# California

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There are several great reasons to consider a career in radiology science in California. This field is expected to grow steadily over the next few years, as the population continues to grow and grow older, [creating more demand for medical science professionals](https://radiologyed.org/prospects/).

([Leer esta información en español](https://radiologyed.org/es/california/))

California has one of the highest cost of living indexes, and the average annual salary for radiologic technologists is well above the average annual salary for California. California also offers one of the largest selections of colleges from which to earn a radiology science degree.

## Accredited Radiology Tech Programs in California: Complete 2026 Guide

California employs more radiologic technologists than any other state in the country, with 20,900 working across hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and specialty clinics as of BLS May 2025 OEWS data. That scale matters when you are choosing a program, because clinical placement opportunities, job markets, and post-graduation salaries vary considerably from San Diego to Redding. This guide covers every JRCERT-accredited program in the state, what each one costs, how graduates perform on the ARRT exam, and what California-specific licensing you need before you can work.

## California Radiologic Technologist Salary Data

Earnings here run well above the national average. According to BLS May 2025 OEWS data, the median annual wage for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians (SOC 29-2034) in California is **$121,260**, with a mean of $117,950. The spread across experience levels is wide:

- **10th percentile:** $70,210
- **25th percentile:** $95,730
- **75th percentile:** $137,770
- **90th percentile:** $165,460

If you advance into MRI, the numbers shift upward. MRI Technologists (SOC 29-2035) in California earn a median of **$124,000** (mean $120,560), with top earners reaching $174,030 at the 90th percentile (BLS May 2025 OEWS). That roughly $3,000 median gap between general radiography and MRI reflects the additional credentialing required, but the ceiling is meaningfully higher in MRI.

### Cost of Living Context

A $121,260 median sounds strong until you account for housing. In the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles metro, rents for a one-bedroom apartment frequently exceed $2,500 per month. Graduates working in inland areas like Fresno, Bakersfield, or the Inland Empire will typically see lower gross wages but better purchasing power than colleagues in coastal metros. When comparing program locations, factor in where you intend to work long-term, not just where you attend school.

## California Licensing Requirements for Radiologic Technologists

California is one of a small number of states that mandates its own state-level license in addition to ARRT certification. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Radiologic Health Branch administers this process. Here is what you need to know before you sit for the ARRT exam:

### Fluoroscopy Permit

California requires a separate **Fluoroscopy Permit** for radiologic technologists who operate fluoroscopic equipment. This permit requires passing a California-specific written exam. Many employers expect new graduates to obtain this permit promptly after initial licensure, and programs at schools such as Fresno City College and Foothill College incorporate fluoroscopy competency training specifically to prepare students for this state requirement.

### State Certification (CRT)

Before you can practice, you must hold a **Certified Radiologic Technologist (CRT)** certificate issued by CDPH. The pathway:

1. Complete a JRCERT-accredited program
2. Pass the ARRT Primary Certification Exam in Radiography
3. Submit a CRT application and fee to CDPH
4. Pass a California state jurisprudence review (currently incorporated into the application process)

CRT certificates require renewal every two years, with 24 hours of continuing education required per cycle. ARRT CE requirements overlap significantly, but you must confirm that your CE activities satisfy both ARRT and CDPH standards.

### Limited Permit Holders

California also issues [Limited X-Ray Machine Operator (LXMO) permits](https://radiologyed.org/careers/medical-assistant-with-limited-x-ray/) for specific body areas. This is a distinct credential from CRT and does not substitute for full radiographer licensure in hospital settings. Programs listed on this page train students for full CRT eligibility, not the limited permit pathway.

Nuclear medicine practitioners must take the [Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board](https://www.nmtcb.org/) (NMTCB) exam. California also requires all radiologic technologists to complete at least 24 hours of continuing education credits every two years to remain certified.

## JRCERT-Accredited Radiography Programs in California

California has 38 JRCERT-accredited programs across radiography and radiation therapy. The table below covers radiography programs with complete outcome data. Program length, tuition, and outcome figures come directly from JRCERT program disclosure data.

