San Jacinto College

San Jacinto College offers a variety of medical imaging programs designed to prepare students for careers in radiography, diagnostic medical sonography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Located at the Central Campus in Pasadena, Texas, the college provides flexible and comprehensive training for students looking to enter or advance in the medical imaging field. With programs ranging from Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees to advanced technical certificates, San Jacinto College allows students to choose the path that aligns with their career goals.

Whether you’re just starting out or are an experienced technologist seeking advanced certification, San Jacinto’s programs offer a structured approach combining both academic coursework and hands-on clinical experience. The college emphasizes not just technical skills but also patient care, safety, and ethical decision-making—key components in medical imaging careers.

The Medical Radiography Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is a comprehensive two-year program that equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to become radiologic technologists. Radiologic technologists are responsible for using imaging equipment to perform diagnostic procedures, evaluate image quality, and ensure patient safety. This program emphasizes clinical competence, critical thinking, and communication, preparing students to work effectively in a variety of healthcare settings.

Students in the Medical Radiography AAS program will complete five terms of academic study and clinical rotations. Courses cover essential topics such as radiographic procedures, radiation protection, and anatomy and physiology. Clinical rotations provide real-world experience in hospitals and clinics, allowing students to apply their skills under the supervision of experienced technologists. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam, which is a key credential for securing employment in the field.

Graduates of the Medical Radiography program can expect strong job prospects, with positions available in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and diagnostic imaging centers. The earning potential is solid, with the median salary for radiologic technologists in the Gulf Coast region around $75,318 annually.

For those interested in ultrasound technology, the Diagnostic Medical Sonography (AAS) program offers an excellent pathway into the field. This two-year program prepares students to become Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, healthcare professionals who use ultrasound equipment to produce images of the body’s internal structures. Sonographers play a critical role in diagnosing medical conditions, often working closely with physicians to analyze images and provide critical information about patient health.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program focuses on imaging various parts of the body, including the abdomen, pelvis, and superficial structures, as well as providing specialized training in obstetric and gynecologic sonography. Students will also gain eligibility to take the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) exam, a highly recognized certification in the field.

This program includes a combination of lecture-based coursework and clinical rotations, giving students both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Employment opportunities for sonographers are expected to grow significantly, with a projected job growth of 28.5% by 2030. The median salary for diagnostic medical sonographers in the Gulf Coast region is $79,257 per year.

San Jacinto College’s Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) AAS degree is a 1.5-year program that prepares students for an entry-level career in MRI technology. MRI technologists use specialized imaging equipment to produce detailed images of the human body, helping physicians diagnose a variety of medical conditions. In this program, students learn the principles of MRI, patient care, safety protocols, and image evaluation.

The program includes clinical rotations at local healthcare facilities, where students gain hands-on experience operating MRI equipment and working with patients. Students also receive training in MRI safety, including how to prevent and manage potential risks associated with magnetic fields. Graduates are eligible to take the ARRT certification exam in MRI, a credential that is highly sought after by employers in hospitals and imaging centers.

With the demand for MRI technologists on the rise, graduates of this program can expect excellent job prospects. The median annual salary for MRI technologists in the Gulf Coast region is $81,151.

San Jacinto College also offers several advanced certification programs for those already working in medical imaging. These programs are designed to enhance a technologist’s skills in specialized areas such as Computed Tomography (CT) and Mammography. Both of these certifications can be completed in just a few months, allowing students to quickly advance their careers.

• Computed Tomography (CT), Advanced Technical Certificate: This four-month program is designed for radiologic technologists looking to specialize in CT imaging. Students will learn how to use advanced radiographic equipment to produce cross-sectional images of the human body, which are essential for diagnosing a wide range of conditions. The program combines online coursework with clinical rotations, providing both flexibility and practical experience. Graduates are eligible to take the ARRT advanced certification exam in CT.
• Mammography, Enhanced Skills Certificate: This four-month certificate prepares radiologic technologists to specialize in mammography, a key area of diagnostic imaging for breast cancer detection. The program includes hybrid coursework and hands-on clinical training, giving students the skills needed to perform mammograms and assist with breast tissue biopsies. Graduates are eligible to take the ARRT mammography certification exam.

These advanced certifications offer excellent earning potential and open up new career opportunities in specialized areas of medical imaging. For example, the median salary for CT technologists in the region is around $75,318 per year, while mammography technologists can expect similar salaries.

Admission to San Jacinto College’s medical imaging programs is competitive, especially for the AAS degrees in radiography, sonography, and MRI. Applicants must meet several prerequisites, including completion of courses in College Algebra, Anatomy & Physiology, and Introduction to Radiography (for the Medical Radiography program). Students must also pass the HESI A2 entrance exam, with a recommended minimum score of 70%.

Each program also requires students to submit health records, including proof of immunizations, CPR certification, and health insurance. Background checks and drug screenings are mandatory, as many clinical sites have specific requirements for student placements.