Radiologic Technology
18 courses · El Camino College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Winter 2027 · Spring 2027
RTEC 91 Radiographic Pathology
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides basic knowledge of disease pathology and etiology as they pertain to diagnostic radiography. The course will emphasize the radiographic appearance of disease and influence on exposure factor selection. This course provides basic knowledge of pathology as it pertains to diagnostic radiography technology.
RTEC 93 Venipuncture and Pharmacology for the Radiologic Technologist
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 0.5 hour lecture, 1.5 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- RTEC 123 with a minimum grade of C in prerequisite
- Corequisite
- RTEC 107 and RTEC 124
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides the student with the basic concepts of pharmacology and venipuncture. The theory and practice of the basic techniques of venipuncture and the administration of diagnostic contrast agents and/or intravenous medications is included. Delivery of patient care during these procedures is also emphasized.This course provides the student with the basic concepts of pharmacology and venipuncture. The theory and practice of the basic techniques of venipuncture and the administration of diagnostic contrast agents and/or intravenous medications is included. Delivery of patient care during these procedures is also emphasized.
RTEC 104 Clinical Education 1
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 4.5 hours lab per week to be arranged
- Prerequisite
- RTEC 106, RTEC 111 and RTEC 123 with a minimum grade of C in prerequisite
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course continues the development of clinical skills in the performance of radiographic examinations. Areas of skill development include the upper and lower extremities and radiography of the chest. Emphasis will be placed on radiation protection of the patient, self, and co-workers.
RTEC 106 Clinical Experience 1
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 12 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- RTEC - A Introduction to Radiologic Technology Acceptance by application and admission into the Radiologic Technology Program.
- Corequisite
- Radiologic Technology 111 AND Radiologic Technology 123
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides an environment to apply and develop skills learned in patient transportation, hospital policies and procedures, image processing, professional ethics, practical aspects of radiation protection, and introduction to patient positioning.
RTEC 107 Clinical Experience 2
- Units
- 7
- Hours
- 21 hours lab per week to be arranged
- Prerequisite
- Radiologic Technology 106, 111, and 123 with a minimum grade of C in prerequisite
- Corequisite
- Radiologic Technology 124
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides an introduction to the routine radiographic procedures and positioning skills for the performance of upper extremity, lower extremity, thorax, vertebral column, biliary, genitourinary, and gastrointestinal system examinations.
RTEC 109 Clinical Experience 3
- Units
- 2.5
- Hours
- 7.5 hours lab to be arranged
- Prerequisite
- RTEC 106 and RTEC 123 with a minimum grade of C in prerequisite
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides continued development of clinical skills in the performance of radiographic examinations to include the chest, abdomen, upper and lower extremities and pelvis. Emphasis will be placed on radiation protection of the patient, self, and co-workers as well as effective communication and proper history taking prior to the start of any radiologic exam.
RTEC 111 Fundamentals of Radiologic Technology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- RTEC A with a minimum grade of C
- Corequisite
- RTEC 106 and RTEC 123
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is a combination of lab and lecture that explores the basic concepts and theories of radiologic science, technology, equipment, and physics in the field of radiology. The course content includes the study of matter, varying forms of energy, and different forms of radiation in radiology. Students will learn all of the essential equipment, how it functions, and proper-safe use in radiologic technology. The lab component of the course further reinforces the concepts taught in the didactic course.
RTEC 123 Radiographic Positioning 1A
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- RTEC 106 and RTEC 111
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed to prepare the student with entry-level skills and knowledge to perform safely in a radiology department. Topics include patient care, professional standards, ethics and law as they relate to the radiologic technology profession. Patient positioning and radiologic exposure of the chest, abdomen upper, lower extremities and pelvis are introduced along with the use of various radiographic devices. Laboratory practice, radiographic image analysis and topographical anatomy are presented as they apply in the production of optimum radiographic examinations.
RTEC 124 Radiographic Positioning 1B
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- RTEC 106, RTEC 111, and RTEC 123 with a minimum grade of C in prerequisite
- Corequisite
- RTEC 107
- Transfers to
- CSU
In this course, students will study additional principles of radiographic positioning. Emphasis is placed on those procedures involving the shoulder, bony thorax, pelvis, vertebral column, contrast media, gastrointestinal system, genitourinary system and biliary systems. Special imaging considerations for the pediatric and geriatric patients, the acutely ill, surgical patients, and trauma patients will also be covered. Radiographic technique, anatomy, specialized mobile and fluoroscopic equipment, patient safety, and radiation protection will be included. Laboratory practice, radiographic image analysis and critique, and topographical anatomy are presented as they apply in the production of optimum radiographic examinations.
