Exploring Top-Tier Radiology Programs in Mission Viejo, CA
Mission Viejo, located in sunny Orange County, California, is home to some of the most prestigious and cutting-edge radiology programs in the nation. These top-notch programs provide exceptional education and training to prepare students for rewarding careers in medical imaging and radiation therapy fields.
But with so many options, how do you identify the right program that best fits your needs? As an education reform expert focused on healthcare training, I‘ve compiled this definitive guide to the leading radiology programs available right in Mission Viejo.
In this extensive report, we‘ll explore the 12 best programs, examining the merits of each using key criteria:
- Length and format
- Specific curriculum details
- Hands-on training opportunities
- Faculty qualifications
- Career prospects for graduates
Additionally, we‘ll reference statistics from reputable industry sources to provide insights into job growth and earning potential. So whether you‘re looking to become an MRI tech, ultrasound technician, or radiologic technologist, read on to discover Mission Viejo‘s top radiology training programs fit for launching your career.
Overview: Radiology Jobs on the Rise Nationwide
First, let‘s examine the outlook for radiology careers in general…
According to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), radiologic technologists held about 294,000 jobs across the nation as of 2020. The ASRT projects a 7% growth for radiology tech jobs between 2020-2030, faster than the average across all occupations. Openings will arise from the demand to fill imaging services across healthcare settings to diagnose medical conditions.
In addition, the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook reports the median pay for radiologic technologists was $64,840 as of 2020. With above-average job growth and competitive salaries, radiology programs offer a promising career path worth exploring.
Now let‘s dive into Mission Viejo‘s exceptional radiology training options…
1. Saddleback College
Established over 40 years ago, Saddleback College is one of California‘s leading community colleges, offering associate degrees and occupational certificates across over 190 programs.
Saddleback‘s radiology technology programs focus on providing well-rounded education plus hands-on clinical experience. Students develop competencies in areas spanning:
- Radiation physics and radiobiology
- Radiographic procedures and positioning
- Digital imaging acquisition and display
- Patient care and management
- Radiation safety and protection
The Associate Degree in Radiologic Technology spans 6 quarters or 24 months. Students divide their time between science and general education courses on campus and clinical rotations at affiliated medical centers like Mission Hospital and Hoag Hospital Newport Beach.
Upon completion, takers pass the ARRT exam at a rate exceeding 90%. Graduates are well-prepared to secure entry-level radiographer roles in specialty areas like mammography, CT scanning, MRI exams across clinical settings.
With small class sizes and convenient day/evening schedules, Saddleback College is undoubtedly one of the top destinations for radiology training in Orange County.
2. Concorde Career College – Garden Grove
Part of the Concorde network comprising over 20 campuses in 6 states, Concorde’s Garden Grove campus has delivered exemplary training in the field of sonography for over 3 decades.
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography diploma program focuses on abdominal, obstetrics, gynecology, small parts, vascular, and breast ultrasound procedures. Students take courses exploring:
- Ultrasound physics and instrumentation
- Pathophysiology sonographic recognition
- Examination protocols and interpretation
- Integration of ultrasound with other imaging modalities
Concorde’s 18-month program format splits time equally between classroom sessions and practical labs/clinical rotations. Students receive abundant hands-on experience practicing scanning techniques on campus before assisting with real-life patients at clinical sites.
Upon completion, graduates have passed ARDMS credentialing exams at rates of 90% and higher, enabling them to embark on sonography careers across OB/GYN clinics, vascular labs, general imaging centers.
With flexible financing and an excellent track record, Concorde College prepares graduates thoroughly for embarking on rewarding sonography careers.
3. Stanbridge University – Irvine
Stanbridge University is a respected leader in allied health education, offering advanced radiology programs from their Irvine campus based right in the heart of Orange County.
Stanbridge provides radiology training across associate, bachelors, and master‘s levels. For entering the field, their Associate of Science in Radiography is an ideal choice.
