Diagnostic Medical Imaging (Radiologic Technology)

Radiologic Technologists make up the third-largest group of health care professionals—surpassed in number only by physicians and nurses. A primary responsibility of many technologists is to create images of patients’ bodies using medical equipment. This helps doctors diagnose and treat diseases and injuries.

The Diagnostic Medical Imaging program (DMI) is dedicated to providing high-quality education and clinical practicum to qualified students. It is responsive to the diverse needs of the local medical community. It specializes in the education and training that lead to entry-level employment as a Radiologic Technologist and an Associate in Science Degree. The program emphasizes the necessity of professional development and life-long learning as a competent and ethical health care professional.

This program requires the student to participate in clinical experience concurrent with DMI classroom courses. Clinical responsibilities will be arranged by the Diagnostic Medical Imaging program faculty and will include day, evening, and/or weekend assignments. The student receives no salary for this clinical experience but will receive course credit toward program completion.

Successful DMI program completion requires the following:

1. Completion of all required radiologic technology courses as outlined in the catalog, and
2. Completion of approximately 1,900 clinical hours, and
3. Completion of all requirements for an Associate in Science degree as required by Long Beach City College (Plan Code: 2612), or possess an associate degree or higher.

Eligibility for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Radiography registry exam and California Department of Public Health - Radiological Health Branch (CDPH-RHB) CRT and Fluoroscopic permit examination are dependent upon meeting these requirements. Successful applicants have the right to use the title “Registered Radiologic Technologist” R.T. (R) CRT.

LBCC College Application Procedures

LBCC College applications to become a student are accepted on a continuous basis.

1. Apply for admission to the college through the Admissions Office (applications are available online at http://www.lbcc.edu/admissions)
2. Submit transcripts from high school and previous college work to the Admissions Office and the School of Health Sciences and Kinesiology.

DMI Program Application Requirements and Placement on the DMI Program Waitlist

Prospective students must apply to the college (see above) and become a registered LBCC College student first.

DMI Program Applications and placement on the DMI Program waitlist are not accepted until the following prerequisites are met:

1. Graduation from an accredited high school, or the equivalent.
2. Cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher in all college coursework.
3. Completion of AH 60 Medical Terminology, AH 61 Integration of Patient Care, and ANAT 41 Anatomy & Physiology within five years of the DMI application date with a letter grade of “C” or better.
4. Students must attend one of the DMI program monthly information sessions prior to application submission.
5. Complete the Diagnostic Medical Imaging program application form (in person only) and bring the completed application form and documentation to the School of Health Sciences and Kinesiology, Room C100 at the Liberal Arts Campus.
6. Students must keep the Admissions and Records office and the School of Health Sciences and Kinesiology advised of their current email address, home address, and telephone number and any name changes. All changes must be submitted in writing.
7. All applicants will be notified by email regarding the status of their applications.

DMI program applications are accepted on a continual basis.

The DMI program typically has a waitlist of applicants. We highly suggest that the candidate complete the application requirements and apply to the DMI program first. Placement on the DMI waitlist is based upon application submission date. While the candidate is on the waitlist, we suggest that they complete their associate degree courses and take the ATI TEAS exam.

Information Session

The Diagnostic Medical Imaging program (DMI) holds monthly information sessions from September to June (except January). Please look up times, days, and locations of the information sessions on the LBCC website under “explore our programs” then “Health” and then “DMI Program/Radiology.” You may also contact the Allied Health Office, DMI program director, Allied Health Coordinator, or the counseling office.

1. Students must attend one of the DMI program information sessions before their DMI application is accepted. If a student submits a DMI application prior to attending one of the information sessions, their application submission date will be changed to the date when they attended the DMI information session. Placement on the DMI waitlist is based upon application submission date.
2. Students who need additional information about the DMI program are welcome to attend.

DMI Program Waitlist

Candidates are placed on a waitlist based upon completed application submission date. Applicants who do not attempt the TEAS exam within one year of the application date will have their applications removed off the waitlist.

ATI TEAS Exam (Test of Essential Academic Skills)

At the time of applying to the DMI program in person at the Allied Health Office (Building C, room 100), applicants will have the opportunity to acquire information on the TEAS Exam, TEAS help, and TEAS examination dates. TEAS exams must be scheduled through the Allied Health Office and are offered 4 times per year. The applicant has 3 attempts to pass the TEAS exam with a score of 62% or higher. The cost per exam is about $60.00. If the applicant does not attempt the TEAS exam within one year of the application date, the applicant’s application will be removed. If the candidate wishes to re-enter the waitlist, they would have to re-apply to the DMI program and be placed on the waitlist based on their new application date.

