apply to the program, the number of students accepted vary from 20-28 per year.

Anywhere from $30.00 to $40.00 per hour depending in the area.  Generally there is no pay difference for AA or BS degrees unless the individual wants to go into management, PACS Administration or Education.  Some facilities pay more for advanced licenses such as CT, MRI, Mammography, Fluoroscopy, and Interventional Radiology.

 

The comprehensive evaluation is required.  PCC accepts only the following agencies: International Education & Research, Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute & American Education Research Corporation. The students might be able to receive credits for courses such as humanities, PE & Math.  We do not count GPA for courses taken in another country.

You do not need this to apply, however, after acceptance into the program that is part of the health clearance process. TB tests are required every year. CPR renewal is required every two years.

NO. Students are not required to retake the Science courses as long as they have passed them with a C or higher. However, students are encouraged to take these courses again if they do not remember the content taught in these courses. This program is a fast pace program and there is limited time to review previous taught material from other courses. Example: In the RDTC 104 Course there are a lot of math equations and calculations and it is very difficult for the instructor to go back and review basic college algebra. It is suggested that pre-requisite courses have been taken within a 5 year period. Medical Terminology is recommended 1 year prior.

Social Security Number is mandatory for licensure and required for radiation monitoring badges and background checks. This information is needed before the student begins the summer session and is part of the application packet.

The partner clinical facilities for the RDTC program require every student to have a CLEAR criminal background check in order to participate in the clinical portions of the RDTC program. If students are not sure whether their conviction will prevent them from attending the clinical facilities, they can meet with the program director. At that time it will be required that the student submit a Pre-Application on Ethics to arrt.org before the student can continue in the fall. If the student had the convictions expunged that is acceptable. Any student on probation or does not have a clear background check will be denied admission to the program. In addition clinical facilities may do their own background checks and if something is flagged the student will not be able to participate in the program and clinical experiences.

Biology 011(Only as a recommended prerequisite to Anat 025, no longer a requirement), then Anatomy 025 + Chemistry 0021, then Physiology 001+Physics 010+010L

 American Society of Radiologic Technologists, (asrt.org), California Society of Radiologic Technologists (csrt.org), American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (arrt.org). 

 

Chemistry 022 or Chem 001A or a College Chemistry course will meet the requirement.  Students do not need to fill out a “Course Substitution” form.

 At the present time we do not have an information session because the program generally does not need to recruit students. If an orientation session is needed it will generally be in the fall semester and information will be posted on the website. Barbara Kissel, RDTC program Director is available by email at bakissel@pasadena.edu.

 No. Medical Terminology must be a 3 unit course. 

Math 131 or higher is required regardless of start date at PCC. Math 131 is part of the admission requirements of the RT program.

No. Limited x-ray programs have different curriculum and the full-time radiology program has to report to the State of California in terms of clinical hours and courses requirements.

No. We have done so in the past and we have not had not been successful with them.

Class of 2011 all passed their boards within one month after June 2011 graduation.

Class of 2012 all passed their boards within one month after June 2012 graduation.

Class of 2013 all passed their boards with one month after June 2013 graduation.

Class of 2014 all passed their boards within three weeks after June 2014 gradation

Class of 2015 all passed their boards within two weeks after June 2015 graduation

Class of 2016 all passed their boards within 30 days after June 2016 graduation.

Class of 2017 all passed their boards within 60 days after June 2017 graduation

Class of 2018 all passed their boards within 60 days after June 2017 graduation

Information is also posted online under Program Effectiveness Data on the RT home page

If you applied for your degree before the Rad Tech application deadline, you may be eligible for Priority 1 selection with proper documentation.

Even though Veteran’s have priority acceptance they still need to complete all of the prerequisite courses, Associated Degree posted and volunteer/observation hours.  If a medic from the military is applying their experience for volunteer hour’s consideration may be given.

Failing courses, didactic and/or skills portion of the class. Falsification of documents, cheating, not adhering to program/school policies.  Excessive tardiness from class or clinical, lack of participation.  Any infractions, such as arrest, misdemeanor, felony convictions etc. Unable to pass the background clearance successfully or unable to adapt to the program and school requirements.