Phlebotomy, ECG, and imaging.
A 12-month multi-disciplinary diagnostic credential. Blood draws, ECGs, and imaging foundations — the technical skills that hospitals, urgent care, and outpatient diagnostic centers hire most aggressively.
The Diagnostic Technician fit.
If any of these describe you, this program likely matches your goals and timeline.
Hospital diagnostic-track students
Hospitals hire multi-skilled techs at a premium. Phlebotomy + ECG + imaging is a rare and valuable combo.
Imaging-curious students
Use this as a foundation before pursuing radiologic technologist (RT), MRI, or sonography programs.
Lab and outpatient career seekers
Outpatient labs, urgent care, and diagnostic centers hire diagnostic techs with broad skill sets.
Pre-PA / pre-med
Patient-care hours, technical skill development, and salary support during application cycles.
7 modules. 392 hours.
48 weeks online + 200hr clinical externship. Asynchronous online with weekly live office hours.
Anatomy & Physiology
Detailed body systems coverage with diagnostic relevance.
Imaging Foundations
X-ray theory, radiation physics, and the imaging suite workflow.
Phlebotomy & Lab
Venipuncture technique, specimen handling, lab workflow, and pre-analytical phase quality.
ECG & Cardiac Diagnostics
12-lead ECG technique, arrhythmia recognition, and Holter monitor placement.
Patient Positioning
Imaging positioning protocols, contrast preparation, and patient comfort/safety.
Radiation Safety
ALARA principles, dosimetry, regulatory framework (NRC, state agencies), and time/distance/shielding.
Imaging Externship
200 hours in a partner hospital diagnostic department, urgent care, or outpatient lab.
Practical, employer-ready competencies.
Every skill below is taught explicitly, practiced in coursework, and validated during the externship.
Where graduates work.
Salary ranges reflect U.S. national averages. Local Texas market and metro Dallas pay tend higher in most categories. ASCP phlebotomy + AMCA ECG + NHA CCMA exam prep.
Phlebotomist
ECG/EKG Tech
Imaging Aide
Lab Tech I
Tuition: $14,400 total · $599/mo payment plan
0% in-house payment plans, scholarships, employer reimbursement, and military/veteran benefits available. 87% of HCI students qualify for some form of aid. Federal Title IV pending ABHES accreditation.
Diagnostic Technician questions.
Which certifications can I sit?
ASCP-BOC phlebotomy (PBT), AMCA ECG/EKG, and NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) are all aligned with our curriculum. Most graduates pursue 2–3 of these in their first year.
Is this the same as a Radiologic Technologist?
No. Radiologic Technologist (RT) is a 2-year associate degree with full diagnostic imaging scope. Diagnostic Tech is a broader multi-skill credential — a feeder track for RT and a destination role for outpatient/lab work.
Can I work in a hospital?
Yes. Hospitals hire phlebotomists, ECG techs, and patient care techs with diagnostic backgrounds. The multi-skill credential makes you flexible across departments.
Where will my externship be?
Hospital diagnostic departments, outpatient lab networks (Quest, LabCorp affiliates), urgent care chains, or cardiology practices — whichever fits your career goals.
Start the Diagnostic Technician program.
Open enrollment year-round. Cohorts start every 4 weeks. Application takes about 5 minutes and is free.