General Information Items

1. A strong command of the English language, both written and verbal, is essential for successful completion of the program.
2. Evidence of physical and emotional fitness by medical examination and personal interview. This is submitted in the summer of the 1st year of the DMI program.
3. A current and clear background check, AHA BLS Provider CPR card, vaccinations, flu shot, TB test, LBCC physical health form, drug test, and malpractice insurance are required also during the summer of the 1st year. (An unclear background may prevent the student from completing clinical requirements and jeopardize ARRT and CDPH certification.)
4. The program is 30 months in length, beginning each spring semester. Each student must complete approximately 1,900 hours of clinical practicum and approximately 1,800 hours of didactic courses. Most courses are conducted Monday through Saturday. Most courses are between 6 AM and 10 PM.

DMI Program Admission Requirements and Selection Process

The following is considered in the selection process during the month of November for the following spring DMI program class:

1. Date of DMI program application.
2. Either completion of the LBCC General Education requirements for an Associate Degree Plan A, B, or C or possess an associate degree or higher.
3. Must pass within three attempts and within 3 years of the DMI application date the ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) exam with a score of 62% or higher. Older TEAS versions are not accepted.
4. Provisionally accepted students must attend the mandatory DMI advisory meeting, scheduled in December, prior to the DMI program starting in the spring semester in order to progress in the DMI program.^{1, 2}

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Due to their service to our country and time away from public life, up to 2 veterans per year are given immediate placement into the next available DMI Program class, upon completion of the following:

1. DMI program application submission
2. Completion of items # 2, 3, and 4 under “DMI Program Admission Requirements and Selection Process”

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The DMI program participates with the Promised Pathways Program for Long Beach Unified High School District. Placement into the DMI promise pathway is awarded based upon specific criteria (Contact DMI program Director for details).

Upon Acceptance to the DMI Program

Every accepted applicant must provide a current criminal background check, complete vaccinations, obtain an AHA Healthcare Provider BLS CPR card, obtain liability insurance, complete a drug test, complete the health evaluation form, be able to perform essential physical functions, and complete a latex allergy form. Additional information regarding this is provided at program acceptance. The background check will include criminal offense, criminal history, sex offender check, and social security trace. (An unclear background may prevent the student from being accepted into one of our affiliated clinical facilities as well as completing clinical requirements.)

Upon Completion of the DMI Program

Upon program completion, the DMI program graduate is eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) national certification exam. Through the California Department of Public Health –Radiological Health Branch (CDPH-RHB), California State CRT certification is awarded upon passing the ARRT Radiography exam, applying for the CRT certification, and making payment for the CRT certificate. Once obtaining the CRT certification, graduates are eligible to take the CDPH Fluoroscopy permit exam. When the above is completed, the DMI program graduate will have the right to use the title “Registered Radiologic Technologist” R.T. (R) CRT and may pursue further education through an educational institute or on-the-job training in Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy, Interventional Radiology, Cardiac Cath Lab, Mammography, MRI, CT, Management, or Radiography education. Information about graduate courses/schools may be obtained at www.arrt.org or www.asrt.org or the California Department of Public Health at www.cdph.ca.gov.

Accreditation and Program Approvals

Long Beach City College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The Diagnostic Medical Imaging (DMI) program is approved by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and the California Department of Public Health – Radiologic Health Branch (CDPH-RHB).

Eligibility for the ARRT Exam

Eligibility for the ARRT examination requires the candidate to complete an ARRT approved Radiology program, possess a minimum of an associate degree, and be of good moral character. Conviction of a misdemeanor or felony may disqualify the candidate. An Ethics pre-application review may be pursued by contacting the ARRT at www.ARRT.org. There are specific parameters regarding the charge or conviction of a felony or misdemeanor. An applicant may contact the ARRT to determine if he/she will be disqualified due to legal circumstances. The process to determine eligibility is titled “ETHICS PRE- APPLICATION REVIEW” and the cost is approximately $100.00.

LBCC Advanced Medical Imaging Programs – CT and MRI

Entry into either the CT (Computed Tomography) or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) program requires that applicants possess their ARRT credentials in an ARRT Primary Certification (Radiography, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy, or Ultrasound) and possess an associate degree or higher. ARMRIT certification is not accepted.

Associate in Science Degrees

Certificates of Achievement

Certificates of Accomplishment