Radiography Prerequisites

How do I become a Radiographer?

Note: The radiography program prerequisites have now been updated for those planning to apply for the 2026 program.  Please see the new information below.  Thank you.

Requirements for the program are as follows:

  1. Minimum Associate level degree (any major).  
     
  2. Courses: Courses may not be older than seven years, with the exception of the math requirement, which can be older.  Course can be from any college or university.  A minimum of C grade or higher is required in all prerequisite courses listed:
    • Human Anatomy + Lab
    • Human Physiology lecture (Lab optional)
    • General Physics
    • Medical Terminology
    • Math (minimum Intermediate Algebra, or higher)

      Course Articulation:  If you are interested to find out which courses and course numbers satisfy the prerequisites for your program, please review our updated course articulation document which contains this information from most of the universities and colleges in Utah.  Please note that this list contains our preferred courses for the prerequisites, but there may be others that would be acceptable.  If you do not see your course listed here and you are curious if would satisfy the requirement, please contact the program administrator, Otto Casal by email.
    • COURSE ARTICULATION DOCUMENT
  3. Observation experience:
    • A requirement for radiography applicants will be 12 hours (minimum) of observational experience in a general radiology department. University of Utah Hospital will provide 4 hours of this time (see below for observation application) but the candidate will need to identify an additional 8-hours of time from additional hospital or clinic radiology departments.
    • To request observation with U Health, please visit: Observation Application.
    • Out of state candidates please inquire with the program administrator for additional options in your home location.
    • *The observation experience is meant to provide practical experience in a clinical radiology department, so that the candidate may learn what some general expectations and responsibilities of a radiology tech will be.  Gaining varied experiences will help to increase this knowledge, as each clinical site will operate differently and perform different exams.
       
  4. Patient Care experience (80 hours minimum)
    • Patient care experience can be from previous healthcare work.
    • This can be from either volunteer work or current/previous work in a healthcare/clinical setting
    • It should be direct patient care, where you were involved working with patients directly and other healthcare staff.  Examples    include, but are not limited to: CNA, MA, Phlebotomy, Public/Social/Community health settings.
    • If looking for volunteer work, you should contact hospitals, clinics and/or free clinics in your area to find opportunities that may work.