Radiologic Science

Program Description

The purpose of the Radiologic Science Associate in Science degree program at Merritt College is to prepare qualified practitioners in the art science of diagnostic medical imaging. Radiologic Technologists manipulate sophisticated technical equipment and computers to obtain detailed images of the human body. These images assist physicians in the diagnosis of injury and disease in the clinical environment.

Students participate in classroom instruction and clinical education in our affiliated hospitals throughout the East Bay. The Associate Degree will be awarded upon satisfactory completion of the General Education requirements, prerequisite requirements and the Associate Degree major requirements. Program graduates must take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists' examination and obtain the California Department of Public Health Radiologic Technologist Certificate to qualify for employment in California.

To qualify for the Associate in Science Degree, students must satisfactorily complete the major requirements specified below and the local AA/AS general education requirements. The completion time for this degree program is generally 4 semesters. Completion time will vary based on student preparation and the number of units completed per semester. As this degree alone may not be complete preparation for transfer, students wishing to transfer to a 4-year institution should meet with a counselor to develop a plan that addresses all transfer requirements.

This AS degree program requires:

1. Completion of at least 60 degree-applicable semester units including the following:
   1. A minimum of 18 semester units from the program (major) requirements
   2. A minimum of 21 units of local AA/AS General Education requirements
   3. A minimum of 12 of the 60 units must be completed at Merritt College
   4. Courses taken outside the Peralta Community College District will be reviewed and evaluated to determine if they are degree-applicable
   5. If the General Education and the major units do not total 60, complete degree-applicable elective course(s) to reach the required 60 units
2. A minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for each course in the major
3. A minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for General Education Area 1A: English Composition and Area 2: Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
4. A minimum overall grade point average of 2.0 in General Education coursework and in all coursework for the degree

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities in Radiologic Technology include Radiologic Technologist (RT), Computed Tomography Technologist (CT Technologist), Mammography Technologist, Applications Specialist.

Learning Outcome(s)

1. Produce diagnostic quality medical images in a competent, safe, and compassionate manner for all basic radiography examinations in a hospital work environment.
2. Communicate effectively with patients by taking appropriate histories, giving clear instructions, and providing information as needed.
3. Exercise critical thinking and problem solving skills by adapting radiologic procedures to individual patient needs and conditions
4. Establish and maintain satisfactory professional relationships with other members of the health care team.
5. Function as an effective health care team member by providing services in a manner that complements those performed by other team members.