How LPREP Works & the CPMA Pathway Overview
Step 1: The Podiatrist Applies to RHB
Before training begins, the licensed podiatrist must apply to the Radiologic Health Branch for approval to operate an LPREP. The podiatrist should review the applicable California regulations, including 17 CCR § 30400, 17 CCR § 30427, 17 CCR § 30427.2, 17 CCR § 30437, 17 CCR § 30447.
Training and Course Access may not begin until written LPREP approval has been received from RHB.
Visit the
CDPH-RHB LPREP website for more information.
Step 2: The Student Completes the Didactic Education under the Supervision of the RHB-approved PodiatristOnce the LPREP authorization period has begun, the approved LPREP may use CPMA’s online didactic course to provide the required didactic education.
The LPREP educational program requires a minimum of 60 hours of education. Required subject areas include:
• Radiation protection and safety
• Principles of radiographic exposure
• Radiographic equipment
• Image production and processing
• Digital radiography
• Quality assurance and quality control
• Anatomy and physiology
• Podiatric radiographic positioning
• Patient care and communication
• Applicable laws, regulations, and professional responsibilities
The authorized podiatrist remains responsible for ensuring that the student completes the entire required course during the approved LPREP authorization period.
CPMA’s course and resources provide the online educational component of the LPREP. Course access does not constitute approval to begin an LPREP and does not replace the required clinical education, competency determinations, program records, state examinations, or permit application.
Step 3: Complete Supervised Clinical Training
In addition to the didactic education, the student must complete the required clinical training under the oversight of the authorized podiatrist.
The student must perform at least 50 qualifying X-ray procedures as part of the educational program.
The authorized podiatrist must provide the level of oversight required by California regulations. Before competency is established, procedures must be performed under direct oversight.
For a clinical procedure to count toward the required qualifying procedures, it must be performed after the student has been determined competent for that procedure and while working under indirect oversight, as those terms are defined in 17 CCR § 30400.
Procedures performed only under direct oversight do not count toward the required clinical procedure total.
The authorized podiatrist is responsible for documenting competency determinations and ensuring that all procedures are completed during the approved LPREP authorization period.
Step 4: Document Program Completion
After the student successfully completes all required didactic and clinical education, the authorized podiatrist must issue the student a completion document containing the information required by RHB.
The LPREP must maintain required records, including student attendance, didactic course completion, competency determinations, clinical procedure documentation, copies of completion documents issued, other records required by RHB or California regulations.
Required records must generally be retained for at least five years and made available to RHB upon request or inspection.
CPMA provides documentation confirming completion of its online didactic course. This documentation alone does not establish completion of the entire LPREP.
Step 5: Apply for the State Permit and Examinations
After successfully completing the entire LPREP, the student may apply to RHB for a Limited Podiatric Radiography Permit.
The applicant must submit the required state application, fees, supporting documentation, and LPREP completion information directly to RHB.
The applicant must also pass the required examinations in:
• Radiation protection and safety
• Podiatric radiologic technology
The Limited Podiatric Radiography Permit is issued by the California Department of Public Health—not by CPMA or the supervising podiatrist.