RTEC 216 Clinical Education 2
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 6 hours lab per week to be arranged
- Prerequisite
- RTEC 217 with a minimum grade of C
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides continued development of clinical skills in the performance of radiographic examinations to include the chest, abdomen, upper and lower extremities, vertebral column, bony thorax, pelvis, cranium and facial bones. Emphasis will be placed on advanced contrast examinations and radiation protection of the patient, self, and co-workers, especially with the use of fluoroscopy and mobile radiographic equipment. Special imaging considerations for the pediatric and geriatric patients, the acutely ill, surgical and trauma patients will also be covered.
RTEC 217 Clinical Experience 4
- Units
- 7
- Hours
- 21 hours lab per week to be arranged
- Prerequisite
- RTEC 104 and RTEC 109 with a minimum grade of C
- Corequisite
- RTEC 233 and RTEC 244
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course continues development of clinical skills in the art of radiography with special emphasis on cranium radiography, age-specific competencies, and mobile and surgical imaging. In addition, students continue to complete mandatory and elective clinical performance evaluations, as outlined in the course syllabus and student handbook.
RTEC 218 Clinical Experience 5
- Units
- 7
- Hours
- 21 hours lab per week to be arranged
- Prerequisite
- RTEC 217 with a minimum grade of C in prerequisite
- Corequisite
- RTEC 233 and RTEC 255
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course continues the development of clinical skills in the art of radiography, with an emphasis on observation of special imaging modalities and exams requiring the use of contrast media. Students will work towards completion of all mandatory and elective clinical performance evaluations including the categorical final competencies as outlined in the course syllabus and student handbook.
RTEC 220 Clinical Experience 6
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 9 hours lab per week to be arranged
- Prerequisite
- RTEC 217 with a minimum grade of C
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course continues the development of clinical skills in the performance of radiographic examinations, with a special emphasis in specialized radiography, new modalities and age-specific competencies. Advanced clinical practice experiences are designed to provide competent performance of radiologic imaging. Students will perform independently, with appropriate supervision to assess their skills for employability. The course emphasizes completions of all mandatory, elective and final clinical performance evaluations.
RTEC 233 Radiographic Positioning 2
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- RTEC 109 and RTEC 124 with a minimum grade of C in prerequisite
- Corequisite
- RTEC 217 and RTEC 244
- Transfers to
- CSU
In this course, students will learn additional principles of radiographic positioning. Emphasis is placed on those procedures involving the cranium. Topics will include radiographic technique, anatomy, specialized equipment, patient safety, and radiation protection. Special imaging modalities and techniques will be discussed. The most common cranium pathologies will be demonstrated and identified on radiographic images.
RTEC 244 Radiation Physics, Equipment, and Safety
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- RTEC 124 with a minimum grade of C
- Corequisite
- RTEC 217 and RTEC 233
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course continues with the study of radiation and radiological physics. Additional subjects covered are: the operation of medical x-ray and fluoroscopy units, the effects of radiation in humans, and the principles of radiation protection as applied in medical radiography. An introduction to health physics instrumentation, and radiation control regulations, with an emphasis on radiation health and safety will be discussed along with the principles of digital imaging.
RTEC 255 Advanced Imaging and Special Procedures
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- RTEC 233, RTEC 244 and RTEC 217 with a minimum grade of C in prerequisite
- Corequisite
- enrollment in RTEC 218
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed for the advanced radiography student. Emphasis is placed on anatomy, pathology, positioning and patient care for specialized radiographic procedures. Newer imaging modalities are explored, along with cross section anatomy. Advanced modalities such as CT, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, PET, Ultrasound and Radiation Therapy are covered. An in-depth exploration of digital imaging fluoroscopy and radiation safety principles are also reviewed.
RTEC 328 Clinical Experience 7
- Units
- 4.5
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 4.5 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- RTEC 220 with a minimum grade of C
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course continues the development of clinical skills in radiography with emphasis in specialized radiography and new modalities. Advanced clinical practice experiences are designed to provide competent performance of radiologic imaging, using sequential development, critical analysis, and evaluation in the performance of radiologic procedures and patient assessment and care. Students perform independently with appropriate supervision to assess their skills for employability. This course also reviews the entire radiologic technology curriculum, following the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) examination outline, to prepare the students for State and National Certification examinations.
RTEC A Introduction to Radiologic Technology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- Proficient in pre-algebra skills and eligibility for English 1A
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides an introduction to Radiologic Technology as a profession including foundational skills necessary to prepare students planning to enter the Radiologic Technology A.S. Degree Program. Course topics includes educational and career pathways for radiologic technologists, program application procedures, radiographic and digital imaging equipment, principles of radiation production, exposure and quality, image processing, radiation safety, patient care, medical malpractice, professional ethics, and introduction to radiographic examinations.