Lone Star College

Lone Star College offers a solid path for those looking to become a radiologic technologist through its two-year Medical Radiologic Technology AAS Degree. The program is available at two locations: LSC-CyFair and LSC-Montgomery. Students can expect a blend of classroom education, hands-on lab experience, and supervised clinical work at local hospitals and outpatient centers. With 63 credit hours across six semesters, including two summer terms, this program offers an in-depth focus on radiographic skills development and patient care.

The program equips students with the skills to perform radiographic procedures, assist radiologists, and ensure quality imaging. Additionally, graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), a key credential for employment in the field. The curriculum balances general education and technical training, offering students the opportunity to develop core competencies in imaging and patient care.

Lone Star College provides several program options in medical imaging, including Advanced Technical Certificates in Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), which can be pursued after completing the AAS degree. The AAS degree serves as a foundation, while the CT and MRI certificates are designed to provide specialized training in those fields.

The Medical Radiologic Technology AAS Degree is intended for entry-level technologists. Students will study a variety of courses such as Anatomy and Physiology, Principles of Radiographic Imaging, Radiographic Pathology, and Clinical Radiologic Technology. Throughout the program, students will be required to demonstrate competency in both the classroom and clinical environments, ensuring they are fully prepared for the workforce.

State-of-the-art labs and imaging equipment offer students the chance to practice their skills in a safe environment before transitioning to real-world clinical settings. Clinical rotations are a significant part of the curriculum, allowing students to work directly with patients and healthcare professionals in hospitals and outpatient clinics. This real-world experience is critical for gaining confidence and refining the skills needed to succeed in the field.

Graduates of the program are well-prepared for entry-level roles as radiologic technologists. Potential career titles include Radiologic Technologist, X-ray Technologist, or Radiographer, with employment opportunities in hospitals, medical centers, specialty clinics, and more. According to salary data, entry-level radiologic technologists can expect to earn around $44,756, while senior-level technologists may earn up to $96,916 annually.

To be eligible for admission, applicants must meet the following prerequisites:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• College-level competency in math, English, and writing
• Completion of required courses such as Anatomy and Physiology
• Attend a mandatory program information session
• Be able to meet physical demands, such as lifting and moving equipment

Lone Star College has a competitive admission process for the radiologic technology program. Applications are accepted at LSC-CyFair for a fall semester start and at LSC-Montgomery for a January start. During the admissions process, prospective students must submit transcripts, attend information sessions, and meet the required prerequisites. Given the hands-on nature of the program, applicants must be prepared to meet physical demands and demonstrate a strong commitment to the rigorous academic and clinical training.

Upon completion of the AAS degree, students can pursue advanced technical certificates in Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). These certificates offer further specialization and opportunities for career advancement in radiology. The CT certificate is a four-month program designed for graduates of radiologic technology programs, while the MRI certificate takes one year to complete and prepares technologists to work with MRI equipment.