Radiation Sciences — B.S. (Entry Level)

Program directors
Will Edmunds
Timothy Seavey

Medical Advisor
Alvin L. Hensel

The medical radiographer, or radiologic technologist, is responsible for the accurate imaging of body structures on an image receptor. The technologist provides for patient protection and comfort, determines proper exposure factors, manipulates medical imaging equipment, evaluates the radiograph image for quality, and utilizes digital technologies to archive and transmit the patient's examination images for physician evaluation.

The technologist may also assist the radiologist in specialized radiographic procedures. This may require the use of sterile procedures and universal precautions in the administration of radiographic contrast agents to the patient for the enhanced viewing of body systems and their functions.

The program

The entry-level Radiation Sciences B.S. Program begins with the Autumn Quarter and is based on the completion of one year of prerequisite coursework at any institutionally accredited college or university. The first two years at Loma Linda University primarily emphasizes the core aspects of medical imaging (radiography), beginning with two days per week at a clinical affiliation beginning the third week of the program. The remaining six quarters combine clinical training on a two-to-three-days-per-week basis, with more advanced classroom topics.

The third year of the program allows students to select an area of emphasis in CT, MRI, Administration and Education, Imaging Informatics, Mammography and MRI, Cardiac Imaging, Vascular Imaging, or Advanced Imaging.

The schedule may involve limited evening assignments. Clinical and classroom involvement in the program is full time (40 hours/week). Students are free on all national holidays and during quarter breaks.

The baccalaureate degree comprises a minimum of 192 quarter units in the following:

  • Loma Linda University general education (GE) requirements.
  • Radiation sciences professional and core courses.
  • Area of emphasis
  • E-Portfolio that comprises academic and professional work, a capstone project, and service learning.

Program goals

  1. Demonstrate clinical competence in medial radiography.
  2. Demonstrate the values and attitudes of an entry-level radiographer.
  3. Apply concepts from institutional learning outcomes (includes critical thinking, written communication, and 0ral communication).
  4. Investigate concepts of managers and educators who contribute to the imaging disciplines through service and leadership.
  5. Discuss leaders who advocate for excellence in patient care.
  6. Integrate concepts from chosen area of emphasis.

Program learning outcomes

In addition to the stated institutional learning outcomes, by the end of this program, the graduate should be able to:

By the end of the program, the graduate should be able to:

  1. Produce radiographic exams of diagnostic quality.
  2. Apply patient care and practices for radiographic procedures.
  3. Construct a plan for professional development.
  4. Examine the core values and reflect on personal application.
  5. Demonstrate moral leadership.
  6. Incorporate moral leadership and management skills in a health-care setting.
  7. Utilize meaningful communication skills in the health-care context.
  8. Actively engage in meaningful reciprocal community service.
  9. Apply emotional and social intelligence theories to health-care organizational, management, and leadership problems.
  10. Demonstrate competency in clinical and didactic elements of chosen emphasis.

Professional registration and certification

Upon completion of the requirements for the Radiation Science, BS degree, the graduate is eligible to write the qualifying examination of The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in Radiography (R). Program graduates who pass the ARRT examination in radiography are eligible to pay for and receive the state license (CRT) in California without further testing within five years of passing the ARRT examination. Graduates are encouraged to become members of the California Society of Radiologic Technologists and the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for professional growth and continuing education in their professional discipline.

Graduates completing advanced modalities in their emphasis are eligible for ARRT examinations in CT, MRI, M, CI, and/or VI.

Admission is based on a selective process.  In addition to Loma Linda University and School of Allied Health Professions admissions requirements, the applicant must meet the following requirements:

  • High school completion from an accredited institution, or passed the GED.
  • A minimum of 45 quarter units (or 30 semester units) at an accredited college or university.
  • Observation experience—A minimum of eight hours of career observation in a radiology department is required. Contact the department to obtain the appropriate form.
  • Online application—the essay section should include why you are choosing LLU, your process for selecting this profession, what makes you a good candidate, and anything else that helps us get to know you. Contact the department for more information.
  • A prerequisite GPA of 2.5 minimum; however, a competitive GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Courses are listed as they relate to general education domains. Courses preceded by an asterisk (*) are required for admission to the program. Remaining general education courses are taken at LLU within the program. Elective credits taken to meet the minimum 45 units required before matriculation may be selected from the following domains.

