Radiologic Technology

CBC Radiologic Technology Program

An exciting career and education awaits you at Columbia Basin College’s (CBC) Radiologic Technology program. The gateway to a rewarding career in the Imaging Sciences, the Radiologic Technology program at CBC offers a two year program of instruction that prepares students to sit for the Radiologic Technologist national board exam and licensure.  

Radiologic technologists work directly with the patient and physician performing sophisticated diagnostic x-ray procedures including taking radiographic exposures, image and film processing, operating many types of technological equipment, and radiation safety. The radiologic technologist also provides professional handling and care of patients. The program requires a series of credit courses directly related to radiologic sciences.

About the Program

CBC offers an eight-quarter Associate in Applied Science degree in Radiologic Technology. The program consists of in-class instruction, labs where students practice positioning and radiographic technique skills and up to 1,800 hours of hands-on training in local healthcare facilities. Upon successful completion of the degree, students are eligible to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination, which if passed successfully, provides the graduate with nationally recognized credentials.

Information Sessions

All students interested in the Radiologic Technology program are encouraged to attend a free one-hour information session. A counselor or program representative will describe the program, the prerequisites, the application process and will answer questions afterwards.

Information sessions are open to anyone interested in a CBC Health Sciences program.

To view upcoming information sessions and register, please check our events calendar.

Program Application Process

The application process for the Radiologic Technology program begins in January of each year for a summer quarter program start.  Please see the Application Process tab on this webpage for information regarding program requirements and prerequisite courses. All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of 2.0 or better for the application to be considered for the program.

This program application will be posted each year on the Application Process tab. 

 

  Explore Courses
  Visit
  Request Info

Application Process

CBC Radiologic Technology Program

The application process for the Radiologic Technology program for 2024 is now closed.  The next opportunity to apply to the program will start in January 2025 for a Summer quarter start, end of June 2025.

*** Please be advised for the application process for 2025 and 2026 the TEAS test will not be a requirement for the application. All prerequisite courses will be a part of the Admission Index score.

Program Prerequisites

  • Must have a high school diploma or GED and be 18 years of age at start of the program
  • English (ENGL& 101 or ENGL& 102 or ENGL& 235)
  • Anatomy & Physiology I (BIOL& 241)
  • Anatomy & Physiology II (BIOL& 242)
  • Mathematics (MATH& 107 or MATH& 146 or MATH& 141 or above)
  • Communication Studies (CMST& 101, 210 or 220, or CMST 260)
  • General Psychology (PSYC& 100)
  • Medical Terminology (HSCI 147)

    Each prerequisite course must be passed with a minimum grade of a 2.0 or better for students to be considered for the program. Winter quarter is the cut off for completion of a prerequisite course for the application each year.

Program Application

The application process for the Radiologic Technology program has now closed. The next opportunity to apply will be January 2025.

Applicants are admitted to the program by utilizing an Admission Index Score. The Admission Index Score includes completion of the required prerequisites and a decimal grade of 2.0 or better for each prerequisite. Applicants with the highest index scores will be accepted into the program. Admission into the program is limited and completion of entrance requirements does not ensure admission into the program. Classes begin summer quarter.

Steps in Application Process

  1. Attend an information session (highly recommended; no reservation necessary).
  2. Apply for Admission to Columbia Basin College
  3. Make an appointment with a counselor to create an education plan to complete the prerequisites so it coincides with your intended application date.
  4. Achieve a grade of 2.0 or better in each prerequisite course.
  5. Request official transcripts from all colleges attended to be sent to CBC Records (your official transcripts will not be evaluated unless there is a current CBC application on file).

Bonus Point

Students who have successfully completed a CBC Health Science program will receive one additional point to their initial Admissions Index Score. Below are examples of CBC Health Science Programs that would qualify for the extra point upon successful completion:

  • Nursing Assistant or EMT (one quarter programs)
  • Phlebotomy or Healthcare Central Service (two quarter programs)
  • Medical Assistant or Surgical Technology (one year programs)
  • Spanish Medical Interpreting
  • Veterans of the United States Armed Forces
    Students who have received an honorable discharge, as indicated by a copy of their DD-214, will be given a single point for consideration towards their entry score into the program.

