DXA (Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is the gold standard tool for assessing bone density and body composition, and is widely used in both clinical and research environments.  Specifically, DXA is used clinically to diagnose osteoporosis and track a patient’s response to various pharmacological and behavioral interventions. DXA is also being increasingly used in the research setting, and the new school will have a particular emphasis on how DXA can be leveraged to promote public health.

Opportunities for employment as a certified DXA technician abound as DXA is becoming more widely recognized for use outside traditional clinical environments.  Our graduates work throughout California at major universities, health systems like Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health, as well as health and fitness settings such as BodySpec and DexaFit.  

UC San Diego’s School of Bone Densitometry (“UCSD DXA School”) holds monthly classes over a long weekend (Friday through Sunday).  Classes are a blend of traditional didactic “in-person” instruction, interactive online learning, and direct experiential training.  Over the course of the long weekend, students receive all of the training necessary to sit for (and pass) the California state exam.