California is home to a number of ARRT-approved rad tech programs.
A number of colleges and hospitals in California offer training programs in radiation technology, a field the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts will grow by 24 percent from 2008 through 2018. These programs combine classroom-based instruction with hands-on practice to prepare students for careers as rad techs. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) has accredited many of these programs, allowing their graduates to seek certification in the field.
City College of San Francisco
A public two-year institution, City College of San Francisco is home to more than 100,000 students. To enroll in the college's associate degree program for rad techs, students must first complete courses in algebra, geometry, medical chemistry, conceptual physics and undergo a health screening and criminal background check. The program takes two full years of study to complete with students participating in five clinical rotations throughout that time. Students are also encouraged to take computer science courses in addition to classes in science and anatomy. Federal and state financial aid is available.
City College of San Francisco
50 Phelan Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94112
415-239-3285
ccsf.edu
City of Hope School of Radiation Therapy
City of Hope is a cancer treatment center and hospital located in Duarte, approximately 21 miles northeast of Los Angeles. The clinic began the School of Radiation Therapy in 1975. The one-year certificate program is only open to individuals who already have an associate's degree, have taken a radiography training program and received licensure and credentialing from both the ARRT and the State of California Department of Public Health. To keep the program small, the hospital is selective about whom it admits and requires an interview for all applicants. Students in the program spend eight hours per week in classroom or laboratory sessions and 32 hours per week in clinical settings. The school does not participate in financial aid programs but allows tuition to be paid in two installments rather than requiring all of it at once.
City of Hope School of Radiation Therapy
1500 East Duarte Road
Duarte, CA 91010
626-301-8247
cityofhope.org
California State University at Long Beach
Founded in 1949, California State University at Long Beach is a public four-year university with more than 31,000 undergraduate students. To receive acceptance into the school's three-year radiation therapy program, students must observe a radiation department in a hospital for a minimum of 40 hours, submit letters of recommendation and a personal essay, undergo an interview and complete prerequisite classes in biology, anatomy, computer information systems, calculus, critical reading and writing and physics. Applicants do not need to have previous medical training or any type of college degree. Four internships are required as a part of the curriculum as well as a number of laboratory sessions. State and federal financial aid is available.
California State University at Long Beach
1250 Bellflower Boulevard
Long Beach, CA 90840
562-985-5471
csulb.edu
Tags: Long Beach, California State, California State University, City College, City College Francisco, City Hope, College Francisco