### Program Comparison Table

| Institution | Length | Resident Tuition | Completion Rate | ARRT Pass Rate | Placement Rate | Accreditation | Evening/Weekend |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Antelope Valley College | 24 mo. | $1,472 | 100% | 89% | 100% | 5 Years | No |
| Arrowhead Regional Medical Center | n/a | n/a | 80% | 89% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Bakersfield College | 24 mo. | $1,552 | 100% | 86% | 95% | 8 Years | No |
| Cabrillo College | 22 mo. | $1,949 | 100% | 93% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| California Baptist University | 24 mo. | $40,638 | 100% | 69% | 100% | **On probation** | No |
| California State University, Northridge | 28 mo. | $6,544 | 75% | 97% | 94% | 8 Years | No |
| Cañada College | 25 mo. | $1,426 | 90% | 94% | 95% | 8 Years | No |
| Chaffey College | 24 mo. | $3,128 | 100% | 93% | 98% | 5 Years | No |
| Charles Drew University of Medicine & Science, College of Science and Health | 21 mo. | $30,000 | 91% | 93% | 100% | 5 Years | No |
| City College of San Francisco | 30 mo. | $1,400 | 85% | 97% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| City of Hope | 12 mo. | $15,000 | 100% | 93% | 98% | 8 Years | No |
| Cypress College | 21 mo. | $3,600 | 100% | 94% | 100% | 5 Years | No |
| East Los Angeles Occupational Center | 12 mo. | n/a | n/a | 98% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| El Camino College | 26 mo. | $1,080 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Foothill College | 23 mo. | $1,700 | 89% | 99% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Fresno City College | 22 mo. | $1,472 | 97% | 96% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts-Concord | 24 mo. | $34,201 | 77% | 86% | 100% | 8 Years | Yes |
| Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts-Sacramento | 22 mo. | $34,627 | 97% | 96% | 100% | 8 Years | Yes |
| Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts-Van Nuys | 22 mo. | $33,216 | 100% | 85% | 91% | 8 Years | No |
| Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts-Van Nuys | 36 mo. | $82,435 | 90% | n/a | n/a | 3 Years | No |
| Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences-Kaiser Medical Center – Richmond | 24 mo. | $31,596 | 71% | 96% | 92% | 5 Years | Yes |
| L.A. County Harbor/UCLA Medical Center | 24 mo. | n/a | 100% | 61% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Loma Linda University | 21 mo. | $63,584 | 89% | 73% | 83% | 8 Years | No |
| Loma Linda University | 33 mo. | $40,000 | 100% | 85% | 99% | 8 Years | No |
| Los Angeles City College | 27 mo. | $2,556 | 79% | 85% | 89% | 8 Years | No |
| Merced College | 29 mo. | $1,380 | 94% | 95% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Merritt College | 24 mo. | $1,648 | 84% | 81% | 100% | **On probation** | No |
| Mills-Peninsula Health Services-Radiography | 24 mo. | n/a | 100% | 83% | 93% | 8 Years | No |
| Moorpark College | 24 mo. | $1,610 | 78% | 91% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Mt. San Antonio College | 26 mo. | $3,220 | 91% | 79% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Orange Coast College | 22 mo. | $1,380 | 96% | 92% | 96% | 8 Years | No |
| Pasadena City College | 24 mo. | $1,863 | 75% | 92% | 99% | 8 Years | No |
| Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista | 24 mo. | $27,754 | 92% | 96% | 96% | 8 Years | No |
| San Diego Mesa College | 24 mo. | $1,276 | 92% | 77% | 98% | 8 Years | No |
| San Joaquin General Hospital | 24 mo. | $3,841 | 90% | 100% | 100% | 5 Years | No |
| Santa Barbara City College | 24 mo. | $1,413 | 93% | 87% | 95% | 8 Years | No |
| Santa Rosa JC | 23 mo. | $1,530 | 90% | 92% | 99% | 5 Years | No |
| Yuba College | 22 mo. | $3,036 | 91% | 87% | 96% | 8 Years | No |

**Note on accreditation:** 2 of the 38 programmes listed above are currently on probation with the JRCERT. Probation means the programme is accredited but has been found not to meet one or more standards, and is being monitored. Ask the programme directly what the finding was and what has changed since. Status is taken from the JRCERT accreditation database.

