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Medical Programs

Radiologic Technology

Carrington College’s Radiologic Technology program is designed to help you build the knowledge and technical skills used to capture medical images that support patient care. This program combines classroom learning with hands-on training to help you develop the competencies recommended for radiologic practice.
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Carrington Colleges Radiologic Technology Program

Program Details

What Will I learn

Radiologic Technology programs can prepare graduates to:

  • Use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to evaluate and adjust procedures for a variety of patient populations and clinical situations.
  • Perform radiographic procedures, including patient positioning, technical factors, and radiation safety practices, to produce diagnostic images.
  • Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviors consistent with radiologic technology standards and scope of practice.
  • Communicate effectively with patients, healthcare team members, and others in both written and oral formats.

The mission of the Radiologic Technology program at Carrington College is to provide a comprehensive and dynamic educational experience, fostering the development of skilled, compassionate, and ethical radiologic technologists. The College strives to prepare graduates to be leaders in the field, dedicated to improving patient outcomes and advancing the radiologic science professions. 1

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Cost & Financial Aid

Your education is an investment in your future, and Carrington College is here to help. We offer a variety of financial aid options, including federal, state, and private programs, as well as student loans, grants, and scholarships are available for those who qualify. Each program has different requirements and application instructions. Our team is here to guide you through the options and application process.

Academic Cost

For complete details on current tuition costs, please refer to the Academic Catalog.

Location Availability

Carrington College is proud to offer our Radiologic Technology program at multiple locations around the Western U.S. To learn more about our locations, explore their pages.

Accreditation & Approvals

The Radiologic Technology programs at Carrington College in Temecula and Fresno are approved by the California Department of Public Health – Radiologic Health Branch as schools of Diagnostic Radiologic Technology. The Carrington College Radiologic Technology programs in Temecula and Fresno are ARRT-verified programs.

1255 Imperial Avenue #4, San Diego, CA 92101, 619 338 2493,
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DRSEM/pages/rhb.aspx

Carrington College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, 428 J Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814; 415 506 0234 an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. Additional information about accreditation, including the filing of complaints against member institutions, can be found at accjc.org.

For comprehensive information on Carrington College’s accreditation and approvals, visit stg.carrington.edu/accreditation-and-approvals/.

Course Catalog

Program Specific Disclosures

Continuing Education For Graduates

Student Outcomes

REAL WORLD SKILLS

With many classes to guide you, build skills for entry-level roles

START YOUR PATH

You can earn an associate degree in as few as 23 months

FLEXIBLE LEARNING OPTIONS

Conveniently available at select campuses

AFFORDABLE TUITION

Tuition varies by program and location

Why Choose Carrington College for Radiologic Technology?

Choosing the right medical program is an important step toward building technical skills and gaining real-world healthcare experience. Carrington College’s Radiologic Technology program is designed to help students develop the knowledge and hands-on training needed to work with diagnostic imaging equipment in clinical settings.

Students in the program pursue an Associate Degree in Radiologic Technology, learning how to produce diagnostic images while supporting patient safety and professional healthcare standards. 2 Coursework is combined with laboratory practice and supervised clinical training so students can apply imaging principles in real healthcare environments.

Program features:

  • Hands-on learning: Practice radiographic positioning, imaging techniques, and radiation safety in lab and clinical environments. 3
  • Structured healthcare training: Coursework focuses on core topics such as imaging procedures, anatomy, radiation protection, and patient care. 3
  • Clinical experience: Students participate in supervised clinical training to build real-world experience with imaging equipment and patient interaction.
  • Career-focused education: Coursework helps prepare graduates for certification and entry-level roles in radiologic technology. 2

Through this combination of classroom learning and clinical experience, the Radiologic Technology program at Carrington College helps students develop the technical and professional skills used by imaging professionals.

