Course Titles and Descriptions

Below are the general education and core course titles and descriptions for the A.S. in Radiologic Technology (Track B) program.

45 Clock Hours/4.5 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None

This course covers the structure and function of the human body from the single cell through all body systems, and examines the interrelatedness of their structures and functions. Basic concepts of fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance are included. This is a General Education course.

 45 Clock Hours/4.5 Quarter Credit Hours/3 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None

This course teaches students the skills they need to think for themselves—skills they will call upon in this course, other college courses, and the world that awaits. This course covers the core concepts with real-world examples and practice exercises. This is a General Education Course.

 45 Clock Hours/4.5 Quarter Credit Hours/3 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None

This course provides students with the math skills that form a foundation for more advanced courses. Students will explore writing and solving linear and nonlinear equations, powers and exponents, quadratic equations, polynomials and factoring, graphing, and solving linear inequalities and functions. This is a General Education Course.

45 Clock Hours/4.5 Quarter Credit Hours/3 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None

This course studies basic methods and concepts of sociology, which have broad academic relevance and can be applied to the study of sociology and other disciplines. This is a General Education Course.

45 Clock Hours/4.5 Quarter Credit Hours/3 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None

This course introduces students to a range of literary texts and teaches the basic elements of fiction, poetry, and drama. The course will teach students to write analysis, explication, and compare-and-contrast essays responding to the literature read. This is a General Education Course.

18 Clock Hours/1.5 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None

This course introduces the student to medical and pathological terms related to specific body systems. Through lectures, discussions, demonstrations, visual aids, and self-study, the student will develop knowledge and understanding of the professional language to function and communicate effectively with other medical team members. This is a General Education Course.

30 Clock Hours/3 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None

This course introduces foundational imaging principles and essential patient care practices in the radiologic sciences. Emphasis is placed on ethical and legal responsibilities, effective communication, and safe, compassionate care across diverse patient populations, including pediatric and geriatric patients. Key topics include medical ethics, infection control, patient interaction, and the radiologic technologist’s role in the clinical environment.

40 Clock Hours/3.5 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None

This course introduces the fundamental principles of radiologic physics essential to medical imaging. Topics include atomic structure, x-ray production, photon interactions with matter, radiation units, and the principles of image quality and dose optimization. Emphasis is placed on applying physics concepts in clinical imaging settings to promote accurate diagnostics and patient safety.

40 Clock Hours/4 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None

This course is designed to provide the knowledge base necessary to perform standard imaging. Emphasis is on basic imaging of the Thoracic Viscera, Bony Thorax, Upper Limb, and Shoulder Girdle. Consideration will be given to producing images of optimal diagnostic quality.

Course methods will incorporate lectures, demonstrations, image analyses, positioning lab practicum, and self-paced study using multimedia programs. Students will be required to demonstrate competency in positioning skills, equipment manipulation, and radiation protection before they can perform these skills under direct supervision in the patient care setting.

30 Clock Hours/1.5 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None

This course provides the knowledge base necessary to perform standard imaging of the respiratory system, the bony thorax, and the upper extremities. Consideration will be given to producing images of optimal diagnostic quality.

Course methods will incorporate demonstrations, image analyses, and a positioning lab practicum. Students will be required to demonstrate competency in positioning skills, equipment manipulation, and radiation protection before they will be allowed to perform these skills under direct supervision in the patient care setting.

40 Clock Hours/3.5 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: Completion of Quarter I with a “C” or better.

This course provides a basic understanding of the principles of Radiobiology and short- and long-term effects of radiation. This course discusses the effects of radiation at the molecular and cellular levels. In addition, this course provides a better understanding of radiation protection for patients and occupational workers in the healthcare field.

This course focuses on describing dose management implementations and the design for radiation protection within radiology. The basic principles of radiation and dose limits are described to promote safe radiation practices.

30 Clock Hours/3 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: Completion of Quarter I with a “C” or better.

This course provides an understanding of the components, principles, and operation of digital imaging systems found in diagnostic radiology. Factors that impact image acquisition, display, archiving ,and retrieval are discussed. Guidelines for selecting exposure factors and evaluating images within a digital system,assist students in making the connection between film-based and digital imaging systems. Principles of digital system quality assurance and maintenance are presented.

160 Clock Hours/5.0 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: Completion of Quarter I with a “C” or better

This course provides the knowledge base necessary to perform standard imaging. Emphasis is on basic imaging of the Lower Extremity, Pelvis and Hip, and Vertebral Column. Consideration will be given to producing images of optimal diagnostic quality.