This extensive 22-month full-time program covers topics spanning:
- Radiation physics, equipment, imaging procedures
- Radiographic pathology, patient care
- Advanced modalities like CT, MRI, mammography
- Over 1,000 hours of clinical rotations
Students receive abundant hands-on training across 5 clinical sites specializing in areas like general radiography, fluoroscopy, surgery, and mobile radiography.
Stanbridge also integrates excellent ARRT exam preparation to boost pass rates. Graduates enjoy strong employment rates thanks to the program’s career development resources.
With small class sizes and flexible online options, Stanbridge University is undoubtedly a leading radiology program in California.
4. American Career College – Anaheim
American Career College has been providing exceptional healthcare education for over 40 years across campuses in Los Angeles and Orange County.
Students in ACC’s Anaheim radiography associate degree program receive comprehensive training via:
- Extensive on-campus lab sessions
- Rotation across the college‘s Outpatient Imaging Center using live equipment
- Practical training across renowned clinical sites like UCI Medical Center and Miller Children’s Hospital
This intensive preparation produces graduates ready to deliver quality care working alongside doctors and treatment teams across healthcare settings.
ACC notes a proven track record of graduates passing industry certification exams, securing radiography employment, and advancing into specialty modalities like sonography, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy.
With flexible blended courses available, American Career College empowers adult learners to balance work, life, and studies on the journey towards new radiology careers.
5. West Coast Ultrasound Institute – Beverly Hills
West Coast Ultrasound Institute, accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, offers advanced sonography diploma programs across 5 California campuses.
WCU’s Beverly Hills location delivers an intensive 87-week Diagnostic Medical Sonography program exploring:
- Ultrasound physics
- Obstetric, gynecological, abdominal, small parts sonography
- Vascular technology
- Echocardiography
This Diploma program includes an impressive 1,960 hours of training – 640 hours of classroom instruction enhanced by 1,320 hours of clinical externships. Students receive extensive experience conducting complex scans across leading medical facilities under guidance by registered sonographers.
WCU notes that 100% of graduates find employment upon completion, thanks to the program’s excellent career preparation. Offering flexible self-paced online courses accommodating working professionals while delivering advanced sonography skills makes WCU‘s program a top choice among Mission Viejo learners looking to transition into this booming field.
6. Orange County Healthcare Academy
Conveniently located right in the heart of Mission Viejo, Orange County Healthcare Academy empowers local residents to access career training opportunities in their own community.
OCHA‘s medical radiography diploma program delivers broad-based training in areas including:
- Radiation physics, radiographic procedures
- Physiology, anatomy, pathology
- Medical terminology
- Digital imaging, equipment protocols
- Patient care, record management
Students undergo over 200 hours of hands-on labs gaining experience with X-ray equipment, in addition to clinical externships where they assist doctors and patients across real-world medical settings.
With clinical faculty holding 5+ years of field expertise, small class sizes, flexible self-paced online courses, and interest-free payment plans, OCHA removes barriers enabling adult learners to skill-up for emerging roles like radiologic technicians across Orange County‘s bustling healthcare sector.
7. Brightwood College – Vista
Brightwood College, with over 25 U.S. locations, has been providing career-focused diploma programs in fields like healthcare, trades, and technology for over 50 years.
Their Vista campus offers an intensive 64-week diploma program in radiography covering topics like:
- Radiation physics, radiographic procedures
- Anatomy, physiology and pathology
- Bone densitometry, mammography
- Trauma, mobile, surgical radiography
- CT scanning
Students undergo over 640 hours of clinical experience across facilities like Palomar Medical Center, Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas, and more.
With CAAHEP accreditation affirming program quality, graduates have achieved excellent ARRT pass rates. This thorough preparation combined with exciting career development services makes Brightwood‘s program a strong pathway into entry-level radiography roles across leading Southern California hospitals and clinics.