Domain 1: Religion (12 quarter units)

(completed during enrollment at LLU)

Domain 2: Arts and humanities (minimum 16 quarter units)

Units must be selected from at least three of the following content areas: civilization/history, art, literature, language, philosophy, religion, or general humanities electives. A minimum of 3 quarter units in an area are required to meet a "content area."

Domain 3: Scientific inquiry and quantitative reasoning (minimum 12 quarter units)

  • *Human anatomy and physiology with laboratory, complete sequence (two course minimum)
  • *Introductory or general physics at the college level (one quarter/semester)

Domain 4: Social sciences (minimum 12 quarter units)

  • Select from two of the following content areas: anthropology, economics, geography, political sciences, psychology, and sociology.
  • The human diversity requirement is fulfilled in the portfolio core courses: RTCH 491 Portfolio I and RTCH 492 Portfolio II (approved by the University GE Committee).

Domain 5: Written and oral communication (minimum 9 quarter units)

  • *English composition, complete sequence that meets the baccalaureate degree requirements of a four-year college or university
  • *Interpersonal communication, oral communication, or public speaking
  • Additional courses may include information systems, critical thinking

Domain 6: Health and wellness (minimum 2 quarter units)

  • A didactic course in health or nutrition (e.g., personal health, personal nutrition, population health, global health, and community nutrition) minimum of 2 units
  • Physical education. Must include at least two separate physical activity courses totaling a minimum of one quarter units.

Other

*Medical terminology

Sophomore
Autumn Quarter
AHCJ 326Fundamentals of Health Care2
RTCH 250Clinical Orientation, Legal, & Professional Standards3
RTMR 253Medical Radiography Procedures I3
RTMR 253LMedical Radiography Procedures Laboratory I1
RTMR 285Principles of Radiography I3
PSYC 1014Introduction to Psychology4
Winter Quarter
RTCH 371Radiography Clinical Affiliation I2
RTMR 221Radiologic Patient Care2
RTMR 254Medical Radiography Procedures II3
RTMR 254LMedical Radiography Procedures Laboratory II1
RTMR 284Radiation Protection and Biology2
RTMR 286Principles of Radiography II3
SPAN 101 or humanities elective 
Spring Quarter
ANTH 3154Cultural Anthropology4
RTCH 372Radiography Clinical Affiliation II3
RTMR 247Languages for Radiographers1
RTMR 255Medical Radiography Procedures III2
RTMR 255LMedical Radiography Procedures Laboratory III1
RTMR 283Radiologic Physics3
REL_ 4__ Religion course13
Junior Year
Summer Quarter
PSYC 2264Life-Span Development4
RTCH 373Radiography Clinical Affiliation III3
RTCH 387Writing for Health-Care Professionals3
RTCH 467Management of a Radiologic Service3
RTCH 491Portfolio I3
Autumn Quarter
AHCJ 2253History of Radiation and Imaging 1890-19403
RTCH 324Introduction to CT and Imaging Modalities3
RTCH 374Radiography Clinical Affiliation IV3
RTCH 464Moral Leadership3
RTMR 325Radiologic Pathology1
REL_ 4__ Religion course13
Winter Quarter
AHCJ 2263History of Radiation and Imaging 1940-Present Day3
AHCJ 318Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Skills for Health-Care Professionals3
REL_ 4__ Religion course13
RTCH 375Radiography Clinical Affiliation V3
RTCH 489Effective Communication for Supervisors3
RTSI 367Cross-sectional Radiographic Anatomy2
Spring Quarter
AHRM 475Health-Care Research and Statistics4
RTCH 376Radiography Clinical Affiliation VI3
RTCH 385Radiologic Trends in Health Care2
RTCH 485Digital Management in Radiology3
Senior Year
Summer Quarter
RTCH 377Radiography Clinical Affiliation VII1
REL_ 4__ Religion course13
RTCH 485Digital Management in Radiology3
Area of emphasis coursework (selected from below)6-7
Emphasis affiliation course (selected from area of emphasis below)3
Autumn Quarter
DTCS 3015Human Nutrition3
PEAC 110Independent Activities1
RTCH 378Radiography Clinical Affiliation VIII1
RTCH 4922Portfolio II3
Area of emphasis coursework6-8
Emphasis affiliation course3
Winter Quarter
RTCH 380Radiography Clinical Affiliation X1
RTMR 363Comprehensive Review I2
Area of emphasis coursework selected from below6-8
Emphasis affiliation course3
Spring Quarter
PEAC 110Independent Activities1
RTCH 327Professional Development1
RTCH 380Radiography Clinical Affiliation X1
RTMR 365Comprehensive Review II2
Area of emphasis coursework selected from below5-7
Emphasis affiliation course3
 Total Units: 169-172
1

