Choosing a career in radiology technology is a rewarding path in healthcare, and American Career College (ACC) offers programs to help you achieve this goal. A crucial factor in making this decision is understanding the financial investment involved. This article breaks down the costs associated with the radiology program at American Career College, ensuring you have a clear picture of what to expect financially.
Application Fees for the Radiology Program
Like most colleges, American Career College has an application fee. It’s important to note that this fee is non-refundable. For diploma programs, with the exception of Vocational Nursing, the application fee is $20. While the text specifies fees for diploma and associate degree programs and Vocational Nursing, it’s best to confirm the exact application fee for the Radiology program directly with ACC, as program classifications and fees can sometimes vary. It’s always wise to check the most up-to-date information on their official website or by contacting their admissions department.
Program Fees: What They Cover
Beyond tuition, program fees at American Career College are designed to cover a range of essential resources and materials that support your learning experience. These fees can include items such as:
- Customized Uniforms: Many healthcare programs, including radiology tech programs, require specific uniforms for clinical and lab settings. Program fees may cover the cost of these uniforms.
- Classroom Consumables: This category includes materials used directly in your classes, such as lab supplies, and other necessary learning resources.
- Administrative and Technology Fees: These fees contribute to the overall administrative functions of the college and the technology infrastructure that supports student learning, such as online learning platforms and student portals.
- Campus Safety Resources: A portion of program fees is allocated to maintaining a safe campus environment. This includes security personnel, security systems like cameras and access control, and emergency broadcast systems.
For programs with clinical components, such as the radiology program, program fees may also encompass:
- Health and Background Screenings: Healthcare programs often require students to undergo health screenings and background checks to ensure patient safety and meet clinical site requirements.
- Test Preparation, Examinations, Licensure, and Certification: Depending on the specific radiology program and its curriculum, fees might cover resources for test preparation, examination costs, and potentially initial licensure or certification fees required to practice as a radiology technologist after graduation.
For precise details on what the program fees for the American Career College Radiology program specifically include, it is recommended to consult the program details directly on the ACC website or speak with a program advisor.
Books, Supplies, and Material Fees: Understanding Your Options
The cost of books and supplies is another factor to consider. American Career College includes the cost of books, a laptop computer, digital or electronic course materials, and other supplies within their overall program costs. This is designed to provide students with all necessary materials conveniently.
However, ACC also offers an opt-out option. Students have the right to purchase these materials from other sources if they prefer. ACC states that they can offer these materials, including digital resources, at competitive market rates. If you choose to opt out, you become responsible for obtaining all required course materials by the 7th day of class. It’s crucial to ensure you acquire the correct and required materials if you choose this option. In cases where course materials are exclusively available through the institution, opting out may not be possible. Again, clarify the specifics for the Radiology program with ACC.
Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) in California
If you are a student in California, it’s important to be aware of the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF). California established the STRF to protect students from economic loss in specific situations related to school closures or program discontinuation.
Who Pays STRF?
Generally, if you are a California resident enrolled in an educational program at a qualifying institution like American Career College and you prepay all or part of your tuition, you are obligated to pay a state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf. However, the rate can vary and it’s important to note the information provided states that effective April 1, 2024, the STRF rate is zero dollars ($0.00) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges. This means, as of that date, there is no additional STRF fee being collected. Always confirm the current STRF status and any applicable fees with the college and the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.
Who is Protected by STRF?
To be eligible for STRF protection, you must be a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, have prepaid tuition, and have paid (or be deemed to have paid) the STRF assessment (when applicable). Protection applies in cases of:
- School or program closure and not completing a teach-out plan.
- Enrollment within 120 days before closure.
- Enrollment more than 120 days before closure if the Bureau determines a significant decline in program quality occurred more than 120 days prior.
- Failure of the institution to pay a Bureau-ordered refund.
- Institutional failure to handle federal student loan proceeds correctly.
- Uncollected monetary awards from arbitration or court due to institutional violations.
- Legal counsel leading to student loan cancellation (with invoice and cancellation evidence).
Important STRF Details:
- Keep records of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, and any payment documentation.
- STRF applications must be received within four years of the event that makes you eligible.
- There are specific conditions and timelines for STRF eligibility, so review the details carefully.
- You need a Social Security number or Taxpayer Identification Number to receive any STRF claim payment.
For questions about STRF, you can contact the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education in Sacramento, CA.
Estimated Total Program Charges and Additional Costs
It’s crucial to understand that the estimated total charges for the entire radiology program at American Career College do not include transportation costs to and from externship or clinical sites. These transportation costs are the student’s responsibility and should be factored into your budget.
Course Credit Costs: Understanding Tuition Structure
While specific per-credit costs for Radiology program courses are not detailed in the provided text, it does give an example for Nursing programs. Nursing core courses are billed at a higher rate per credit than General Education and some science courses. For example, Nursing core courses (NURS) are mentioned at $1,128 per credit, while General Education and specific science courses like Anatomy (ANAT111), Physics (PHYS111), Microbiology (MICR112), and Pharmacology (PHARM113) are listed at $300 per credit.
While these specific rates may not apply directly to the Radiology program, it illustrates that tuition can vary depending on the type of course. To get precise tuition costs per credit for Radiology courses, directly contacting American Career College or checking their program-specific information is essential.
Conclusion: Getting a Clear Picture of Radiology Program Costs
Understanding the costs associated with the American Career College Radiology program is a vital step in your career planning. While this overview provides a breakdown of potential fees, including application, program, material, and STRF considerations, as well as factors like transportation and tuition structure, it is crucial to contact American Career College directly for the most accurate and up-to-date cost information specific to the Radiology program. Speak with their admissions or financial aid departments to get a personalized understanding of the investment required for your radiology technology education and to explore any available financial aid options.