Course methods will incorporate lectures, demonstrations, image analyses, positioning lab practicum, and self-paced study using multimedia programs. Students will be required to demonstrate competency in positioning skills, equipment manipulation, and radiation protection before they can perform these skills under direct supervision in the patient care setting. 

30 Clock Hours/1.5 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: Completion of Quarter I with a “C” or better.

This course provides the knowledge base necessary to perform standard radiographic procedures of the bony pelvis, lower extremities, and vertebral column. Consideration will be given to producing images of optimal diagnostic quality.

Course methods will incorporate demonstrations, image analyses, and a positioning lab practicum. Students will be required to demonstrate competency in positioning, equipment manipulation, and radiation protection before they are allowed to perform these skills under direct patient supervision.

30 Clock Hours/3 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: Completion of Quarter II with a “C” or better.

This course is designed to provide basic information about electricity, magnetism, and electromagnetism, and the application of these principles to the X-ray circuit. In addition, it provides a knowledge base on radiographic, fluoroscopic, and mobile equipment requirements, functions, and designs.

24 Clock Hours/2 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: Completion of Quarter II with a “C” or better.

This course provides a fundamental background in medical law, ethics, and human diversity. The historical and philosophical basis of ethics, as well as the elements of ethical behavior, will be discussed. The student will examine a variety of ethical issues and dilemmas found in clinical practice.

Course activities will include research and analysis on case studies germane to the field of medical imaging. An introduction to legal terminology, concepts, and principles will also be presented. Topics include misconduct, malpractice, legal, and the ASRT professional standards.

40 Clock Hours/4 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: Completion of Quarter II with a “C” or better.

Content is designed to provide the knowledge base necessary to perform standard imaging. Emphasis is on basic imaging of the Abdomen, Soft-Tissue Neck, Digestive System, and Urinary System. Consideration will be given to producing images of optimal diagnostic quality.

Course methods will incorporate lectures, demonstrations, image analyses, positioning lab practicum, and self-paced study using multimedia programs. Students will be required to demonstrate competency in positioning skills, equipment manipulation, and radiation protection before they can perform these skills under supervision in the patient care setting.

30 Clock Hours/1.5 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: Completion of Quarter II with a “C” or better.

This course provides the knowledge base necessary to perform standard abdominal radiographic procedures. Students will also cover the biliary system, genitourinary system, gastrointestinal tract, and procedures performed using fluoroscopy and endoscopy. Consideration will be given to producing images of optimal diagnostic quality.

Course methods will incorporate demonstrations, image analyses, and a positioning lab practicum. Students will be required to demonstrate competency in positioning skills, equipment manipulation, and radiation protection before they are allowed to perform these skills under direct supervision in the patient care setting.

24 Clock Hours/2 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: Completion of Quarter III with a “C” or better.

This course is designed to introduce theories of disease causation and the pathophysiologic disorders that compromise healthy systems. Etiology, pathophysiologic responses, clinical manifestations, radiographic appearance, and management of alterations in body systems will be presented. Students will be required to write a research paper on a topic germane to medical imaging. They will be encouraged to submit it for consideration in the annual student competition held by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.

40 Clock Hours/4 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: Completion of Quarter III with a “C” or better.

This course is designed to provide the knowledge base necessary to perform standard imaging. Emphasis is on basic imaging of the Cranium, Trauma Radiography, Mobile Radiography, and Surgical Radiography. Consideration will be given to producing images of optimal diagnostic quality.

Course methods will incorporate lectures, demonstrations, image analyses, positioning lab practicum, and self-paced study using multimedia programs. Students will be required to demonstrate competency in positioning skills, equipment manipulation, and radiation protection before they can perform these skills under direct supervision in the patient care setting.

30 Clock Hours/1.5 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: XRT 204

This course provides information necessary to perform radiographic procedures of the cranium and facial bones, including sinuses, TMJs, orbits, and mandible. Students will also demonstrate special techniques for trauma cases and mobile radiography. Consideration will be given to producing images of optimal diagnostic quality.

Course methods will incorporate demonstrations, image analyses, and a positioning lab practicum. Students will be required to demonstrate competency in positioning skills, equipment manipulation, and radiation protection before they are allowed to perform these skills under direct supervision in the patient care setting.

