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.

Program Mission Statement

The Medical Imaging Sciences at Long Beach City College includes the Diagnostic Medical Imaging 
Program (DMI), the Computerized Tomography Program (CT), and the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program(MRI). The Medical Imaging Programs provide high-quality education and clinical practicum to 
qualified students. They are responsive to the diverse needs of the local medical community. The 
DMI program specializes in the education and training that leads to entry-level employment as a 
competent, ethical health care professional, and either a Radiology Associate of Science degree or 
Certificate of Achievement awarded. The DMI program emphasizes the necessity of professional 
development and life-long learning. The Medical Imaging Programs at Long Beach City College adheres 
to non-discriminatory policies and provides equal opportunities in educational programs and to all 
students enrolled in these programs.

Program Functions & Goals

• Accept all qualified students, regardless of ethnic, sexual, or socioeconomic background, who complete the admission requirements
• Assure that the students achieve competency in diagnostic radiography procedures; Assist students in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Help students develop the skills necessary to effectively communicate within society and the 
  medical environment
• Ensure students understand that they function in a culturally diverse population with special needs 
  and concerns; Develop attitudes of cooperation
• Encourage the development of attitudes, knowledge, and skills that promote physical and mental 
  health

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Diagram the photographic and digital process and define the technical factors utilized in medical image formation.
2. Distinguish the fundamental structure of matter, diagram the production of x-rays, and examine how 
   different radiographic techniques effect the resulting image on a radiograph.
3. Assess how radiation effects body systems, differentiate between different types of radiation and 
   their effects on human tissue, and formulate ways to decrease exposure.
4. Manage proper patient positioning of the skeletal system, cranium, and viscera to
   achieve industry standard radiograph.

Clinical Experience

This program requires the student to participate in clinical experience concurrent with DMIP 
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.
Clinical sites may require drug testing or other blood work. There may be exposure to hazardous 
materials and infectious pathogens in the clinical setting. Students will adhere to all safety and 
standard precautionary measures. Clinical experience starts as early as 6 am and end as late as 11 
pm M-F and/or weekend assignments. Clinical rotations are from 24-32 hours per week.
Total clinical experience is approximately 1,936 hours. See LBCC DMI Program clinical student 
manual for more information.

Program Length & Costs

The Radiologic Technology program costs approximately $5,500 total over the 30-month program. This 
includes tuition (California residents), lab fees, required textbooks, exam prep subscriptions, and 
uniforms for clinical experience.  Students must also provide reliable transportation to their 
assigned clinical facility. The DMI program length is a total of 30 months which includes five 
semesters with two summer and two winter intersessions.

Long Beach City College Application Process

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

1. Apply for admission to the college through the Admissions Office (applications are available online at https://www.lbcc.edu/admissions-aid
2. Submit transcripts from high school and previous college coursework to the Admissions & Records Department.

Program Prerequisites

• Allied Health 60: Medical Terminology (or equivalent at another college)
• Allied Health 61: Patient Care (or RADT 153 at Cypress College – no other classes accepted)
• Anatomy 41: Human Anatomy & Physiology (or equivalent at another college)

* All three prerequisites or equivalents must be completed before applying, with a letter grade posted to transcript, and completed within 5 years of the application date.  Pass/No Pass on transcript will not be accepted.

* Allied Health 61 may be waived if applicant holds a current LVN license, RN license, or is/was
certified military combat medic, on a case-by-case basis. We do not waive Allied Health 61 for CNA, Medical Assisting, or EMT certifications.

Program Application Requirements

• Prospective students must apply to the college to obtain an LBCC student ID prior to applying to the program.
• Program applications are not accepted until the following requirements have been met:
  • Graduation from an accredited high school, or the equivalent.
  • Cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher in ALL college coursework.
  • Completion of three prerequisites – AH 60, AH 61, and ANAT 41 within five years of the
    DMI application date with a letter grade of “C” or better.
  • Completion of the LBCC GE plan as required by Long Beach City College (Plan 2612 – A.S. Radiology) OR possess an associate degree or higher from an accredited United States college or institution (Plan 3612 Certificate of Achievement Radiology)
  • Students MUST attend one of the DMI program monthly information sessions prior to application submission
  • Complete the DMI Program online application and upload supporting documentation to the online application
  • Students MUST keep the Admissions and Records Office and the School of Health and Science advised of their current e-mail address, home address, and telephone number and any name changes. All changes MUST be submitted in writing via email
  • All applicants will be notified by email about the status of their applications.

