How to Become a Radiologic Technologist in California

What Does a Radiologic Technologist Do?

Working under the supervision of physicians and other healthcare professionals, radiologic technologists use techniques like X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and ultrasound to create images of the human body for diagnostic and treatment purposes.

Though their day-to-day responsibilities vary, radiologic technologists are typically tasked with:

• Positioning patients on exam tables and setting up/adjusting equipment for an optimal view of a specific body area
• Monitoring patients' conditions and reactions, reporting abnormal signs to physicians
• Explaining procedures and observing patients to ensure safety/comfort during their scan
• Using radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure patient and staff safety
• Reviewing and evaluating developed X-rays or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes
• Preparing contrast material, radiopharmaceuticals, or anesthetic or antispasmodic drugs under the direction of a radiologist.

Where Do Radiologic Technologists Work?

Radiologic technologists in California work in various types of healthcare environments, including:

• Hospitals
• Physicians’ offices
• Outpatient care centers
• Medical and diagnostic libraries/labs

How Long Is an X-Ray Tech Education in California?

The duration of your radiologic technologist education will depend on your selected program and your desired certifications. Most employers in California look for radiologic techs who have an associate degree at minimum, according to the California Employment Development Department.

Associate degree programs generally take one to two years to complete. The associate degree-level Radiography program at American Career College can be completed in as little as 25 months including an off-campus 1,800-hour externship.

If you want to pursue more ARRT certifications beyond what is required for licensure in California, you will need to meet additional education and exam criteria, which could add more time to your educational journey.

Next Step Towards Licensure: Taking the ARRT Exam

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is the largest RT organization in the world providing credentials in medical imaging, interventional procedures, and radiation therapy.

In order to obtain your California RT license once you’ve completed your radiography education, you will need to pass the ARRT exam—and complete other steps outlined later—through the Radiologic Health Branch (RHB) of the California Department of Public Health.

There are 15 ARRT credentials available in a variety of disciplines, including:

• Bone Densitometry (BD)
• Breast Sonography (BS)
• Cardiac Interventional Radiography (CI)
• Cardiovascular Interventional Radiography (CV)*
• Computed Tomography (CT)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR)
• Mammography (M)
• Nuclear Medicine Technology (N)
• Quality Management (QM)*
• Radiation Therapy (T)
• Radiography (R)
• Registered Radiologist Assistant (R.R.A.)
• Sonography (S)
• Vascular Interventional Radiography (VI)
• Vascular Sonography (VS)

To become ARRT-certified and -registered, you will need to meet the organizations’ education, ethics, and exam requirements.

Your educational pathway will depend on the credential you choose. The three options include the primary eligibility pathway, the postprimary eligibility pathway, and the Registered Radiologist Assistant (R.A.A.) eligibility pathway.

What to Expect From the ARRT Exam

The ARRT exam is a computer-based test that is administered at Pearson VUE test centers with more than 200 centers located throughout the U.S. Your exam will include both scored and unscored questions with the number of questions and the test content varying by the type of exam taken.

Learn about the content specifications based on the specific exam you are taking. These include specifications for national certification exams, as well as state-only licensing exams, which include the California Radiography Supervisor and Operator exam and others.

You can also get general information about the ARRT exam on the organization's website.

How to Get a California Radiologic Technologist License

To be licensed, you will need to submit a radiologic technology certificate application to the California Department of Public Health’s Radiologic Health Branch (CDPH-RBH). The application process includes the following steps:

• Complete form CDPH 8200, which requires you to provide your name, phone number, address, birthdate, and social security number or individual taxpayer identification number.
• On the form, you will need to select which type of radiologic technology certificate you are applying for: diagnostic or therapeutic.
• Provide documentation that proves you passed the national certification exam by the American Registry Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
• If you are not ARRT-certified, you must take and pass the appropriate exam and also submit a copy of your graduation diploma or certificate from a CDPH-RHB-approved radiologic technology school.
• Pay a non-refundable application fee of $112.

Once you have passed the exam and are licensed, you will be considered a Certified Radiologic Technologist (CRT).

If you are interested in applying for a certificate in mammography radiologic technology, a radiologic technologist fluoroscopy permit, or another type of California certificate or permit in the field of radiography, you can find the forms here.

How Long Does the Application Process Take?

After applying, you should receive a letter from the CDPH within 30 calendar days with instructions on next steps, such as steps for taking the ARRT exam if needed.

It takes about 45 days to receive your ARRT exam results, and it takes four to six weeks to receive your state-issued certificate or permit. However, you can check the status of your certificate or permit on the CDPH website and use the online information as valid temporary authorization in certain situations, such as during the hiring process or certificate/permit renewal process.

In California, radiologic technologist certificates must be renewed every two years, requiring the completion of 24 approved continuing education credits and a fee of $104.

Starting Your Radiologic Technologist Program

If you’re ready to start your journey in radiologic technology, it’s time to find the right program for you.

The Radiography associate degree program at American Career College is approved by the California Department of Public Health’s Radiologic Health Branch, and is available at ACC’s three Southern California campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Anaheim.

This blended program combines on-campus learning with online coursework, making it easier to balance education with a busy schedule.

Learn more about ACC’s Radiography program and apply today!