30 Clock Hours/3 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: Completion of Module III with a “C” or better.

This course provides entry-level radiography students with principles related to sectional anatomy. A self-study portion provides an overview of transverse, coronal, and sagittal sectional anatomy of the human body. Correlations between cadaver cross-sections, CTs, MRIs, and radiographs are explored.

24 Clock Hours/2 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: Completion of Quarter II with a “C” or better.

This course provides entry-level radiography students with principles of contrast arthrography, pediatric and geriatric radiography, mammography, bone densitometry, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, vascular, cardiac, and interventional radiography. The course also introduces principles of diagnostic medical sonography, nuclear and molecular imaging, and radiation oncology.

360 Clock Hours/12 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: Completion of Quarter IV with a “C” or better.

Clinical experiences are designed to provide patient care and assessment, competent performance of radiologic imaging, and total quality management. The concepts of team practice, patient-centered clinical practice, and professional development are evaluated through structured, competency-based clinical assignments. Levels of competency ensure the patient’s well-being before, during, and after the radiologic procedure.

40 Clock Hours/3 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: XRT 208

In this course, each content and clinical practice experience is designed for sequential development, application, critical analysis, integration, synthesis, and evaluation of concepts and theories in the performance of radiologic procedures. Through structured, sequential, competency-based assignments in a clinical setting, concepts of team practice, patient-centered clinical practice, and professional development are discussed, examined, and evaluated.

Clinical practice experiences are designed to provide patient care and assessment, competent performance of radiologic imaging, and total quality management. Levels of competency and outcomes measurement assure the patient’s well-being before, during, and following the radiologic procedure.

40 Clock Hours/4 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: Completion of Quarter IV with a “C” or better.

The course provides entry-level radiography students with principles related to computed tomography (CT) imaging. Special emphasis is placed on a study of the head and brain, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee. Correlations between cadaver cross-sections, CTs, MRIs, and radiographs are explored. CT Basics: The Series by ASRT, used in conjunction with the course, satisfies the ARRT^® 16-credit Structured Education Requirements for CT.

40 Clock Hours/4 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites:  Completion of Quarter IV with a “C” or better.

The course provides radiography students with the principles related to mammography. Topics include patient care, breast anatomy and physiology, positioning for routine and diagnostic exams, pathology, mammography equipment, and quality control and quality assurance for digital imaging systems.

384 Clock Hours/12.5 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites:  Completion of Quarter V with a “C” or better.  

Clinical experiences are designed to provide patient care and assessment, competent performance of radiologic imaging, and total quality management. The concepts of team practice, patient-centered clinical practice, and professional development are evaluated through structured, competency-based clinical assignments. Competency levels ensure the patient’s well-being before, during, and after the radiologic procedure.

30 Clock Hours/3 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: Completion of Quarter VI with a “C” or better.

The course reviews patient care and procedures to prepare students for the ARRT^® radiographer primary certification and the State of California Department of Public Health, Radiologic Health Branch certification examinations. This course will review patient care topics such as sterile technique, medical-legal, imaging procedures, and image analysis.

384 Clock Hours/12.5 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: Completion of Quarter VI with a “C” or better.

Clinical experiences are designed to provide patient care and assessment, competent performance of radiologic imaging, and total quality management. The concepts of team practice, patient-centered clinical practice, and professional development are evaluated through structured, competency-based clinical assignments. Levels of competency ensure the patient’s well-being before, during, and after the radiologic procedure.

10 Clock Hours/1 Quarter Credit Hour
Prerequisites: Completion of Quarter VI with a “C” or better.

The content is designed to prepare the student for the post-education transition into the workforce. The course guides students in developing documents, including resume writing, effective interviewing, and job search strategies. Students will prepare and apply for certification through the ARRT^® and the California Department of Public Health to become radiographers.

30 Clock Hours/3 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: Completion of Quarter VII with a “C” or better.

The course reviews the radiologic technology curriculum and prepares students for the ARRT^® radiographer’s primary certification and the State of California Department of Public Health, Radiologic Health Branch fluoroscopy certification requirements. This course will focus on image production and radiation safety.

80 Clock Hours/8.0 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: Completion of Quarter VI with a “C” or better.

Clinical experiences are designed to provide patient care and assessment, competent performance of radiologic imaging, and total quality management. The concepts of team practice, patient-centered clinical practice, and professional development are evaluated through structured, competency-based clinical assignments. Competency levels ensure the patient’s well-being before, during, and after the radiologic procedure.