Bone Densitometry Technician

The Bone Densitometry Technician (DXA) program prepares competent imaging professionals committed to professionalism, ethical behavior, technical knowledge, radiation protection, and patient care. Students who complete this program may pursue an entry-level position as a Bone Densitometry technologist in physicians’ offices, imaging centers, and research and governmental offices.

Graduates who complete the program must pass the California State Examination to secure a position as a Bone Densitometry Technician. Duties include patient assessment, patient care, machine operation, scanning protocols, anatomical analysis, and report generation.

Program goals and objectives.

• Graduate students with the clinical competence required to be an entry-level technician.
• Produce students who will demonstrate effective interpersonal skills with the entire healthcare team and the public.
• Enable students to employ appropriate critical thinking and problem-solving skills to be entry-level technicians in the clinical setting.

• Approved by CDPH-RHB
• Hands-On Lab Training
• Clinical Hours Provided
• Short Program
• Job Placement Assistance

All applicants to Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts must meet the General Admission Requirements for all Programs, including the entrance exam where required, and the additional admission requirements for this program.

• Submit an essay (no longer than two (2) pages, typed, double-spaced) that describes the following: • Reasons for the applicant’s desire to become a Bone Densitometry Technician. • The applicant’s attributes that will support their ability to succeed in the profession and complete the DXA program. • Describe the support system, such as a person, time management, and resources to support the applicant’s efforts and success in the program.
• Submit all required clinical documentation before acceptance into the program. Failure to submit all required clinical documentation before enrollment will result in the student’s acceptance being rescinded. For a comprehensive list of requirements, please contact an Admissions Advisor or refer to the Immunization Requirements section of this Catalog.
• In some campuses, the applicant pool may be larger than the number of available seats at the desired campus. In this case, the campus may require an additional step, such as an interview with the Program Director, Assistant Program Director, or designees.

The program information, length, and schedule are subject to change. Please read the accompanying Addendum for changes and updates, and contact an Admissions advisor for more detailed information.

The Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts Bone Densitometry Technician (DXA) program provides a library and classrooms equipped with teaching aids, textbooks, journals, periodicals, and anatomical charts.

The DXA program is a certificate program. The students will receive didactic and clinical experience in affiliated medical facilities. The instructor-to-student ratio is as follows: online lectures are 1:25, and clinical sessions are 1:1.

Classes may be scheduled Monday through Sunday. Students will attend a maximum of 40 hours per week of instruction, including didactic lectures, laboratory, and clinicals. A mandatory two-hour laboratory on campus is required before beginning clinical rotations. Clinical activities may be held on weekdays or weekends, and shifts may include day or evening hours, as required by the clinical site. Didactic courses are held online between 8:00 AM and 10:30 PM.

The program’s affiliated clinical sites hold current state-issued certificates as approved clinical sites. The clinical sites provide supervised clinical instruction in the patient care settings. All clinical sites employ X-Ray Technicians or Radiologic Technologists and supervisors/operators (Doctors) who hold certification issued by the State of California Radiologic Health Branch.

The DXA program consists of 4.0 quarter credit hours, completed over five (5) weeks for a total of fifty-six (56) contact hours. Day/evening classes are currently scheduled for the program. Please refer to the course schedule for details. Before graduating, students must complete all didactic and clinical hours.

Upcoming start date for this program: November 2, 2026.

Tuition and fees. Registration Fee (non-refundable) $100.00; Student Tuition Recovery Fund $0.00; Tuition $3,808.00. Total program cost $3,908.00. Total program cost excludes transportation, room and board, and personal expenses.

Financial aid. Contact the school for financial aid details for this program. Gurnick's FAFSA school code is 041698.

Net Price Calculator. Estimate your net price with Gurnick's Net Price Calculator.

Other fees, as applicable. ATI TEAS $120; background check $33–$75; drug testing $74–$148; CPR $55–$80; fingerprinting $81 and up; licensing board fees $200–$500 depending on the exam and license; campus parking permit $25; graduation ceremony fee $20–$50. Some of these fees may be paid by Gurnick Academy for some programs.

Career paths. Bone Densitometry Technician.

Certification and licensure. California State Examination (Bone Densitometry).

School Performance Fact Sheet, calendar year 2024. Bone Densitometry Technician – 56 Clock Hours at the Sacramento campus reported an on-time completion rate of 22% (9 of 41 students available for graduation); a job placement rate of 74% (28 of 38 graduates available for employment employed in the field); a license examination passage rate of 64% (9 of 14 graduates who took the exam passed on the first attempt) (published March 17, 2026).