Great Careers in California: Become a Radiologic Technologist

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.

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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 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 (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

*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 (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: 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, Foothill College, Long Beach City College, and Fresno City College. Students in Southern California might also consider options in Phoenix, Arizona, or Las Vegas, Nevada, while out-of-state alternatives for students in Northern California are fewer with Oregon having a limited offering.

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.

Professional Organizations

The primary professional organization for radiologic technologists in California is the California Society of Radiologic Technologists (CSRT), the state affiliate of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). 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.

Radiography programs in California: what you need to know

California employs more radiologic technologists than almost any other state. According to BLS May 2025 OEWS data, 20,900 radiologic technologists and technicians work in California, earning a median wage of $121,260 per year. That figure is well above the national median and reflects both the cost of living and the demand for imaging professionals across the state’s large hospital networks and outpatient centers.

If you want to work as a radiologic technologist in California, you need to complete a program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). JRCERT is the national body that sets quality standards for radiography programs. Passing the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam after graduation is required for licensure in California. The programs listed on this page are all JRCERT-accredited.

How to read the comparison table

The table below covers 35 JRCERT-accredited radiography programs in California. Each row shows tuition, program length, the ARRT exam pass rate, the job placement rate, and the completion rate reported to JRCERT. Use those numbers together, not just one in isolation.

A high pass rate matters because you cannot work as a registered technologist without passing the ARRT exam. A high placement rate tells you how many graduates found jobs in the field. The completion rate tells you how many students who started the program finished it. A program with a 100% pass rate but a 50% completion rate may be harder to finish than the numbers first suggest.

Tuition figures are annual or total program costs as reported to JRCERT. They do not include fees, books, or clinical supplies. Resident tuition applies to students who meet California community college or university residency requirements.

JRCERT-accredited radiography programs in California

California Baptist University and Merritt College are both listed under JRCERT probationary accreditation at the time this data was collected. Probation means the program has been found to fall short of one or more JRCERT standards. The program can continue enrolling students during probation, but you should contact the program directly to ask about its current accreditation status before applying.

Tuition: public vs. private programs

California has one of the largest public community college systems in the country. Most of the programs in the table above are public colleges, and resident tuition at those schools ranges from under $1,300 to around $3,800 for the full program. Several hospital-based programs, including Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, East Los Angeles Occupational Center, L.A. County Harbor/UCLA Medical Center, and Mills-Peninsula Health Services, charge no tuition at all.

Private programs cost significantly more. California Baptist University and Loma Linda University both charge around $40,000. Gurnick Academy programs run between $33,000 and $35,000. Pima Medical Institute in Chula Vista is priced at about $27,800.

Higher tuition does not automatically mean a better outcome. El Camino College charges residents just $1,080 and reports a 100% ARRT pass rate, a 100% job placement rate, and a 100% completion rate. Compare that against any program before deciding based on cost alone.

If you are not a California resident, check non-resident tuition carefully. At Chaffey College, non-resident tuition is over $26,000 compared to $3,128 for residents. At Cabrillo College, the difference is nearly $15,000. Establishing California residency before enrolling, if that is possible for you, can change the financial picture significantly.

Program length and scheduling options

Most radiography programs in California run between 21 and 30 months. The shortest program in this list is East Los Angeles Occupational Center at 12 months. The longest is Loma Linda University at 33 months. Most programs cluster around 22 to 26 months.

A handful of programs offer distance education components, which may give you more flexibility in how you complete the didactic (classroom) portion of your training. Those programs include Foothill College, Gurnick Academy (all three campuses), Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences in Richmond, Pima Medical Institute, San Diego Mesa College, Santa Barbara City College, and Yuba College. Clinical hours, where you work in an imaging department under supervision, must still be completed in person regardless of how the classroom portion is delivered.

Gurnick Academy’s Van Nuys and Concord campuses also offer evening and weekend options. Kaiser Permanente in Richmond offers evening and weekend scheduling as well. If you work while you study, those formats may fit your schedule better than a traditional daytime program.

What clinical training looks like in California

Every program requires you to complete clinical hours at real imaging facilities. The clinical sites listed for each program give you an idea of where you would train. Larger programs tend to have more clinical partner sites, which can mean more variety in the types of cases you see.

Foothill College, for example, lists 30 clinical partners including Stanford Hospital and Clinics, multiple UCSF campuses, and several Palo Alto Medical Foundation locations. Fresno City College rotates students through 23 sites across the Central Valley, from community hospitals to children’s hospitals. Pima Medical Institute in Chula Vista has 46 partner sites throughout San Diego County, including Scripps, Sharp, Kaiser, and UCSD.

