National Polytechnic College

Radiologic Technologist (AAS)

Lakewood
Lakewood, CA
Associate Degree · Hybrid
Radiologic Technologist (AAS)
Accredited by ACCSC. Approved to operate by the California BPPE.
Blended: in-class or live-streamed lectures, labs on campus in Lakewood, CA, then a clinical externship.
$65,108
100 weeks: 2,955 clock hours and 90 semester credits, including 1,850 hours of clinical externship.
A $150 non-refundable registration fee is charged.
Title IV aid (Pell, FSEOG, federal loans) and Cal Grants for those who qualify; approved for veterans’ benefits.

Radiologic Technologist (AAS) is an Associate Degree program (Hybrid) offered by National Polytechnic College in Lakewood, CA. The program takes 100 weeks to complete, with a total tuition of $65,108.

Program Overview

The Radiologic Technologist program prepares students to operate diagnostic imaging equipment and produce high-quality medical images that help healthcare providers diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. It is recognized by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and meets its requirements for graduates pursuing ARRT certification.

The first part of the program covers anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and patient care, legal and ethical issues. Core classes in radiology physics, fluoroscopy, digital imaging, radiographic procedures and pathology follow, and students then complete 1,850 hours of externship in clinics, diagnostic imaging centers or hospitals — developing strong radiologic skills and techniques and the ability to discover pathology.

Radiologic technologists prepare and position patients, operate X-ray and in some cases CT equipment, maintain equipment, protect patients from unnecessary radiation, and communicate results with radiologists and physicians.

What sets this Program apart

  • 1,850 hours of clinical externship across eight rotations.
  • Recognized by the ARRT; the California program is approved by the California Department of Public Health, Radiologic Health Branch.
  • Supplies include dosimetry, venipuncture certification and the ARRT registration and exam.
  • Room to grow: RTs can pursue further training in MRI, CT, mammography and nuclear medicine.

Admission Requirements and Process

NPCollege certainly wants you to experience an easy application process. Applicants will have an opportunity to be interviewed by a school representative who can help you pave the way for your career decisions, and you will be given a tour of the campus and receive a catalog describing the course offerings and the school policies. Once your program interest has been determined, a standardized entrance assessment may be administered.

General Requirements

  • High School Diploma or Equivalent
    Provide proof of a high school diploma from an accredited high school or the recognized equivalent before being granted enrollment. Applicants must provide a copy of their high…
  • Foreign Credential Evaluation
    High school documentation from a country other than the United States must be translated and evaluated to be at least the equivalent of a U.S. high school diploma by an agency…
  • Campus Visit
    Visit the College before enrollment to obtain a clear understanding of NPCollege, view the facilities and equipment, and meet with staff and instructors.
  • Application and Admissions Interview
    Complete an application form and engage in an interview with an Admissions Coordinator. NPCollege admission procedures require completion of admissions interview prior to…
  • Signed Enrollment Agreement
    Complete and sign an Enrollment Agreement (must be signed by a parent or guardian if the applicant is under 18).
  • Age Requirement
    Applicants enrolling in any of our programs under 18 years of age must reach their 18th birthday before the expected start date of their Externship.
  • Registration Fee
    Pay a non-refundable registration fee upon enrollment.
  • Wonderlic Entrance Exam
    All associate degree applicants must take the Wonderlic SLE (on campus) or SLE-Q (online) entrance exam. The minimum passing score is 18 on the SLE or SLE-Q, and passing scores…
  • New Student Technology Assessment
    Before starting the program, a prospective student must complete a new student assessment covering access to technology (computer, webcam, microphone, internet access, email…
  • Externship Physical and Immunizations
    Students may be required to have a physical examination by a licensed healthcare provider; annual TB test and flu vaccine (or exemption letter); Tdap within 10 years; MMR (2…
  • Background Check and Drug Screen
    A Personal/Criminal Background Check, Drug Screening, and Health Insurance proof may be required and must be successfully completed prior to the student's estimated externship…

