How to Become a CT Tech in California

Great Careers Start Here
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • This field is hidden when viewing the form

Before you can become a Computed Tomography (CT) Technician in California, you first need to be a licensed Radiologic Technologist. Then you can complete specialized CT training, gain clinical experience, and become certified through the American Registry of Radiologic technologists (ARRT). Whether you’re already a Rad Tech looking to advance your career or are just considering a healthcare path, check out the 7 steps you need to take to be a CT Tech in California and decide if it’s for you.

Step 1: Earn Your Associate Degree in Radiologic Technology

An AART-approved Radiologic Technology program helps you prepare for a career as a CT Technician. Your RT program teaches you fundamental skills in medical imaging. You learn about CT scanners, X-ray machines, and MRI scanners. More importantly, you hone the necessary techniques to capture quality images and learn to identify abnormalities and errors in those images. You also learn how to position patients properly and to maintain a clean and sterile environment for all patients. Toward the end of your program, you complete a clinical rotation that allows you to work in a local facility under the guidance of licensed Rad Techs. The curriculum should also prepare you to sit for the American Registry Radiology Technician (ARRT) Certification Exam.

Step 2: Pass the ARRT Exam

Before you can earn your California state license, you need to pass the ARRT exam. This test validates your knowledge of basic radiography practices including image production and procedures, safety, and patient care. You can find important documentation, including a handbook and sample questions, on the ARRT website. You register for the exam through Pearson VUE and schedule it for just before your graduation date. You need a score of at least 75 percent to pass the exam.

Step 3: Apply for a CA State License in Radiologic Technology

To apply for your license in California, you must submit an application, your ARRT test scores, and a $112 application fee. Your application can take up to 30 days to process.

Step 4: Get Classroom and Clinical Experience as a CT Tech

As a candidate for CT certification, you need to attend CT classes and document at least 125 computed tomography procedures. Fill out the PET/CT On-the-Job Training Form and complete the necessary forms to document, verify, and submit your procedures.

Step 5: Pursue a CT Certification

Just as you registered and studied for the ARRT exam, do the same for the CT certification. The test is also administered through ARRT and proctored by Pearson VUE. The CT test also asks questions about image quality, safety, and patient care, and requires a passing score of 75 or higher.

Step 6: Find a CT Tech Job in California

With experience as an RT and CT, you may land a job directly from one of your clinical rotations. But you can also look at medical facilities like Stanford Children’s Hospital, Lorna Linda University Health, or the Mark Twain Medical Center for a position as a CT Tech. Check online job boards for available positions and create a LinkedIn profile to search for jobs and connect with employers.

Step 7: Continue Your Education

To maintain your license, you need to complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years. This includes at least four hours of digital radiography. You can take these courses through local colleges or through ARRT.

Are you ready to become a CT Tech in California? You can earn both your Associate of Applied Science degree in Radiologic Technology and your Advanced Certification in Computed Tomography at Charter College. Our instructors have years of experience in the medical field and are dedicated to your success. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form for more info.