Tag Archives: Accredited Radiology Technician Schools Woodland Hills CA 91364

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Woodland Hills CA 91364

How to Choose an X-Ray Technician College near Woodland Hills California

Woodland Hills CA x-ray tech internship programCongratulations regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Woodland Hills CA in order to become a radiology technician. But now that you have chosen to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you go about picking the right college and program so that you will get the proper training to become a skilled professional? And because most states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you might need training to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the schools you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. A number of students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and often gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while location and cost should be taken into account, there are additional significant qualifications as well. For example, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are considering are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology tech does and the degrees and training options that are available.

X-Ray Tech Work Description

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, they all have the same principal job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some choose to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for instance mammography. They can practice in Woodland Hills CA clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech may work with include:

  • Traditional and specialized X-Rays
  • Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Sonography or ultrasound
  • Fluoroscopy

Radiographers must take care of their equipment and regularly analyze its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to keep complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Woodland Hills CA health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Tech Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Woodland Hills CAThe basic prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech college is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, normally takes 18 months to two years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to complete and is more extensive in nature. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be acceptable as well. One thing to keep in mind is that Woodland Hills CA radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may typically be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification requirements in California or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, based on the state where you will be practicing you may need to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their requirements vary so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but several offer additional options for testing as well. Several states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, many Woodland Hills CA employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technologist Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Woodland Hills 91364As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree programs. So even though you can still obtain your online degree, a considerable portion of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is usually carried out in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online section of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Woodland Hills CA home. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically find that the online approach to education is far more practical with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently cheaper than traditional options. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be decreased also. But just make sure that the online college you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online degree may be the right choice for you.

Questions to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs

After you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of looking for and assessing Woodland Hills CA x-ray tech schools. You will also need to decide if you want to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be important. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a determining factor also. But along with cost and location, what more should you factor in when evaluating schools? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? The majority of xray tech schools have obtained some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still important to verify that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed assessment of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Woodland Hills CA employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out if the California radiology technician colleges you are reviewing have partnerships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific way to obtain hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help graduates and students form professional relationships in the Woodland Hills CA healthcare community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the radiographer programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Woodland Hills CA healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the school they choose will have to be within driving distance of their Woodland Hills CA home. Individuals who have opted to attend online classes naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit way in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Woodland Hills CA colleges you are considering what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program as well.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the radiographer  program you ultimately choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Woodland Hills CA, make sure that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Be an Xray Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to consider questions you may be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers typically ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not only the personal reasons you may have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but also what characteristics and talents you possess that make you good at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, in addition to a significant number of routine interview questions, so you need to ready a number of strategies about how you would like to address them. Because there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the abilities you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but take down some ideas and topics that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Choose the Best X-Ray Technician Program near Woodland Hills CA

Selecting the ideal x-ray technician school is an important first step toward starting a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the majority of the day and position and at times lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and provide the best possible patient care. As we have discussed in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are considering before making your final selection. This is equally true whether you opt for an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each program so you can focus your options and make your decision. And with the proper training and your commitment to succeed, you can realize your goal to practice as a radiographer in Woodland Hills CA.

Some Background on Woodland Hills California

Woodland Hills, Los Angeles

Woodland Hills is a neighborhood bordering the Santa Monica Mountains in the San Fernando Valley region of the city of Los Angeles, California.

Woodland Hills is an affluent neighborhood in the southwestern region of the San Fernando Valley which is located east of Calabasas and west of Tarzana. On the north it is bordered by West Hills, Canoga Park, and Winnetka, and on the south by the Santa Monica mountains.[1]

Some neighborhoods are in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains. Running east–west through the community are U.S. Route 101 (Ventura Freeway) and Ventura Boulevard, whose western terminus is at Valley Circle Boulevard in Woodland Hills.

The area was inhabited for approximately 8,000 years by Native Americans of the Fernandeño-Tataviam and Chumash-Venturaño tribes that lived in the Santa Monica Mountains and Simi Hills and close to the Arroyo Calabasas (Calabasas Creek) tributary of the Los Angeles River in present-day Woodland Hills.[2][3] The first Europeans to enter the San Fernando Valley were the Portola Expedition in 1769, exploring 'Alta California' for Spanish missions and settlements locations. Seeing it from present-day Sepulveda Pass, the oak savanna inspired them to call the area El Valle de Santa Catalina de Bononia de Los Encinos (Valley of St. Catherine of Bononia of the Oaks).[4] The Mission San Fernando Rey de España (Mission San Fernando) was established in 1797 and controlled the Valley's land, including future Woodland Hills.[5]

Ownership of the southern half of the valley, south of present-day Roscoe Boulevard from Toluca Lake to Woodland Hills, by Americans began in the 1860s. First Isaac Lankershim (as the "San Fernando Farm Homestead Association") in 1869, then Isaac Lankershim's son, James Boon Lankershim, and Isaac Newton Van Nuys (as the "Los Angeles Farm & Milling Company") in 1873,[6] and finally in the "biggest land transaction ever recorded in Los Angeles County" a syndicate led by Harry Chandler of the Los Angeles Times with Hobart Johnstone Whitley, Gen. Moses Sherman and others (as the Los Angeles Suburban Homes Company) in 1910.[7]

 

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