Application Process

  1. 1
    Schedule a Meeting with Admissions
    NPCollege requires you to schedule a meeting with the admissions office before any application is reviewed. You will be interviewed by a school representative who will review your academic background and goals and help you choose the right program.
  2. 2
    Tour the Campus
    Visit the College before enrollment to view the facilities and equipment and meet with staff and instructors. You will receive a catalog describing the course offerings and the school policies.
  3. 3
    Take the Entrance Assessment
    Associate degree applicants take the Wonderlic SLE (on campus) or SLE-Q (online) entrance exam and must score at least 18.
  4. 4
    Complete Your Application
    Complete an application form with your Admissions Coordinator and provide proof of your high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Contact admissions to get started.
  5. 5
    Apply for Financial Aid (FAFSA)
    Meet with the Financial Aid Department to learn about your eligibility for federal funding and get answers to your questions. Complete the FAFSA using the NPCollege school code.
    FAFSA Code for Lakewood: 039104
    Fill Out the FAFSA
  6. 6
    Sign Your Enrollment Agreement
    Complete and sign an Enrollment Agreement and pay the non-refundable registration fee. NPCollege recommends making financial arrangements to cover tuition and registration fees, since it is the last step before processing your application.
  7. 7
    Complete Orientation
    All new students are required to complete an orientation prior to their program start date, covering institutional policies, academic expectations, student resources, technology requirements, and support services.
  8. 8
    Start Your Program
    New students start their program following the completion of all admission requirements and procedures. Students must complete the entire admissions process before the first day of class.

Program Schedule

100 weeks (25 months on the College’s program page), 2,955 clock hours and 90 semester credits. Classes run in morning (8:00 AM to 12:00 PM), afternoon (1:00 to 5:00 PM) or evening (5:30 to 9:30 PM) sessions, Monday through Friday; general education classes run between 8:00 AM and 9:30 PM. Externship hours are scheduled Monday through Friday according to the clinical site’s availability.

The 2026 academic calendar lists AM, afternoon and PM classes all starting August 3, 2026. Start dates may be added or removed.

All lectures are delivered in a blended format: traditional face-to-face classroom instruction combined with remote, live-streamed lectures, for flexibility for students with busy schedules or long commutes. Most of the remote learning comes from the lecture hours; skills are built in the on-campus labs before clinical rotations.

Campus Location

Lakewood
4105 South Street
Lakewood, CA 90712

Why Accreditation Is Important

When you attend an accredited institution, you attend a school that has been independently evaluated for educational quality.

This program: National Polytechnic College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). It is approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). The Radiologic Technologist program is approved by the California Department of Public Health.

  • A reliable indicator of quality
  • Approved program of study
  • Qualified instructors
  • Recognition by employers nationwide

Accreditations

Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)

Student Demographics

These are demographics for all students at the Lakewood Campus (IPEDS, 2024).

Gender Distribution
Women67.2%(347)
Men32.8%(169)
Race/Ethnicity Distribution
Primary Ethnic Group
Hispanic/Latino
58.9% · 304 students
Hispanic/Latino58.9% · 304
Asian13.4% · 69
White13% · 67
Black/African American8.3% · 43
Two or More Races2.5% · 13
American Indian/Alaska Native2.3% · 12
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander0.6% · 3
International Students0.4% · 2

Percentages are of total fall enrollment. 3 students whose race or ethnicity was not reported are included in that total but shown as no category, so the figures above come to 99.4% rather than 100%.

Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information

Cost and Financial Aid Information is an estimate for general reference only. It is not an offer or guarantee of financial aid or of any price, and what a School charges you may differ.
Total Program Tuition
≈ $65,108
Total Program Cost
≈ $69,747
FAFSA Code
Net Price Calculator
ChargeAmount
Tuition$65,108
Registration (non-refundable)$150
Textbooks & eBooks$1,487
Supplies$3,002
Total charges$69,747

Supplies include CPR, dosimetry, ARRT registration and exam, venipuncture certification, state application, Clover, and a laptop. Background and drug testing apply to all programs if required.

The California Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment is currently $0.00.

Financial aid. NPCollege participates in the U.S. Department of Education’s Title IV programs, including Federal Pell Grants, FSEOG and federal loans, and in Cal Grants; private loans are also available. Applicants may qualify for help through the Veterans Administration, the California Department of Rehabilitation, the GAIN program, the EDD and Workforce Investment Act programs. The College is approved for the training of veterans under Title 38.

Paying tuition. Tuition for the first enrollment period is due at the first session of each module unless other arrangements are made with the Financial Aid and Fiscal Department. Tuition and charges are estimates and subject to change. Replacement student IDs are $15 and replacement uniform sets $40; returned checks carry a $40 fee. Veterans’ benefits do not cover the school-issued laptop, which the veteran pays directly.