**Programs marked with an asterisk have ARRT pass rates or accreditation statuses that warrant closer review. California Baptist University and Merritt College are currently on JRCERT Probation status. L.A. County Harbor/UCLA has a 61% ARRT pass rate. Contact those programs directly to ask what corrective actions are in progress before applying.*

## Radiation Therapy Programs in California

Three California institutions offer JRCERT-accredited Radiation Therapy programs. These are distinct from radiography and lead to ARRT certification in Radiation Therapy rather than Radiography.

- **City of Hope (Duarte):** 12-month program, $15,000 tuition, 100% completion rate, 93% ARRT pass rate, 98% job placement. Clinical sites span the full City of Hope network across Southern California.
- **[Loma Linda University](https://llucatalog.llu.edu/allied-health-professions/radiation-sciences-bs/) (Loma Linda):** 21-month program, $63,584 tuition, 89% completion rate, 73% ARRT pass rate, 83% job placement. Prospective students should be aware that Loma Linda is a Seventh-day Adventist organization where teaching emphasizes the Christian faith.
- **[Gurnick Academy – Van Nuys](https://www.gurnick.edu/programs/radiologic-sciences/):** 36-month program, $82,435 tuition, 90% completion rate. ARRT pass rate not reported in current data. Clinical sites span statewide and include UCSF, UCLA, and UCSD facilities.

## Program Details: Length, Clinical Hours, and ARRT Exam Prep

### How Long Do California Programs Take?

Most California radiography programs run 22 to 26 months. The shortest in this dataset is the East Los Angeles Occupational Center at 12 months, which achieves a 98% ARRT pass rate. The longest radiography program is Loma Linda University at 33 months, reflecting its bachelor’s degree structure. Community college programs, which make up the bulk of California’s options, typically fall between 22 and 26 months.

Radiation therapy programs range from 12 months (City of Hope) to 36 months (Gurnick Van Nuys), depending on whether the award is a certificate or degree.

### Clinical Hours

JRCERT requires a minimum of 1,800 clinical hours for radiography programs. California programs generally meet or exceed this floor, with many placing students at multiple facility types, including trauma centers, children’s hospitals, outpatient imaging groups, and VA medical centers. Foothill College, for example, lists 30 clinical partner sites including Stanford Hospital, UCSF, and multiple Palo Alto Medical Foundation locations. Fresno City College rotates students through 23 different settings across the San Joaquin Valley. This breadth of clinical exposure matters for your skill development and for how competitive you are when applying for jobs in specialized settings after graduation.

### ARRT Exam Preparation

Pass rates across California programs range from 61% to 100%. That spread reflects real differences in how well programs prepare students for the ARRT exam. When you review programs, ask specifically:

- Does the program use simulated ARRT practice exams in the final semester?
- What is the program’s average number of student attempts before first-time pass?
- Are students required to meet a minimum score on internal assessments before being approved to sit for ARRT?

California’s CRT licensing process is tied directly to ARRT passage, so exam readiness has immediate practical consequences. Foothill College (99%), El Camino College (100%), City College of San Francisco (97%), CSUN (97%), and Gurnick Sacramento (96%) lead the state on reported first-attempt pass rates.

## What to Look for in a California Radiology Tech Program

California’s sheer program count gives applicants real options. These are the factors that separate programs worth applying to from those that carry hidden risk.

### Accreditation Status

All programs on this page hold JRCERT accreditation, but two are on Probation: California Baptist University and Merritt College. Probationary status means JRCERT found the program out of compliance with one or more standards. Programs on probation can improve, but you are taking a risk enrolling during a probationary period. JRCERT accreditation is required to sit for the ARRT exam, so if a program loses accreditation while you are enrolled, you could face serious complications. Check the JRCERT website directly for the most current status before you apply.

