Tag Archives: How to Become a Radiology Technician Modesto CA 95350

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Modesto CA 95350

How to Pick an Xray Technician Program near Modesto California

Modesto CA x-ray tech internship programCongrats regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Modesto CA so you can become a radiologic technologist. And now that you have decided to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you undertake picking the ideal school and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified professional? And since most states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you may need training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you investigate each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. A number of students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and often settle on the lowest cost. But while location and cost should be considered, there are other significant qualifications also. For example, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are considering are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray tech does and the degrees and education options that are available.

X-Ray Tech Career Summary

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, they all have the identical major job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some opt to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They can practice in Modesto CA clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician might work with include:

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

Radiographers have to maintain their equipment and regularly evaluate its performance and safety. They are also expected to retain complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Modesto CA health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Tech Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Modesto CAThe basic requirement for attending an x-ray tech school is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, normally takes 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to complete and is more expansive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are acceptable also. One thing to keep in mind is that Modesto CA radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which many schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification mandates in California or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, based on the state where you will be employed you may need to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their criteria vary so check with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many accept additional alternatives for testing also. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. However, numerous Modesto CA employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it may increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technician Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Modesto 95350As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree schools. So although you can still earn your online degree, a substantial portion of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is often provided in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Modesto CA home. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically discover that the online style of education is much more practical with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently less costly than on-campus options. In addition to reduced tuition, costs for commuting and study materials can be reduced also. But just confirm that the online school you choose is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online school may be the best option for you.

Points to Ask Radiology Tech Colleges

Once you have selected the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of finding and evaluating Modesto CA x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to determine if you want to attend classes online or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be critical. The price of tuition and secondary expenses will be a determining variable as well. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you consider when comparing colleges? Well, you need to check out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are considering.

Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? Most xray tech colleges have earned some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still important to confirm that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous evaluation of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Modesto CA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level openings.

Are Internships Provided? Find out if the California xray tech schools you are assessing have associations with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great manner to receive hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can help graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Modesto CA health care community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the radiographer schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Modesto CA healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the school they decide on will have to be within driving distance of their Modesto CA home. Those who have chosen to attend classes online naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit way in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Modesto CA colleges you are considering what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program also.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the radiographer  school you finally select can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Modesto CA, verify that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Become an Xray Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to consider questions you could be asked. One of the questions that recruiters typically ask radiographer candidates is "What drove you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not just the private reasons you might have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what qualities and talents you possess that make you good at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, as well as a certain number of standard interview questions, so you should prepare some strategies about how you would like to answer them. Because there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the talents you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but write down some concepts and talking points that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Pick the Best X-Ray Technician Program near Modesto CA

Selecting the best radiology technician college is a crucial first step toward launching a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the greater part of the workday and position and at times lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best possible patient care. As has been covered in this report, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are considering prior to making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you participate in an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each program so you can narrow down your choices before making your final choice. And with the right education and your motivation to be successful, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Modesto CA.

Some Background on Modesto California

Modesto, California

Modesto /məˈdɛstoʊ/[12] (Spanish for "modest"),[13] officially the City of Modesto, is the county seat and largest city of Stanislaus County, California, United States. With a population of approximately 201,165 at the 2010 census, it is the 18th largest city in the state of California and forms part of the Modesto–Merced combined Statistical Area. The Modesto Census County Division, which includes the cities of Ceres and Riverbank, had a population of 312,842 as of 2010[update].[14]

Modesto is located in the Central Valley, 90 miles (140 km) north of Fresno, 40 miles (64 km) north of Merced, California, 92 miles (148 km) east of San Francisco, 68 miles (109 km) south of the state capital of Sacramento, 66 miles (106 km) west of Yosemite National Park, and 24 miles (39 km) south of Stockton. Modesto has been honored as a Tree City USA numerous times.[15] It is surrounded by rich farmland; Stanislaus County ranks sixth among California counties in farm production.[16] Led by milk, almonds, chickens, walnuts, and corn silage, the county grossed nearly $3.1 billion in agricultural production in 2011. The farm-to-table movement plays a central role in Modesto living as in the Central Valley.

Filmmaker George Lucas, who was born in Modesto, graduated from Thomas Downey High School in 1962 and attended Modesto Junior College, immortalized the city in his award-winning 1973 film American Graffiti. Although it was not actually shot in Modesto, the film portrayed the spirit of cruising and friendship on Modesto's 10th and 11th Streets in 1962, and inspired a revival of interest in 1950s pop culture, including the TV show Happy Days and its spin-offs.

The city's annual Architectural Festival honors Modesto's history as a testing ground for mid-century modern architecture during the 1940s and '50s. Modesto's mid-century buildings have been featured four times in Museum of Modern Art publications.

The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index for 2011, which interviews 1,000 participants about their jobs, finances, physical health, emotional state of mind and communities, ranked Modesto 126 out of the 190 cities surveyed.[17] In December 2009, Forbes ranked Modesto 48th out of 100 among "Best Bang-for-the-Buck Cities". In this ranking, Modesto ranked 8th in housing affordability and travel time but also ranked 86th in job forecast growth and 99th in foreclosures.[18]

 

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