Curriculum

The catalog’s course table for this Associate in Applied Science degree: 18 core courses and 5 general education courses, 2,955 clock hours including 1,850 externship hours, and 90 semester credits.

The required courses below are from National Polytechnic College's published catalog.

Required Courses

Subject #NameLectureLabExternalTotalCredits
MTBS 102Medical Terminology & Intro Body Systems3010401.5
RAD 100Patient Care, Ethical and Legal Responsibilities3010401.5
RAD 110Fundamentals of Radiography3010401.5
A&P 100Anatomy & Physiology60601205
RAD 220Digital Imaging6020803.5
RAD 230Radiology Physics I60601205
RAD 231Radiology Physics II Fluoroscopy60601205
RAD 240Radiographic Procedures I60601205
RAD 241Radiographic Procedures II60601205
RAD 250Pathology6020803.5
RAD 265Clinical Externship I2402405
RAD 270Clinical Externship II2402405
RAD 275Clinical Externship III2402405
RAD 280Clinical Externship IV2402405
RAD 285Clinical Externship V2402405
RAD 290Clinical Externship VI2402405
RAD 295Clinical Externship VII2402405
RAD 297Clinical Externship VIII1701703.5
ENGCMP 100ENGLISH COMPOSITION 145453
PUBSPK 101PUBLIC SPEAKING45453
COLMATH 102BASIC COLLEGE MATH45453
INTSOC 104INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY45453
AMGSC 109AMERICAN GOVERNMENT/STATE CONSTITUTION45453

Required Courses

Subject #NameCredits
MTBS 102Medical Terminology & Intro Body Systems1.5
RAD 100Patient Care, Ethical and Legal Responsibilities1.5
RAD 110Fundamentals of Radiography1.5
A&P 100Anatomy & Physiology5
RAD 220Digital Imaging3.5
RAD 230Radiology Physics I5
RAD 231Radiology Physics II Fluoroscopy5
RAD 240Radiographic Procedures I5
RAD 241Radiographic Procedures II5
RAD 250Pathology3.5
RAD 265Clinical Externship I5
RAD 270Clinical Externship II5
RAD 275Clinical Externship III5
RAD 280Clinical Externship IV5
RAD 285Clinical Externship V5
RAD 290Clinical Externship VI5
RAD 295Clinical Externship VII5
RAD 297Clinical Externship VIII3.5
ENGCMP 100ENGLISH COMPOSITION 13
PUBSPK 101PUBLIC SPEAKING3
COLMATH 102BASIC COLLEGE MATH3
INTSOC 104INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY3
AMGSC 109AMERICAN GOVERNMENT/STATE CONSTITUTION3

Career Outcomes

Graduates work as radiologic technologists (SOC 29-2034) in hospitals, clinics and other healthcare settings, performing diagnostic X-ray exams and in some cases CT scans and mammograms.

An associate degree is the minimum education for ARRT registry eligibility; the diploma, combined with an associate degree earned elsewhere, meets it too. California requires a California Radiologic Technology (CRT) certificate from the Radiologic Health Branch after passing the ARRT (R) exam; Nevada requires a license through the Nevada Radiation Control Program. NPCollege does not publish a placement rate on these pages.

What to expect as a National Polytechnic College student

National Polytechnic College was founded in 1996 and has trained students for allied health careers ever since. Formerly Montebello Career College, it took its current name in March 1999, was accredited by ACCSC in November 2003 and was approved for Title IV financial aid in September 2005.

The main campus is at 4105 South Street in Lakewood, California, with an extension facility at 4102 South Street within walking distance. Classrooms include laboratory areas equipped as in private industry, with instructor computers and overhead projectors. Typical lecture and lab settings range from about 10 to 20 students. In 2025 the College opened a branch campus in Henderson, Nevada, which shares faculty with Lakewood and upholds the same accreditation, academic standards and policies.

