Special Imaging — Certificates

Program director
Suzette Sanchez 

Clinical coordinator
Suzette Sanchez 

The Division of Special Imaging oversees the following certificate programs.

Overview of programs

Cardiac and vascular imaging (CVI)

Cardiac interventional and vascular interventional technologists work in a highly specialized field operating sophisticated imaging equipment. This technology provides detailed fluoroscopic images of the human body, assisting physicians with quality patient diagnosis and treatment.

The Cardiac and Vascular Imaging Program is a full-time, 12-month certificate that requires four quarters beginning in autumn. During the program, students receive structured coursework along with clinical instruction. There are no arrangements for part-time or evening status. Clinical sites are available in a variety of regions in Southern California. The University cannot guarantee that the student will be assigned close to their residence.

The program’s load requires 40 hours per week, which includes didactic and clinical experience—the latter involving up to four 8-hour days per week. Didactic courses are 100 percent online. Clinical affiliation courses require the student to be at the affiliated hospitals.

Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologists work in a highly specialized field operating sophisticated computerized tomography equipment. This technology provides detailed cross-sectional images of the human body—assisting physicians with quality patient diagnosis and treatment. These full-time programs are scheduled as follow:

CT—the six-month certificate program is completed in two quarters (Autumn and Winter). An additional quarter of clinic may be available to students who have not met program requirements, at the discretion of the program director in collaboration with the student.

MRI—the six-month certificate program requires two quarters beginning Spring Quarter or Autumn Quarter. An additional quarter of clinic may be available to students who have not met program requirements, at the discretion of the program director in collaboration with the student. A nine-month, part-time option is available for qualified students. This three-quarter option begins in the Autumn Quarter. 

CT/MRI—this twelve-month certificate program is completed in four academic quarters (Autumn through Summer). An additional quarter of clinic may be available to students who have not met program requirements, at the discretion of the program director in collaboration with the student. 

During the program, students take formal coursework along with clinical instruction. There are no arrangements for part-time or evening status. Clinical sites are available in a variety of regions in Southern California. However, the University cannot guarantee that the student will be placed close to their residence.

The program's load requires 40 hours per week, which includes didactic education and clinical experience. Clinical experience includes four, eight-hour days per week. Classes are scheduled for one day per week and may require the student to be on campus.

Students will be required to submit current immunization records and undergo a background check during the registration process. Further details regarding these two requirements can be found in the Admission Policies and Information section of this CATALOG.  Students will be responsible for paying fees associated with immunizations and background checks. Loma Linda University and the Department of Radiation Technology cannot guarantee employment.

Loma Linda University and the Department of Radiation Technology cannot guarantee employment.

Program learning outcomes

Upon completion of the program, the graduate should be able to:

1. Model the ethics, values, and attitudes of special imaging professionals in communication, interactions, and professional behaviors.
2. Demonstrate clinical competency, professional skills, and lifelong learning in the chosen special imaging modality.

The imaging student profile

• Enthusiastic and interested in maintaining high standards of academics, clinical performance, and patient care.
• Possesses a broad knowledge of human anatomy and computer skills.
• Demonstrates strong academic performance in science and related courses.
• Detail-oriented and able to work under pressure, while demonstrating critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

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

• Current ARRT registry in Radiography (R)*
• Current California (CRT) license*
• Current BLS card with the American Heart Association
• A minimum G.P.A. of 2.5 maintained in all didactic and clinical course work
• A minimum of twelve hours of observation in each modality. The career observation form is available as a download from the forms page on the website.
• Venipuncture is highly recommended

* An applicant who is completing a program in radiologic technology prior to the start of the program may apply as long as they have completed ARRT, CRT, and CPR requirements by the program start date.

Applicants who are eligible to take the ARRT examination for certification but who have not had opportunity to do so are given provisional status for one quarter. Eligibility to continue is subject to student's obtaining certification. It should be understood that the University will not sign or validate registry documents of students who obtained their training in another program. 

Students interested in using one of these certificates as part of their Bachelor of Science degree should review the Radiation Sciences , BS program. 

Application dates

1. Applications are accepted starting January 1st of each year.
2. Deadlines for applications are
   1. June 1 for CT-only applicants, MRI-only fall-start applicants, and CT/MRI combined applicants
   2. December 1 for MRI-only spring-start applicants
   3. June 30 for CVI applicants
3. Applicants should submit applications early since interview slots are limited.

Interviews

CVI interviews are conducted in June or July. CT and MRI interviews are conducted in July for fall-start applicants and January for MRI-only spring-start applicants. Qualified applicants will be interviewed by the program director and representatives of the School of Allied Health Professions. Applicants residing in Southern California should plan for personal interviews on campus at Loma Linda. Applicants will be notified by telephone and/or email of their interview schedules. Due to the limited number of interview dates/times, you will be assigned an interview slot, and you should plan around your interview as alternate dates/times are not available.  Applicants are rated in the following four areas:

• Work experience or training background
• Recommendations
• Academic record
• Communication skills, knowledge, and motivation.

Selection

After applicants have been interviewed, the selection committee for the CVI, CT, and MRI programs meet to make final selections. Selections are usually decided by the mid-July for fall-start applicants and early February for spring-start applicants, and confirmation of each decision is mailed to the respective applicant from the Office of Admissions for the School of Allied Health Professions.

Cardiac and Vascular Imaging (CVI) — Certificate

Computed Tomography (CT) — Certificate

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) — Certificate

CT/MRI – Certificate, Comparison