Computed Tomography (Certificate N0687)

Technology and Health Division
Radiologic Technology Department
The Computed Tomography (CT) Program is designed to prepare competent and professional technologists equipped to meet the needs of the healthcare community. A primary responsibility of technologists is to create images of patients’ bodies using medical imaging equipment, which helps doctors diagnose and treat diseases and injuries.
The program provides a complete educational experience. Students will have the opportunity to develop competence in patient care, communication skills, critical thinking, and technical skills, preparing them to become proficient technologists. The curriculum includes the didactic and clinical competency requirements set forth by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), as well as the educational standards established by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. Educational activities encompass lectures, discussions, group activities, and hands-on clinical training.
Upon completion of the program, technologists certified and registered by the ARRT in a supporting discipline are eligible to apply for ARRT certification in CT.

Review Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for this program.

Required Courses

To remain in the program, students must maintain a grade of “C” or better in all courses.

Computed Tomography Website (https://www.mtsac.edu/radiologic/computed-tomography/)

Application Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the following requirements prior to submitting a program application:

1. Submit a college application and be accepted as a student at Mt. San Antonio College.
2. Meet with a Counselor to review certificate requirements.

Admission Requirements 

In addition to meeting Mt. San Antonio College’s academic standards for admission, applicants must be in good standing and satisfy the following requirements prior to program admission:

1. Submit a Computed Tomography Program application. The application can be accessed on the program website.
2. Must be California-certified in Diagnostic Radiologic Technology. Certification must be maintained throughout the program.
3. Must be Certified and Registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in Radiologic Technology. Certification must be maintained throughout the program.
4. Meet the following Essential Functions for Success in the program:

Communication Skills

• Possess effective English communication skills (speaking, reading, and writing) ​

Physical Demands

• Perform prolonged, extensive, or considerable standing/walking, lifting positioning, pushing, and/or transferring patients
• Possess the ability to perform fine motor movements with hands and fingers
• Possess the ability for extremely heavy effort (lift/carry 50 lbs. or more)
• Perform considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, and crouching
• Respond rapidly to situations involving the health and safety of patients
• Function adequately under stressful situations​

Sensory Demands
(May be corrected with adaptive devices)

• Color vision: ability to distinguish and identify colors 
• Distance vision: ability to see clearly 20 feet or more 
• Depth perception: ability to judge distance and space relationships
• Near vision: ability to see clearly 20 inches or less Hearing: ability to recognize a full range of tones ​

Work Environment
Students must function in an environment with potential exposure to 

• Infectious and contagious diseases 
• Blood borne diseases 
• Hazardous agents, body fluids and wastes 
• Odorous chemicals and specimens 
• Products containing latex 
• Hazards of flammable, explosive gases 
• Burns and cuts 
• Contact with patients having different religious, culture, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, psychological and physical disabilities, and under a wide variety of circumstances 
• Emergency or crisis situations 
• Judgment/actions related to end-of-life issues

Selection Procedure

Student selection is based on a lottery system. Applications are randomly selected through a computerized process. Applicants who are not selected may reapply the following year.

The Department will make every effort to notify applicants of admission at least one month prior to the program's start date. 

Clinical Requirements

1. A physical examination, including specific immunizations and a passing drug test, is required prior to entering the clinical education phase. Physical examinations are required by the program’s clinical affiliates. Procedures will be provided upon admission.
2. A background check, indicating a passing clearance, is required prior to entering the clinical education phase. A valid Social Security number (SSN), or ITIN, is required to complete this process. Background checks are required by the program’s clinical affiliates. Procedures will be provided upon admission.
3. Radiologic Technology is a licensed profession. Applicants must possess a valid SSN, or ITIN, to apply for state certification and complete clinical education requirements.
4. CPR certification is required prior to entering the clinical education phase. Certification must be American Heart Association: Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers. 

Additional Information

1. California Venipuncture Certification is strongly recommended, as it is required to perform certain procedures. 

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, a student will:

• Students will be clinically competent
• Students will communicate effectively
• Students will develop critical thinking skills

Review Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for this program.