8. Lincoln College of Technology – Melrose Park
Lincoln College of Technology operates over 20 U.S. campuses providing specialized technical education for emerging healthcare roles.
Their West Los Angeles campus provides an Associate of Applied Science degree program in radiologic technology spanning 88 weeks or 22 months.
The extensive program covers topics including:
- Radiation physics
- Radiographic procedures and positioning
- Anatomy, physiology and pathology
- Image production and evaluation
- Specialized modalities
Students undergo over 1,500 hours of clinical rotations across renowned Southern California hospitals like Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center to refine their skills alongside seasoned imaging professionals.
Lincoln College uses smaller class sizes, career guidance services, and flexible online courses to facilitate adult learners transitioning into healthcare. Their radiologic technology program has achieved over 90% ARRT exam pass rates, enabling graduates to find work readily as radiologic technicians across California.
9. West Coast Ultrasound Institute – Ontario
West Coast Ultrasound Institute, with locations across California, holds prestigious accreditation from the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools and the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
WCU’s Ontario campus provides an intensive 12-month diploma program in Diagnostic Medical Sonography covering:
- Physics and instrumentation
- Vascular technology
- Musculoskeletal sonography
- OB/GYN, abdomen, breast procedures
This diploma program includes an impressive 2,000 hours of training – 760 hours of classroom labs enhanced by 1,240 clinical externship hours. Students receive extensive real-world experience across leading hospitals and clinics in Inland Empire cities like San Bernardino, Riverside, and more.
With a 100% job placement record over the past 5 years, WCU’s Ontario graduates readily find work across cardiology offices, radiology centers, OB/GYN clinics, and leading hospitals as entry-level sonographers.
10. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts – San Mateo
Gurnick Academy, with several California campuses, offers intensive allied health programs including a rigorous radiography associate degree from their San Mateo location.
This 21-month Associate of Occupational Science program covers topics like:
- Radiographic procedures
- Anatomy, physiology, pathology
- Radiation physics, radiobiology
- Patient care
- Medical imaging standards
Students undergo over 1,500 hours of clinical experience across renowned Bay Area hospitals like Sequoia Hospital, Mills Peninsula Medical Center, and more – gaining extensive real-world practice.
Gurnick Academy uses smaller class sizes, cutting-edge facilities, to facilitate deeper learning andabundant faculty mentoring. Backed by strong career support services, graduates report excellent ARRT exam pass rates, enabling them to readily secure radiography roles across clinical settings.
11. Charter College – Canyon Country
Charter College operates over 20 U.S. campuses delivering career-focused training, including radiography associate degrees from their Canyon County location.
This extensive 21-month full-time program explores topics spanning:
- Radiation physics
- Radiographic procedures
- Physiology, anatomy, pathology
- Patient care
- Advanced medical imaging
Students undergo over 1,500 hours of clinical rotations across leading Los Angeles hospitals and clinics like Henry Mayo Hospital and Facey Medical Group.
Charter College focuses on smaller class sizes and abundant faculty mentoring to facilitate greater understanding of course material. Graduates have achieved ARRT exam pass rates over 90%, enabling them to readily secure radiography positions.
12. West Coast University – Center for Graduate Studies
West Coast University, operating several Southern California campuses, provides career-focused health science programs including a Bachelor of Science in Imaging Sciences.
This extensive 21-month program explores topics like:
- Advanced imaging procedures and protocols
- Pathophysiology
- Radiation safety
- Healthcare systems
- Leadership, ethics
Students undergo over 1,000 hours of clinical rotations across major Orange County hospitals like Hoag Hospital and Children's Hospital of Orange County.
With smaller class sizes and extensive hands-on training opportunities, students gain greater mastery over required competencies and practical skills. This strong preparation shows in ARRT exam pass rates exceeding 92% over the past 3 years.
Backed by career guidance services, graduates readily find work across hospitals, cancer treatment centers, orthopedic clinics, and more as radiologic technologists.