One religion course must be selected from the following: RELT 406 Adventist Beliefs and Life, RELT 423 Loma Linda Perspectives, RELT 436 Adventist Heritage and Health, or RELT 437 Current Issues in Adventism.

2

Fulfills service learning requirement.

3

May substitute with another humanities course.

4

May substitute for another social science course.

5

May substitute for another health course.

Area of emphasis: administration and education 

HCBL 434Financial Management for Health Care3
HCBL 346Legal and Ethical Environment in Health Care3
HLIN 430Quality Management and Performance Improvement in Health Care3
RTCH 414Practicum in Radiation Sciences3
RTCH 450Advanced Radiography Clinical Affiliation (3)12
RTED 475Curriculum Development for the Radiation Sciences3
RTED 476Adult Learning Theory for the Radiation Science Student3
RTED 477Learning Activities and Assessment for the Radiation Sciences3
RTSI 344Pharmacology for Imaging Professionals4
Total Units37

Area of emphasis: advanced medical imaging

AHCJ 402Pathology I4
AHCJ 403Pathology II3
HCBL 346Legal and Ethical Environment in Health Care3
HLIN 430Quality Management and Performance Improvement in Health Care3
RTCH 450Advanced Radiography Clinical Affiliation (3)12
RTCH 487Advanced Radiography Procedures in Trauma2
RTCH 488Advanced Radiography Procedures in Orthopedics and Pediatrics3
RTII 354Introduction to Informatics3
RTSI 344Pharmacology for Imaging Professionals4
Total Units37

Area of emphasis: cardiac imaging

AHCJ 402Pathology I4
AHCJ 403Pathology II3
CEPT 245Cardiovascular Anatomy and Physiology3
CEPT 251Cardiac Electrophysiology and Rhythm Recognition I2
CEPT 252Cardiac Electrophysiology and Rhythm Recognition II2
RTCH 456Cardiac Interventional Clinical Affiliation (3)12
RTCH 487Advanced Radiography Procedures in Trauma2
RTSI 344Pharmacology for Imaging Professionals4
RTSI 345Cardiac/Interventional Procedures3
RTSI 360Cardiac Imaging Review1
Total Units36

Area of emphasis: imaging informatics 

HLIN 430Quality Management and Performance Improvement in Health Care3
RTCH 450Advanced Radiography Clinical Affiliation (3)12
RTED 475Curriculum Development for the Radiation Sciences3
RTII 354Introduction to Informatics3
RTII 356Information Technology in Radiology3
RTII 358PACS Planning and Implementation3
RTII 378Systems Management in Informatics3
RTII 384Advanced Imaging Informatics1
RTII 386Certification Exam Review2
RTSI 344Pharmacology for Imaging Professionals4
Total Units37