    *** Beginning with the 2023 RadTech application process, to gain the extra point for successful completion of a Health Sciences certificate or degree program, students must also have current certification or license.

Washington State Credentialing

Education
Individuals applying for certification as a diagnostic radiologic technologist must meet one of the following qualifications:
•  Graduation from a program in radiography accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT),

•  Registration as a diagnostic radiologic technologist with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), OR

•  Alternative Training as specified by DOH (see alternative training requirements at -
https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/Documents/Pubs/686029.pdf. 

Washington State Department of Health

Professional Licensure Outside of Washington State

Each state, the District of Columbia and the U.S. protectorates vary in what professions they require to be licensed and the educational requirements for those licenses. It’s important to understand whether the degree or certificate you obtain from CBC will meet the educational eligibility requirements for a license in the state in which you plan to practice.

View educational licensure requirements by state.

 

 

National Background Search & Drug Screen Requirements

As part of the admission requirements for Health Science programs, applicants must successfully pass a criminal background check and drug screen prior to working with patients in clinical areas. The background check and drug screen are paid by the student and administered through a third party company, CastleBranch. In addition to the background check required by CBC, each clinical facility reserves the right to conduct its own criminal background check prior to allowing a student to enter its health care facilities for clinical participation.

Certain criminal convictions, pending charges or negative actions may automatically disqualify a person from having unsupervised access to vulnerable adults, juveniles and children. Clinical facilities reserve the right to accept or decline a student’s placement in its facility.     

Program Outcomes

1. Students will be safe, competent and professional entry- level radiologic technologist and will:
a. Determine exposure factors to obtain diagnostic quality radiographs while protecting themselves, their patients and others.
b. Be able to adapt exposure factors for various patient conditions, equipment, accessories and contrast media to maintain appropriate radiographic quality.
c. Be able to operate radiographic imaging equipment, process radiographs, and evaluate radiographic images for appropriate positioning and image quality.
d. Recognize emergency patient conditions and initiate first aid and basic life-support procedures.

2. Students will demonstrate effective communication skills while working in a culturally diverse population and will:
a. Demonstrate the ability to professionally communicate (oral and written) to members of the health care team, the public and their peers.
b. Provide education to patients before, during and after any radiologic exam.

3. Students will apply critical thinking and problem solving skills within the scope of practice in all settings and will:
a. Exercise independent judgment and discretion in the technical performance of radiologic technology procedure.
b. Demonstrate their knowledge relating to quality assurance.
c. Modify standard procedures to accommodate for patient condition and other variables.
d. Anticipate and provide for basic care and comfort utilizing the principles of proper body mechanics, positioning and knowledge of human structure and function.

4. Students will demonstrate professional and ethical behavior and will:
a. Dress according to professional standards of the program.
b. Use profession-appropriate medical language when communicating with co-workers and the health care team.
c. Adhere to all HIPAA and patient confidentiality regulations,
d. Perform all duties safely and effectively and within the scope of practice,
e. Following attendance and participation guidelines,

5. Students will graduate and be prepared for the workforce and will have gainful employment as Radiological Technologist in the local health care community as evidenced by:
a. 80% of students entering the program will successfully complete the program.
b. 100% will successfully complete the national registry exam and become Radiologic Technologist.
c. 80% employment rates within 6 months of graduation.

Radiologic Technologist: (Primary Pathway)

  • Radiologic Technologist R.T.(R)


Advanced Certifications: (Post Primary Pathway)

  • Registered Radiology Assistant R.T.(R)(R.A)
  • Vascular Interventional Radiography R.T.(R)(VI)
  • Cardiac Interventional Radiography R.T.(R)(CI)
  • Bone Densitometry R.T.(R)(BD)
  • Computed Tomography R.T.(R)(CT)
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging R.T.(R)(MR)
  • Mammography R.T.(R)(M)

 

contact

Students walking around CBC's Pasco campus