Associate in Science in Radiologic Technology
Prepare for a hands-on career through a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory training, simulation, and extensive clinical experience.
24-Month Program*
104 Weeks1
Clinical Training
1,860 Hour Externship
Blended Learning
Online and Hand-On
Overview
Prepare for a Career in Radiologic Technology
The Radiologic Technology program at CNI College is designed to prepare students with the technical knowledge, patient care skills, and clinical experience needed to pursue entry-level work in diagnostic imaging.
Students complete a comprehensive curriculum covering medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, radiographic physics, patient care, image production, patient positioning, radiation protection, digital imaging, pharmacology, cross-sectional anatomy, and other areas of radiologic science.
Training combines academic coursework with hands-on laboratory experience and 1,860 hours of supervised clinical externship training, giving students opportunities to apply what they have learned in healthcare environments.
Students who successfully complete the program are awarded an Associate in Science in Radiologic Technology.
1 Program length when completed on standard schedule.
*Program length may vary depending on student schedule, educational plan, transfer credits, and holidays.
What Does a Radiologic Technologist Do?
Radiologic Technologists are part of the healthcare team responsible for producing diagnostic images that physicians and radiologists use when evaluating patients.
Their responsibilities can include preparing and positioning patients for imaging procedures, operating radiographic equipment, following imaging protocols, applying radiation safety practices, evaluating image quality, and providing professional and compassionate patient care.
Because Radiologic Technologists work directly with both patients and other healthcare professionals, the role requires a combination of technical skill, attention to detail, communication, professionalism, and patient-centered care.
Goals and Duration
Radiologic Technology Program Goals
The Radiologic Technology program is designed to prepare students with the knowledge, technical skills, and professional behaviors needed for entry-level work as Radiologic Technologists. Students develop skills in radiographic imaging, patient positioning, radiation safety, image evaluation, patient care, and professional communication while learning to work effectively with radiologists, physicians, and other healthcare professionals.
The program also emphasizes compassion, professionalism, ethical practice, and patient safety. Through classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory training, simulation, and clinical experience, students work toward developing the competencies required for safe and effective radiographic practice.
“From the moment I walked through the front doors, I knew this place was different. The admissions team welcomed me with opwn arms, answered every question honestly, and took the time to address all of my concerns.”
Renee J.BSN Graduate
Program Duration
The Radiologic Technology program consists of 2,728 clock hours and 136.5 quarter credits completed over 10 quarters. The standard program length is approximately 24 months, or 104 weeks, although completion time may vary based on a student’s schedule, educational plan, transfer credits, and holidays.
The curriculum includes 1,860 hours of supervised clinical externship experience, with clinical training beginning in Quarter 5 and continuing through Quarter 10. The program is delivered in a blended format that combines online instruction with on-campus laboratory activities and in-person clinical training.
Clinical Training
Hands-On Laboratory and Clinical Training
Learning radiologic technology requires more than studying imaging concepts in a classroom. Students need opportunities to practice the skills involved in positioning patients, working with imaging equipment, evaluating images, and following radiation safety procedures.
The program includes hands-on laboratory instruction as students progress through their radiography courses. Students also have access to simulation software that allows them to practice imaging concepts in a controlled learning environment.
Clinical training begins during the fifth quarter and continues throughout the remainder of the program. Students complete a total of 1,860 clinical externship hours at assigned healthcare facilities under the supervision of qualified radiologic professionals.
During clinical training, students work toward the required clinical competencies, radiographic examinations, and patient care procedures associated with professional radiography practice.
Clinical schedules vary by site and may take place Monday through Sunday between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
Courses
Radiologic Technology Curriculum
Quarters 1-3
Introduces students to the online learning environment and technology used throughout their education, including computer applications, Canvas, electronic research resources, and academic technology.
Develops college-level writing skills with an emphasis on grammar, composition, paragraphs, and essays.
Explores verbal and nonverbal communication and strategies for building effective professional and interpersonal relationships.
Covers major concepts of college algebra, including functions, equations, probability, matrices, and mathematical problem-solving.
Examines the structure, function, and relationships of the major systems of the human body.
Introduces healthcare delivery, imaging departments, professional standards, credentials, career pathways, and the role of radiography within healthcare.
Covers patient communication, safety, evaluation, infection control, emergency response, trauma considerations, and other patient care responsibilities.
Builds an understanding of healthcare terminology, word construction, body systems, anatomy, diagnostic terminology, and medical procedures.
Develops career planning, networking, resume writing, communication, interview preparation, and job-search skills.
Introduces the physical principles behind X-ray production, imaging equipment, image formation, equipment operation, and quality control.
Quarters 4-5
Examines factors that influence radiographic image quality, including exposure, filtration, patient attenuation, contrast, resolution, scatter, and image evaluation.
Develops positioning and image evaluation skills for the upper and lower extremities, joints, shoulder girdle, pelvis, and hip.
Explores the biological effects of ionizing radiation and methods used to protect patients and healthcare personnel.
Introduces computed radiography, digital radiography, digital imaging systems, and picture archiving and communication systems.
Covers positioning and image evaluation for areas including the chest, abdomen, bony thorax, vertebral column, trauma imaging, and mobile radiography.
Continues positioning and image analysis instruction for the digestive, urinary, reproductive, cranial, and central nervous systems and other imaging procedures.
Introduces legal and ethical responsibilities involving patient rights, confidentiality, informed consent, professional conduct, documentation, negligence, and malpractice.
Covers medication classifications, safe administration, documentation, pharmacokinetics, venipuncture, and patient safety.