When you visit or speak with a program, ask which specific sites you would rotate through and whether those rotations are guaranteed or assigned based on availability. The answer can affect what skills you build before graduation.

Wages for radiologic technologists in California

According to BLS May 2025 OEWS data, the median annual wage for radiologic technologists and technicians in California is $121,260. Workers at the 25th percentile earn about $95,730 per year, while those at the 75th percentile earn $137,770. At the top of the range, the 90th percentile wage is $165,460.

Entry-level positions, which typically fall closer to the 10th percentile, start around $70,210 annually. That is still a strong starting wage for a two-year credential. Pay tends to rise with years of experience, additional certifications, and specialty training.

Where you work in California also affects your earnings. Hospital-based positions in major metro areas like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego generally pay more than outpatient clinic positions in rural areas. Overnight shifts, weekend differentials, and on-call pay can raise your total compensation above the base wage.

Career paths after radiography

Radiography is often the starting point for a longer imaging career. Once you are registered and working, you can add specialty certifications through ARRT in areas such as computed tomography (CT), mammography, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

MRI technologists earn a higher median wage than general radiologic technologists. BLS May 2025 OEWS data shows the median annual wage for MRI technologists in California is $124,000. The 75th percentile is $151,760, and the 90th percentile reaches $174,030. California employs about 3,570 MRI technologists, so the specialty is smaller but well-compensated.

Radiation therapy is another advanced path. Radiation therapists work with cancer patients to deliver treatment using linear accelerators and other equipment. That specialty requires separate accredited training and its own board exam.

Related imaging and therapy programs in California

If you are already a registered radiologic technologist or are planning ahead, the three JRCERT-accredited programs below offer training in radiation therapy, a clinical specialty focused on delivering radiation treatment to cancer patients. These programs are separate from radiography and require their own application, training, and board exam. They are listed here as career-progression options, not as alternatives to the radiography programs above.

• City of Hope (Duarte): Radiation therapy, 12 months, tuition $15,000 (resident and non-resident). Completion rate 100%, ARRT pass rate 93%, job placement rate 98%. Accreditation length: 8 years. Clinical sites span the Los Angeles and Orange County regions through the City of Hope network.
• Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts – Van Nuys: Radiation therapy, 36 months, tuition $82,435. Completion rate 90%. Accreditation length: 3 years. Clinical partners include facilities from San Diego to Sacramento and several out-of-state sites.
• Loma Linda University (Loma Linda): Radiation therapy, 21 months, resident tuition $63,584. Completion rate 89%, ARRT pass rate 73%, job placement rate 83%. Accreditation length: 8 years. Clinical settings are concentrated in the Inland Empire and surrounding counties.

Before applying to any radiation therapy program, confirm that you meet the prerequisite requirements, which typically include prior healthcare experience or a radiography credential.

Accreditation and what it means for your license

California requires radiologic technologists to hold a state fluoroscopy permit and to pass the ARRT exam. Graduating from a JRCERT-accredited program makes you eligible to sit for the ARRT exam. If you graduate from a program that is not JRCERT-accredited, you may not be eligible to take the exam, and you may not be able to obtain a California license.

JRCERT accreditation also signals that the program meets national standards for curriculum, clinical training, and student outcomes. The accreditation length listed in the data (5 years, 8 years, or probation) tells you when the program was last reviewed and whether any concerns were identified. An 8-year accreditation is the longest cycle and reflects strong performance at the last review.

Programs on probation have been cited for specific deficiencies. Probation does not mean the program is closing, but it is worth asking the program coordinator what steps are being taken to address the issue before you commit to enrolling.

How to compare programs before you apply

Start with geography. Clinical rotations are in-person, so you need to be able to get to your assigned sites reliably. Look at the clinical partner list for each program and check whether those locations are realistic for your daily commute.

Then look at the three outcome numbers together: the ARRT pass rate, the job placement rate, and the completion rate. A program where 100% of completers pass the board exam only matters if you can actually finish the program. If the completion rate is 71%, ask the program what causes students to leave and what support is available.

Contact the programs you are serious about. Ask about application deadlines, prerequisite courses, the wait list (if any), and whether financial aid is available. Most California community colleges participate in federal financial aid programs, which can offset tuition costs significantly.

Use the table above as your starting point, then go directly to each program’s website or admissions office to get current information. Tuition, schedules, and seat availability change, and the program staff can answer questions specific to your situation.