### Tuition Range and Return on Investment

California community college programs cost between $1,080 and $3,841 in resident tuition for the full program. Private programs run from $27,754 to $82,435. Given that the median salary for California radiologic technologists is $121,260 (BLS May 2025 OEWS), even the most expensive community college programs pay back within months of employment. Private program costs require longer payback periods; at $40,638, California Baptist’s tuition equals roughly four months of median-wage earnings, not accounting for taxes or loan interest.

### Completion Rate vs. Pass Rate

These two metrics measure different things. Completion rate tells you how many students who start actually finish. Pass rate tells you how many completers pass the ARRT exam on their first attempt. A high pass rate with a low completion rate (like CSUN’s 75% completion / 97% pass rate combination) may indicate rigorous screening that pushes out students before the final stage. A high completion rate with a lower pass rate (like Mt. San Antonio’s 91% completion / 79% pass rate) may suggest the program carries students through but exam preparation needs improvement. The best programs score well on both metrics.

### Clinical Site Diversity

Check how many clinical partner sites a program lists and what types they include. A program that places all students at a single hospital gives you narrower experience than one that rotates you through trauma centers, pediatric hospitals, outpatient imaging, and orthopedic clinics. This matters when you apply for advanced modality training or specialization after your initial certification.

### Distance and Hybrid Options

Several California programs offer distance education components, including Foothill College, Santa Barbara City College, Gurnick Academy campuses, San Diego Mesa College, and Yuba College. For the didactic portion, this adds flexibility. Clinical rotations still require in-person attendance at partner facilities. If you are working while enrolled, confirm exactly which components must be attended on-campus and which scheduling options exist for clinical shifts.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How do I get a radiology tech license in California?

Complete a JRCERT-accredited radiography program, pass the ARRT Radiography exam, then apply to the California Department of Public Health for your Certified Radiologic Technologist (CRT) certificate. You will also need to obtain a separate Fluoroscopy Permit from CDPH if your employer requires fluoroscopy operation, which most hospitals do.

### How long does it take to become a radiology tech in California?

Most accredited programs take 22 to 26 months to complete. Add two to four months for ARRT exam scheduling, score release, and CDPH application processing. From program start to first day of licensed employment, plan for roughly two to two and a half years.

### How much do radiology techs make in California?

According to BLS May 2025 OEWS data, the median annual wage for radiologic technologists and technicians in California is $121,260. Entry-level positions at the 25th percentile pay around $95,730. Experienced technologists at the 75th percentile earn $137,770, and the top 10% earn $165,460 or more. MRI technologists earn a median of $124,000 in California.

### Are California community college radiology programs as good as private school programs?

By outcome metrics, many community college programs outperform private programs. El Camino College has a 100% ARRT pass rate. Foothill College has a 99% pass rate. Both charge under $2,000 in resident tuition for the full program. Private programs can offer more flexible scheduling and sometimes broader clinical networks, but they do not consistently produce better ARRT outcomes in California.

### Can I do a radiology tech program online in California?

No program in California is fully online because clinical training requires in-person rotations. Several programs, including Foothill College, Gurnick Academy, Santa Barbara City College, and Yuba College, offer hybrid formats where some didactic coursework is delivered online or via distance education. Clinical hours are always conducted on-site at partner facilities.

### What is the difference between a radiologic technologist and a radiology tech in California?

The terms are used interchangeably in practice. The official CDPH credential is Certified Radiologic Technologist (CRT). The ARRT credential is Registered Technologist in Radiography, abbreviated R.T.(R)(ARRT). Both refer to the same licensed professional who performs diagnostic imaging procedures.