IMPORTANT: FALSIFICATION, FABRICATING, OMITING, OR ALTERING DOCUMENTATION OR RECORDS, WHETHER WILLFULLY KNOWING OR NOT THAT RESULTS IN AN INCREASE OF POINT TOTAL WILL RESULT IN APPLICATION DISQUALIFICATION FOR THAT YEAR’S APPLICATION PERIOD AND POSSIBLY ANY FUTURE APPLICATION ATTEMPT.

DMI Program Selection Process

All submitted applications will be reviewed during the month of November.  Points totals will be calculated and verified for accuracy.  18-25 applicants with the highest points will be selected and notified via email. The class size is based on the number of clinical placements available plus any returning students. 

Mandatory Information Meetings

The Diagnostic Medical Imaging Program (DMIP) holds monthly information sessions from September to June (except January). Please visit www.lbcc.edu/dmi for a list of dates, times, and locations of the information session.

General Program Information

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 ability to meet the physical demands as outlined in the LBCC DMI Program Policies.
3. The radiography student must possess the capabilities of self-mobility, visual acuity, manual dexterity, oral communication, and hearing acuity and/or lip reading as outlined in the LBCC DMI Program Policies.
4. The radiography student must demonstrate the intellectual capacity to learn by retaining and recalling critical concepts and performing examinations both on campus and in clinical within the time constraints according to clinical objectives and community standard of care while administering safe patient care as outlined in the LBCC DMI Program Policies.
5. The radiography student must demonstrate critical thinking - the ability to use ethically sound professional reasoning in making justifiable decisions in relation to examinations, diagnosis, and management of the patient within the time constraints according to clinical objectives and community standard of care.
6. Service animals are not allowed during the clinical rotation and during on-campus skills education/assessment.
7. 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).
8. The Program is 30 months in length, beginning each Spring semester. Each student must complete approximately 2,100 hours of clinical / lab practicum and approximately 1800 hours of didactic courses. Didactic courses are conducted Monday through Friday, between 6 AM and 10 PM. 
9. For more detailed information please refer to the Student Clinical Manual.

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.)

Successful Completion of the DMI Program

Successful completion of the DMI program requires all of the following:

• Successful completion of all required prerequisites and program courses as outlined in
  catalog /curriculum guide
• Successful completion of approximately 2,100 clinical / lab hours
• Successful completion of all requirements for an associate in science degree as required by
  Long Beach City College (Plan 2612) OR possess an associate degree or higher (Plan 3612).

Eligibility for the ARRT Exam

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 CRT certification 
and Fluoroscopy Permit are awarded upon passing the ARRT Radiography exam, applying for both the 
CRT certification plus Fluoroscopy permit, and making payment for both.

Once obtaining the ARRT, CRT, and Fluoroscopy permit, the DMI program graduate will have the right 
to use the title “Registered Radiologic Technologist” R.T. ® CRT. The LBCC DMI program graduates 
who possess their ARRT, CRT, and Fluoroscopy permit certification 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 the 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.

In addition, eligibility for the ARRT examination requires the candidate to 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

Program Accreditation

The DMI program is approved by the California Department of Public Health – Radiologic Health 
Branch (CDPH-RHB). Each clinical facility affiliated with the DMI Program must maintain compliance 
with all regulatory requirements of the CDPH- RHB. Each facility must prominently display the 
CDPH-RHB CLINICAL AFFILATION NOTICE (CAN). The DMI program is accredited by the Accrediting 
Commission of Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Graduates of the DMI Program qualify to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technology 
(ARRT) examination. JRCERT Accreditation status for the DMI Program is “application in progress”.

California Department of Public Health
Radiological Health Branch
P.O. BOX 997414, MS 7610
Sacramento, CA. 95899-7414
(916)-327-5106

JRCERT: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
312-704-5300
email: Mail@jrcert.org Visit jrcert.org

Program Transfer

The DMI Program, under LBCC, currently maintains a matriculation agreement with California State 
University and University of California systems.  Students have also been successful in continuing 
their radiology education for a B.S. or M.S. degrees (Radiology option) at California State 
University Dominguez Hills.

The LBCC DMI program does not accept transfer students with advanced standing. Our program does not give course credit / equivalency for other radiology programs’ didactic or clinical courses. All applicants are subject to the same admissions process.

Radiologic Technologist – Salary & Job Outlooks

Overall employment of radiologic and MRI technologists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 15,700 openings for radiologic and MRI technologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

• 2024 Median Pay – $79,980 – $82.250
• 2024 Number of Jobs – 272,100

Program Contacts

Joseph D. Carfagno M.S., RT®(VI)(CT)
Program Director, Diagnostic Medical Imaging – Room LAC, D-159
Email: jcarfagno@lbcc.edu

Marc D. Smith
Allied Health Coordinator & AFT President – Room LAC, C-107
Email: m4smith@lbcc.edu