Begins supervised clinical training in an affiliated radiology department.
Quarters 6-8
Students continue developing radiographic skills through supervised clinical experience.
Students continue supervised clinical training and progress toward required radiographic competencies.
Clinical training continues with additional opportunities to strengthen imaging, patient care, and professional skills.
Quarters 9-10
Introduces students to additional diagnostic imaging technologies, including CT, MRI, mammography, bone densitometry, interventional radiography, sonography, nuclear medicine, and radiation oncology.
Students continue supervised clinical practice in an affiliated radiology department.
Provides a comprehensive review of radiographic principles, clinical procedures, patient care, radiation protection, equipment operation, anatomy, positioning, image evaluation, and other subjects covered by the ARRT Radiography certification examination.
The final externship provides continued supervised experience as students work toward completing required clinical competencies.
Career Opportunities
Career Opportunities in Radiologic Technology
Graduates of the Radiologic Technology program may pursue entry-level opportunities as a Radiologic Technology Technician in healthcare settings such as:
- Hospitals
- Physicians’ offices
- Diagnostic laboratories
- Imaging centers
- Outpatient healthcare facilities
- Other clinical imaging environments
Radiologic Technologists work alongside radiologists, physicians, nurses, and other members of the healthcare team to help provide diagnostic imaging services and patient care.
Graduation Requirements
AS in Radiologic Technology Graduation Requirements
To successfully complete the Radiologic Technology program, students must:
- Complete all required courses, quarter credits, and program hours.
- Maintain an overall GPA of at least 2.0.
- Earn a grade of C or better in all required program courses.
- Meet required classroom, laboratory, clinical, and skill proficiency standards.
- Complete all required clinical and externship hours.
- Receive satisfactory clinical evaluations.
- Complete required ARRT core clinical competencies, radiographic examinations, and patient care procedures.
- Fulfill applicable financial and graduation requirements of CNI College.
Program Features
Resources Included with the Program
Program materials indicate that Radiologic Technology students receive access to resources and supplies designed to support their training, including:
- E-books
- Program supplies
- College-issued uniforms
- CPR training
- Laptop computer
- Venipuncture training
- Dosimeter monitoring services
- Radiography simulation software
- Lead markers
- Registry examination review resources
- Career preparation services
Career preparation includes assistance with job-search strategies, interview techniques, resume development, and job leads.
Student Support
Student Resources and Support
Radiologic Technology students have access to CNI College’s academic and student support resources.
These include online library resources, educational technology, laboratory and simulation training, and career preparation services. Students can use these resources throughout the program as they progress from foundational coursework into hands-on clinical training.
Accreditation and Program Approvals
Accreditation and Program Approvals
CNI College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). The Radiologic Technology program is approved by the California Department of Public Health, Radiologic Health Branch (CDPH_RHB) and the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) and the US Department of Education. And graduates will be approved to take the ARRT Certification Exam through the American Registry of Radiology Technologists after all of the approvals are received
This curriculum provides students with the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors necessary to become competent Radiologic Technologists. With access to comprehensive online library resources, hands‑on lab and clinical practice, and advanced simulation software, our graduates are fully prepared for entry‑level practice and equipped to meet the highest standards of safe, ethical, and effective radiographic imaging. Students will be eligible to sit for the ARRT registry examination and apply for the California Certified Radiologic Technologist (CRT) license through the CDPH RHB.
Frequently Asked Questions
Radiologic Technology Program FAQ
The Radiologic Technology program is an Associate in Science degree program designed to prepare students with the knowledge, technical skills, patient care abilities, and clinical experience needed for entry-level work in diagnostic radiography.
The standard program length is approximately 24 months or 104 weeks across 10 quarters. Actual completion time may vary depending on the student’s schedule, educational plan, transfer credits, and holidays.
Students who successfully complete the program earn an Associate in Science in Radiologic Technology.
The program consists of 2,728 clock hours and 136.5 quarter credits.
The program uses a blended delivery format. Some academic and theory coursework is completed online, while laboratory training and clinical externship experiences require in-person participation.
Students complete 1,860 hours of supervised clinical externship training. Clinical training begins during Quarter 5 and continues through Quarter 10.
Externships are completed at clinical sites assigned through CNI College. Available locations and schedules depend on clinical site availability.
Clinical hours may be scheduled Monday through Sunday between approximately 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. Exact schedules vary depending on the assigned clinical site.
Students study anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, patient care, radiographic physics, image production, patient positioning, radiation safety, digital imaging, pharmacology, venipuncture, cross-sectional anatomy, law and ethics, advanced imaging, and other radiologic technology subjects.
The curriculum includes a dedicated ARRT Registry Prep course as well as clinical competencies designed to support preparation for the ARRT Radiography certification examination. Eligibility is subject to successful program completion and applicable regulatory and ARRT requirements.
Program materials indicate that graduates are intended to be prepared to apply for the California Certified Radiologic Technologist license through the California Department of Public Health Radiologic Health Branch once applicable program approvals and individual eligibility requirements have been satisfied.
Radiologic Technologists may work in hospitals, physicians’ offices, diagnostic laboratories, imaging centers, and other healthcare facilities where diagnostic imaging services are provided.
Certain equivalent courses completed at an accredited institution may be considered for transfer. Acceptance of transfer credit is determined by CNI College and is subject to program requirements, course age, grades, and review of official academic records.
Tuition and fees are established by CNI College and may change over time. Prospective students should review the current CNI College Catalog or speak with an Admissions Advisor for the most current program cost information.
Prospective students should contact CNI College Admissions for the current Radiologic Technology admission requirements and enrollment process.