### Which California radiology programs have the best ARRT pass rates?

Based on current JRCERT data, El Camino College (100%), San Joaquin General Hospital (100%), Foothill College (99%), East Los Angeles Occupational Center (98%), City College of San Francisco (97%), California State University Northridge (97%), and Fresno City College (96%) lead the state. San Diego Mesa College, Gurnick Sacramento, and Pima Medical Institute also report 96% pass rates.

### What clinical hours are required for California radiology programs?

JRCERT requires a minimum of 1,800 clinical hours.

## Other Schools to Consider

For those preferring a two-year associate’s program, notable institutions include [Santa Barbara City College](https://radiologyed.org/schools/california/#456san93109-2394), [Foothill College](https://radiologyed.org/schools/california/#159foo94022), [Long Beach City College](https://www.lbcc.edu/program-diagnostic-medical-imaging), and [Fresno City College](https://radiologyed.org/schools/california/#168fre93741). Students in Southern California might also consider [options in Phoenix, Arizona](https://radiologyed.org/schools/arizona/), or [Las Vegas, Nevada](https://radiologyed.org/schools/nevada/), while out-of-state alternatives for students in Northern California are fewer with [Oregon having a limited offering](https://radiologyed.org/schools/oregon/).

## Large Employers in Radiology

The huge state of California, the most populous in the nation, features 17 hospitals that have been nationally ranked by the US News and World Report. While employment at these hospitals is likely to be more competitive, wages and benefits are also likely to be among the best in the state.

[Ronald Reagan Hospital UCLA Medical Center](https://www.uclahealth.org/reagan/), Los Angeles
 757 Westwood Plaza
 Los Angeles, CA 90095-8358
 (310) 825-9111

[Cedars-Sinai Medical Center](//www.cedars-sinai.edu), Los Angeles
 8700 Beverly Boulevard
 Los Angeles, CA 90048-1865
 (310) 423-5000

[UCSF Medical Center](//www.ucsfhealth.org), San Francisco
 500 Parnassus Avenue
 San Francisco, CA 94143-0296
 (415) 476-1000

[Stanford Hospital and Clinics](https://stanfordhealthcare.org/), Palo Alto
 300 Pasteur Drive
 Palo Alto, CA 94304-2299
 (650) 723-4000

[UC San Diego Medical Center](https://health.ucsd.edu/), San Diego
 200 West Arbor Drive
 San Diego, CA 92103-8970
 (619) 543-6222

[Keck Hospital of USC](https://www.keckmedicine.org/about-keck-medicine/keck-hospital-of-usc/), Los Angeles
 1500 San Pablo Street
 Los Angeles, CA 90033-4587
 (323) 442-8500

## Professional Organizations

The primary professional organization for radiologic technologists in [California is the California Society of Radiologic Technologists (CSRT)](https://www.csrt.org/), the state affiliate of the [American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)](https://www.asrt.org/). This organization can help prospective radiologic technologists get their career underway, and help existing technologists to make professional connections and stay informed about any new information in their field.

## Sources

- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) — wage and employment figures. https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook — job outlook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) — accredited programme directory (720 programmes). https://www.jrcert.org/programs/
- American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) — certification requirements. https://www.arrt.org/
- Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board — https://www.nmtcb.org/
- Loma Linda University — https://llucatalog.llu.edu/allied-health-professions/radiation-sciences-bs/
- Gurnick Academy – Van Nuys — https://www.gurnick.edu/programs/radiologic-sciences/
- Long Beach City College — https://www.lbcc.edu/program-diagnostic-medical-imaging
- Ronald Reagan Hospital UCLA Medical Center — https://www.uclahealth.org/reagan/
- Stanford Hospital and Clinics — https://stanfordhealthcare.org/
- UC San Diego Medical Center — https://health.ucsd.edu/
- Keck Hospital of USC — https://www.keckmedicine.org/about-keck-medicine/keck-hospital-of-usc/
- California is the California Society of Radiologic Technologists (CSRT — https://www.csrt.org/
- American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) — https://www.asrt.org/

Canonical: https://radiologyed.org/schools/california/
Last checked: 2026-08-19