Career Opportunities

Radiologic technologists, also known as radiographers, perform X-rays and other diagnostic imaging examinations on patients. 4

A few typical radiologic technologist job duties may include: 4

  • Adjusting and maintaining imaging equipment
  • Following precise orders from physicians on what areas of the body to image
  • Preparing patients for procedures, including taking a medical history and shielding exposed areas that do not need to be imaged
  • Positioning the patient and the equipment in order to get the correct image
  • Operating the computerized equipment to take the images
  • Working with physicians to evaluate the images and determine whether additional images need to be taken
  • Keeping detailed patient records

Example Courses in the Program 

  • Radiographic Positioning and Procedures
  • Radiation Physics and Instrumentation
  • Radiation Biology and Safety
  • Venipuncture for Radiologic Technologists with Lab

 

Carrington Graduates

Certification and Licensure Preparation

Graduates of the Radiologic Technology program at Carrington College receive education specifically designed to support their preparation for professional certification. 1

The Carrington College Radiologic Technology programs at the Temecula and Fresno campuses are ARRT-verified programs. This status indicates that the program meets the educational requirements for graduates to apply for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Radiography certification exam. 2

The ARRT certification process evaluates a candidate’s proficiency in essential areas, including radiographic procedures, patient care, radiation safety, and image production. 5

Carrington College prepares students to take appropriate certification and licensure exams related to their individual majors. The College does not guarantee students will successfully pass these exams or be certified or licensed as a result of completing the program.

Radiologic Technology FAQ

How Long Does it Take to Become a Radiologic Technologist?

Program length can vary depending on the school and credential offered. At Carrington College, students pursuing an Associate Degree in Radiologic Technology may complete the program in as few as 23 months. 1

Is Becoming a Rad Tech Difficult?

The coursework involves a deep dive into anatomy and radiation physics, which can be challenging. However, the program is structured to help students build technical knowledge step-by-step. 1

What’s the Difference Between a Radiologic Technologist and an X-ray Technician?

When researching X-ray technician programs, you may encounter different job titles, including radiologic technologist, radiographer, or rad tech.

“Radiologic technologist” is the standard professional title used for individuals who perform diagnostic imaging procedures, such as X-rays, and support patient care during imaging exams. 4 The term “X-ray technician” may appear as a job title for similar roles, but it is often used informally. 6

Is Medical Imaging Technology and Radiology Technology the Same?

Both terms refer to the use of imaging equipment to create medical images that help physicians evaluate patient conditions. Medical imaging technology may include several types of imaging, such as:

  • Radiography (X-ray imaging)
  • Computed tomography (CT)
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Other diagnostic imaging specialties

Radiologic technology specifically focuses on producing diagnostic images using radiographic equipment and applying radiation safety practices.

Is Radiologic Technology the Same as Sonography?

No, radiologic technologists use radiation-based imaging equipment such as X-ray machines. 4 Sonographers use ultrasound technology, which creates images using high-frequency sound waves. 7

Is This Program Accredited?

Many students searching for an accredited radiologic technology program want to ensure their education meets recognized academic standards.

Carrington College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Additionally, the Radiologic Technology programs at the Temecula and Fresno campuses are verified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, confirming the program meets ARRT educational requirements for certification eligibility. 2

Do Radiologic Technologists Need Certification?

Many employers prefer or require certification for professionals working in radiologic technology.

Graduates of a radiologic technology program may pursue certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists by passing the ARRT Radiography certification examination and meeting ethics and education requirements. 2

Certification requirements may vary by state, and some states require additional licensing for imaging professionals.

What Are Common Admission Requirements for a Degree in Radiologic Technology?

Admission requirements for a radiologic technology program may vary by institution, but common steps can include:

  • Attending a program information session
  • Submitting application materials and transcripts
  • Completing required drug screening and background checks (including fingerprinting) within 90 days prior to enrollment

Individuals with prior convictions or ethical violations are encouraged to complete the ARRT Ethics Review Pre-Application before enrolling in a radiologic technology program, as this review may help determine eligibility for certification.

Prospective students should review program requirements carefully and speak with an admissions representative for full details.

Sources:

  1. Carrington College. “Academic Catalog 2025-2026.” https://docs.carrington.edu/catalog/Supplement-to-the-Carrington-College-Catalog-Volume-XII-3-10-2026.pdf
  2. American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). “Radiography Certification Requirements.” https://www.arrt.org/pages/earn-arrt-credentials/initial-requirements/primary-requirements/education-requirements-primary
  3. American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). “Radiography Curriculum.” https://www.asrt.org/educators/asrt-curricula/radiography
  4. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). “Radiologic and MRI Technologists.” https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm
  5. American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). “Certification Overview.” https://www.arrt.org/pages/earn-arrt-credentials/initial-requirements/primary-requirements
  6. O*NET OnLine. “Radiologic Technologists.” https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-2034.00
  7. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). “Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.” https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm