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Explore Different Duration Options Pre-Health Programs
The Pre-Health Programs, including the Health Science Associate of Science, Medical Radiography (Pre-Health) Pre-Professional Program, and Physical Therapy Assistant (Pre-Health) Pre-Professional Program, offer different duration options to provide students with a strong foundation for pursuing careers in healthcare. The Health Science A.S. program introduces students to core concepts in health and wellness, preparing them for further education or entry-level positions in the health field. The Medical Radiography Pre-Professional Program equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in diagnostic imaging. The Physical Therapy Assistant Pre-Professional Program focuses on the practical skills required to assist physical therapists in patient care. These programs offer a fast track to advancing in healthcare professions through both theoretical learning and hands-on experience.
Programs Offered
Medical Radiography (3 Quarters)
Associates Degree
Quick Facts
Level
Pre-Professional
Location
La Sierra Campus
Accreditation
WASC
- Curriculum Sheet
Description:
The Associate Degree in Health Sciences provides pre-health students with the opportunity to earn a degree that allows them to meet their prerequisite requirements for transfer to health professional programs at other institutions.
Medical Radiography (3 Quarters)
Pre-Professional Program
Quick Facts
Level
Pre-Professional
Location
La Sierra Campus
Accreditation
WASC
- Curriculum Sheet
Description:
Medical radiographers, or radiologic technologists, assist physicians in diagnosing fractures, tumors, and diseases using imaging technology. They operate x-ray equipment, position patients, and ensure high-quality images while following radiation safety protocols. Radiographers may assist with fluoroscopy, use mobile imaging in surgery or at the bedside, and assess patient history to adapt procedures. Certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and continuing education are required to maintain professional competency.
Physical Therapy Assistant
Pre-Professional Program
Quick Facts
Level
Pre-Professional
Location
La Sierra Campus
Accreditation
WASC
- Curriculum Sheet
Description:
The physical therapist assistant (PTA) is a licensed or certified healthcare professional who works under the supervision of a physical therapist to help implement treatment plans that improve patient mobility, relieve pain, and promote overall physical function. PTAs assist with therapeutic exercises, functional training, and other interventions, while also monitoring patient progress and reporting to the supervising therapist. The extent of their responsibilities may vary depending on state regulations, the policies of the healthcare facility, and the needs of individual patients. PTAs work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, and nursing homes.
Career Outlook
The medical radiographer, or radiologic technologist, assists the physician in the use of x-rays to examine the patient for broken bones, ulcers, tumors, and diseases of various organs. The technologist adjusts x-ray equipment to the correct setting for examinations, positions the patient, makes the required number of x-rays, and develops and files the finished work. The technologist aids the physician in administering chemical mixtures to the patient so that organs and tissues are clearly visible in x-ray examinations, and may also use mobile x-ray equipment at the bedside and in surgery.
Educational Qualifications
Job Outlook
Entering Salary
The median annual wage for magnetic resonance imaging technologists was $83,740 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $61,470, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $112,420.
The median annual wage for radiologic technologists and technicians was $73,410 in May 2023. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $50,020, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $102,380.
In May 2023, the median annual wages for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
- Outpatient care centers $125,470
- Hospitals; state, local, and private $84,440
- Medical and diagnostic laboratories $83,160
- Offices of physicians $81,760
The physical therapist assistant is a skilled technical health worker who, under supervision of a physical therapist, assists in the patients’ treatment program. The extent to which the physical therapist assistant is involved in treatment depends upon the policies of the health facility, the supervising therapist, and the patient.
Educational Qualifications
Job Outlook
Entering Salary
The median annual wage for physical therapist aides was $33,520 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $23,070, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $43,980.
The median annual wage for physical therapist assistants was $64,080 in May 2023. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $42,110, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $88,830.
In May 2023, the median annual wages for physical therapist aides in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
- Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities) $42,180
- Hospitals; state, local, and private $36,970
- Offices of physicians $36,210
- Government $31,700
- Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists $31,200
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