Area of emphasis: mammography with MRI

HCBL 346Legal and Ethical Environment in Health Care3
RTCH 455Magnetic Resonance Imaging Clinical Affiliation (3)6
RTCH 458Mammography Clinical Affiliation (3)6
or RTCH 450 Advanced Radiography Clinical Affiliation
RTCH 480Mammography Principles and Procedures3
RTCH 484Mammography Certification Review1
RTCH 486Fundamentals of Breast Ultrasound3
RTCH 488Advanced Radiography Procedures in Orthopedics and Pediatrics3
RTSI 344Pharmacology for Imaging Professionals4
RTSI 361MRI Physics I2
RTSI 362MRI Physics II2
RTSI 365MRI Patient Care and Procedures2
RTSI 456MRI Certification Review1
Total Units36

Area of emphasis: special imaging CT/MRI

HCBL 346Legal and Ethical Environment in Health Care3
RTCH 488Advanced Radiography Procedures in Orthopedics and Pediatrics3
RTSI 344Pharmacology for Imaging Professionals4
RTSI 456MRI Certification Review1
RTSI 457CT Certification Review1
RTSI 361MRI Physics I2
RTSI 362MRI Physics II2
RTSI 364CT Patient Care and Procedures2
RTSI 365MRI Patient Care and Procedures2
RTSI 369CT Physics2
RTCH 454Computed Tomography Clinical Affiliation (3)6
RTCH 455Magnetic Resonance Imaging Clinical Affiliation (3)6
Total Units34

Area of emphasis: special imaging CT

AHCJ 402Pathology I4
AHCJ 403Pathology II3
HCBL 346Legal and Ethical Environment in Health Care3
HLIN 430Quality Management and Performance Improvement in Health Care3
RTCH 454Computed Tomography Clinical Affiliation (3)6
RTCH 454Computed Tomography Clinical Affiliation (3)6
or RTCH 450 Advanced Radiography Clinical Affiliation
RTCH 488Advanced Radiography Procedures in Orthopedics and Pediatrics3
RTSI 344Pharmacology for Imaging Professionals4
RTSI 457CT Certification Review1
RTSI 364CT Patient Care and Procedures2
RTSI 369CT Physics2
Total Units37

Area of emphasis: special imaging MRI

AHCJ 402Pathology I4
AHCJ 403Pathology II3
HCBL 346Legal and Ethical Environment in Health Care3
HLIN 430Quality Management and Performance Improvement in Health Care3
RTSI 344Pharmacology for Imaging Professionals4
RTSI 456MRI Certification Review1
RTSI 361MRI Physics I2
RTSI 362MRI Physics II2
RTSI 365MRI Patient Care and Procedures2
RTCH 455Magnetic Resonance Imaging Clinical Affiliation (3)6
RTCH 455Magnetic Resonance Imaging Clinical Affiliation (3)6
or RTCH 450 Advanced Radiography Clinical Affiliation
Total Units36

Area of emphasis: vascular imaging

AHCJ 402Pathology I4
AHCJ 403Pathology II3
RTCH 457Vascular Interventional Clinical Affiliation (3)12
RTCH 488Advanced Radiography Procedures in Orthopedics and Pediatrics3
RTSI 344Pharmacology for Imaging Professionals4
RTSI 351Angio/Interventional Procedures I3
RTSI 352Angio/Interventional Procedures II3
RTSI 356Vascular Anatomy and Physiology3
RTSI 359Vascular Imaging Review1
Total Units36

Certain aspects of the curriculum require individual scheduling. Time arrangements may be subject to change. Entrance to the clinical year is contingent upon completion of all prior requirements.

A minimum G.P.A. of 2.5 is required for each quarter in the program. 

Normal time to complete the program

Four (4) years — three (3) years (eleven [11] academic quarters) at LLU — full-time enrollment required