Radiologic Technology Program FAQs

These FAQs are designed to provide a better understanding of SJ Delta College’s Radiologic Technology Program. They provide basic information, about the program prerequisites, application process, and other common questions. If you have any questions about the Radiologic Technology program that are not covered here or elsewhere on our website, please email healthscienceapps@deltacollege.edu.

What are the program prerequisites?
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • At least 18 years of age by August 1st of the year of application
  • A current, valid American Heart Association CPR card upon entry into the program
  • Completion of 8 prerequisite core classes:

All prerequisite courses must be completed at the time of application.

  • English Composition: ENG 1A, 2A, 1B, 1D
  • Human Anatomy: BIO 31 (at Delta College or equivalent)
  • Human Physiology: BIO 32 (at Delta College or equivalent)
  • Math: Stats 12, Stats 12EX, Stats 37, or Psych 2 (Math 92 G/S is also accepted)
  • Medical Terminology: HS 36 (at Delta College or equivalent)
  • Intro to Psychology: PSYCH 001 or Intro to Sociology: SOC 1A
  • Fundamentals of Computer Science: CS 11
  • The above must be completed prior to HS 85.
    • HS 85: This is a required course for the program.
  • Completion of one of the following two options:
    • Any Associate degree or higher, along with the 8 prerequisite core classes, or
    • Completion of all general education coursework that allows for concurrent graduation with a Certificate from the School and obtaining an Associate degree from Delta College. This general education coursework must include the seven prerequisite core classes.
      • At the time of this writing, Delta's Associate degree requirements include 4 additional courses: Public Speaking, Humanities, American Institutions, and a new Ethnic Studies course (ETHNS 33, 34, 35, or 36 from the 22-23 catalog).

Note: Please consult the Delta College catalog and/or meet with a counselor to ensure you meet the current degree requirements.

  • Each prerequisite course must be completed with a grade of "C" or better, and a cumulative GPA of 2.75 in the 7 prerequisite courses is required before taking HS 85.
  • All prerequisites completed at another college must be evaluated by Delta College through the Evaluations Department.
How often are students admitted to the program?

Students are admitted once per year. Please refer to the program's application process for further details.

When do classes begin?

Classes for the new cohort generally begin around mid-August. Class and clinical instruction run from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Currently, there are no night or weekend classes.

How many students are selected each year?

A maximum of 12 to 14 students are admitted to the program each year. 

How many students apply for admission to the program?

We accept a limited number of students into HS 85. A lottery is held for students who pass the course and are placed on a waitlist for admission in subsequent years.

How much does the program cost?
  • Course fees are based on resident and non-resident status, as set by the California Community College Enrollment Fee guidelines. Fees are payable upon enrollment at Delta College and are subject to change.
  • Current tuition: $46.00 per unit for California residents. Please refer to Delta’s catalog for non-resident fees.
  • The two-year program currently carries 83.5 semester units. Estimated costs include:
    • Tuition: $3,841 (resident), $27,054 (non-resident)
    • Application Fee: $100 (non-refundable)
    • Textbooks: $900
    • Uniforms: $300
    • Certifications/exams: $775
    • Miscellaneous costs: $250 (liability insurance, drug screen, background check)
    • Facility fee: $1,000 per year (due at the end of the 1st and 2nd years)
    • Graduation costs: $100 (pins, certificates, sashes)
    • Total Approximate Cost: $8,166

Additional costs may include background checks throughout the program to meet clinical rotation requirements. Fees are subject to change, so please check prior to the program's start date.

What is the current job market for graduates?

There is currently a strong demand for Radiologic Technologists, both locally and nationally.

What is the starting pay for a new graduate?

Starting pay for Radiologic Technologists in this area ranges from $38 to $48 per hour, depending on the employer, shift, and benefits offered.

Are program requirements the same each year?

Published program information, including entry requirements, is valid for the specific year only. Any changes will be noted on the website and in printed materials at least one year in advance.

Admission Criteria

HS 85 - Survey of Radiologic Technology:

  • In addition to the other 7 prerequisite courses, HS 85 is required. This course is offered periodically, generally during the Spring Semester (Jan – March), and is conducted at San Joaquin General Hospital, one night per week for six weeks.
  • Successful completion of this class is mandatory for eligibility to enter the Radiologic Technology program.

After passing HS 85, students will be placed in a lottery for acceptance into the program. The program accepts 12-14 students each year, and remaining applicants are placed on a waitlist. There may be a 2–3-year waitlist for admittance. Students may remove themselves from the waitlist at any time before enrollment.


Required Textbooks for Radiologic Technology Program

First Year Books

  1. Introduction to Radiologic and Imaging Sciences and Patient Care, 7th Edition
    Arlene M. Adler, Richard R. Carlton
    ISBN: 9780323566711 | List Price: $89.95
  2. Radiographic Imaging and Exposure, 6th Edition
    Terri L. Fauber
    ISBN: 9780323661393 | List Price: $86.99
  3. Radiologic Science for Technologists, 11th Edition
    Stewart C. Bushong
    ISBN: 9780323661348 | List Price: $140.99
  4. Bontrager's Textbook of Radiographic Positioning, 10th Edition
    John Lampignano, Leslie E. Kendrick
    ISBN: 9780323749565 | List Price: $217.00
  5. Workbook for Textbook of Radiographic Positioning, 11th Edition
    John Lampignano, Leslie E. Kendrick
    ISBN: 9780323936132 | List Price: $112.00

Second Year Books

  1. Sectional Anatomy for Imaging Professionals, 4th Edition
    Lorrie L. Kelley, Connie Petersen
    ISBN: 9780323414876 | List Price: $122.00
  2. Radiographic Pathology for Technologists, 7th Edition
    Nina Kowalczyk
    ISBN: 9780323416320 | List Price: $85.95
  3. LANGE Q&A Radiography Examination, 12th Edition
    D.A. Saia
    ISBN: 9781260460445 | List Price: $59.00
  4. Radiography PREP, 9th Edition
    D.A. Saia
    ISBN: 9781259863578 | List Price: $65.00