Externships are completed under the supervision of a qualified preceptor at participating clinical sites; students record externship attendance through a mobile app. Graduates may take skill refresher courses, often at no additional charge, and Career Services supports students from day one. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with virtual meetings available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need at least High School Diploma or GED to register in the RT program?
Yes. Having obtained basic General Education from an accredited and verifiable institution, shows you have a basic level of comprehension to absorb the information given in lectures and during lab practice. If you have not completed your basic level of education, there are a couple of ways you can get started. - Contact your local high school for information on taking the remainder of the credits needed to complete your high school education. - Visit the GED.com site to learn more about obtaining your high school equivalency examination.
Do I need a minimum of an Associate Degree to become a Radiographer?
Yes. An Associate in Applied Science degree is the minimum level of education required to be eligible for registry examination through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Not only is it required but it also gives you the “upper-hand” when it comes to applying to desirable positions in the field. Having a minimum of an associate degree prepares you to communicate in a professional manner and enhance your abilities analyze complex situations, particularly in radiography.
Is a license required to work as RT?
This is a big yes. Unlike many other professions in the medical field, the California Department of Public Health, Radiologic Health Branch (CDPH-RHB) does issue licenses for Radiography Technologists and does require passing an approved certification exam such as one offered by ARRT. Remember that in order to qualify for the ARRT examination, the program you attend, must be completed at a college approved by ARRT.
Is NPCollege accredited or approved by ARRT?
Yes. Though we hold many accreditations and approvals from many registries for different fields, ARRT is the registry directly approved by (CDPH-RHB) for the RT program. This is one of the most important questions you should ask any college.
How long is the program at NPCollege and why do different colleges have RT programs that vary in length?
The length of any RT program depends on class schedule and thoroughness of the program. Depending on your academic history, type of completion award, and credits needed, the entire program at NPCollege can take between 19-23 months in order to fully prepare you for externship, registry testing, and future employment challenges.
Can I transfer credits from another college to take the RT program at NPCollege?
If you are in pursuit of an associate’s degree, you can transfer General Education (GE) units if those units meet the requirements our NPCollege’s GE requirements. There are no radiography classes available for transfer to the RT program unless you have graduated from another medical imaging program at NPCollege. There is also the option of challenging some of the introductory core classes. To be eligible for class challenge, you need to show evidence of field-related experience, or have taken similar classes at another institution.
Can NPCollege credits be transferred to another institution?
The transferability of credits you earn at NPCollege is at the complete discretion of the institution to which you seek to transfer to. Acceptance of the degree, diploma, or certificate you earn in your educational program at NPCollege is also at the complete discretion of the accepting Institution. For this reason, you should make certain that your attendance at NPCollege will meet your educational goals.
How can I submit an application for NPCollege's RT program?
Before we look into any application, NPCollege does require you to schedule a meeting with the admissions office to further review your academic background, and your goals. This is important because it allows us to make recommendations for your career path with only the credits you need to achieve the coveted certification from ARRT and registrations with (CDPH-RHB) to obtain a license.
Can I apply for a private loan even if I am eligible for FAFSA?
Technically, yes. Applying for a private loan is useful when you have qualified for grants and/or government-backed Financial Aid, but eligible funding may not have covered the entire tuition amount because of information you submitted regarding income and other factors. In this case, you can apply for a loan to cover the GAP between eligible FAFSA aid and the total cost of your program.
Can I apply for a private loan if I am not eligible to apply for FAFSA?
Yes. This would be a good scenario where a private loan can offer similar benefits of subsidized or unsubsidized loans to pay for tuition over an extended period of time if you qualify.
What are the differences between a private and government loan?
Generally, College Ave works similarly to a government loan. Since a private loan is based on the credit history of the applicant or a cosigner, eligibility amounts and interest rates will vary for each applicant. You can always find out the terms of a the loan before you accept any of their offers to help make an informative decision.
What are the requirements to apply for a private loan through College Ave®?
As the applicant, you will also need to be at least 18 years of age at the time of submitting an application. In Addition: - Your current or future physical address in the State of California. - Social Security or ITIN number. - Employer and income information (if employed).
Will I be able to apply if I have poor or no credit?
Yes. As you long as you meet the application requirements, you can apply. Though eligibility is based on credit rating, you can add a sponsor or a cosigner to your application to obtain more favorable loan terms.
Can I apply for a private loan as an international student?
Yes. However, private loan lenders may request to apply for additional funding with a cosigner or a sponsor. There are differences between the two and recomend meeting with the financial aid office to learn about all the options available for international students.
How can I apply for a private loan for my field of study?
If you are eligible to apply for FAFSA, we highly recommend you meet with our Financial Aid Office FIRST before submitting a private loan application. It is also important to know the amount of funding you will need to submit your request for funding. Step 1: Meet with the Financial Aid office to request an estimate of tuition and eligibility estimate Step 2: If private funding is needed, you may submit an application. See our Finance Office for assistance. If you need additional assistance with your application, please visit our campus office for more detailed information on your eligibility.
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Radiologic Technologist (AAS)