Program Entrance Requirements & Necessary Skills

Program Entrance Criteria

Our program accepts students each Summer session. The number of applicants usually exceeds the spaces available. To be eligible for admission, a prospective student must have completed the mandatory requirements listed below. Completion of the recommended items below will enhance your chance of being accepted into the program. Please see Selection Criteria for a complete explanation of the student selection process.

I. Prospective Students Need the Following Preparation:

A. Graduation from high school, G.E.D. (or equivalent) or completion of a degree from a community college or university.

B. Intermediate algebra * or higher level math course with a grade of "C" or better; or by completing:

  1. One semester of college algebra (MATH 120 or equivalent). or
  2. SMCCCD Math Placement Test with the appropriate score.

C.  Chemistry *  with a grade of "C" or better, or by completing:

  1. one year of high school chemistry with a lab, or
  2. one semester of college chemistry (CHEM 192, or 410 or equivalent)

D. Anatomy with a grade of "C" or better; or by completing one semester of college human anatomy BIO 250. (Completed within the last three years)

E. Eligibility for English 100 (Reading and Composition) by completing:

  1. SMCCCD English/Reading Placement Test, or
  2. Engl 836 or equivalent with a "C" or better.

F. Interpersonal Communication – SPCH 120

G. Human Physiology – BIOL 260 **

H. Applicants must be 18 years of age.

* It is strongly recommended that these courses be taken within the past 3 yrs.
* For applicants with prerequisite courses in progress, acceptance into the program will be conditioned upon satisfactory completion of the courses prior to the commencement of the first semester of the program.
** BIOL 260 – Human Physiology. Completion of this course is recommended prior to entering the program.

II. Written Essay (mandatory)

Applicants will be asked to submit an essay (no more than 2 typed pages, Times New Roman font, 12pt., 1" margins and 1.5 line spacing) detailing:

  1. Reasons for applying to the program
  2. Personal attributes that would contribute to your success in the program
  3. Pertinent work/volunteer experience
  4. Any other information that you feel is important to share. For example:

III. Two Letters of Recommendation

One letter must be from an instructor of a science course taken within the last three (3) years detailing: attendance, punctuality, dependability, student's application to his/her studies, skills in the field, relationship with other students and faculty, initiative, communication skills.

The second letter must be written by an adult not related to you, who has know you for at least one year and who can attest to your character and state why they think you are appropriate for a health care profession. The letters must be typed, dated not more than six months prior to the time of application, and signed.

IV. General Education Courses Completed (recommended)

Completion of as many of these courses as possible will increase your chances of acceptance into the program (see Selection Criteria). Courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better in order to be eligible for the Associate in Science Degree and for eligibility to sit for certification examinations as required by our accreditation.

  1. ENGL 100
  2. PHYSICAL EDUCATION*
  3. COMPUTER LITERACY*
  4. SOCIAL SCIENCE*
  5. ETHNIC STUDIES
  6. HUMANITIES*

*See requirements for the associate in science degree in the CATALOG. Students who wish assistance with course selection or who have questions about the program should make an appointment with a general counselor by calling 306-3452.

V. Volunteer Experience / Work Experience

VI. Basic First Aid and CPR

Completion of a CPR course for Health Care Provider and approved by the American Heart Association.

CPR online courses are not acceptable.

VII. GPA

Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher.

Necessary Skills for a Practicing Radiologic Technologist

The following statements identify the physical capabilities appropriate to the profession of Radiologic Technology. Please read this page to determine whether or not you are able to perform the tasks necessary to be employed as a Radiologic Technologist upon completion of this training program.

A. The prospective Radiologic Technologic student must possess sufficient strength, motor coordination and manual dexterity to be able to:

  1. Transport, move, lift, or otherwise transfer patients from a wheelchair or gurney to an x-ray table or to a patient bed and physically place patients in the proper positions for examination according to established procedure and standard's of speed and accuracy.
  2. Move, adjust, and manipulate a variety of radiographic equipment (including the physical transportation of portable x-ray machines) in order to arrange the equipment according to the established standards necessary to do diagnostic radiographic procedures.

B. Additionally, the student must be able to communicate verbally in an effective manner in order to explain radiographic procedures and direct patients during those procedures.

C. At the end of the training program, the Radiologic Technologist must be able to:

  1. Handle stressful situations related to technical and procedural standards and patient care situations.
  2. Provide physical and emotional support to the patient doing radiographic procedures and be able to respond appropriately to situations requiring basic first aid and emergency care of the patient in the absence of, or until the physician arrives.
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