Tag Archives: How to Become a Radiology Technician San Simeon CA 93452

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near San Simeon CA 93452

How to Pick an X-Ray Tech Program near San Simeon California

San Simeon CA x-ray tech internship programCongratulations regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near San Simeon CA in order to become a radiology technologist. And now that you have decided to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you go about selecting the right school and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And because the majority of states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you may need training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you investigate each of the schools you are looking at so that you can compare each program. A number of potential students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and usually settle on the lowest cost. But while location and cost should be taken into account, there are additional significant qualifications also. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are reviewing are provided later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and training choices that are offered.

X-Ray Tech Career Summary

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, each has the same principal job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some opt to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for example mammography. They can work in San Simeon CA hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may 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 take care of their equipment and also regularly assess its performance and safety. They are also required to keep in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As San Simeon CA medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degrees

x-ray machine in San Simeon CAThe basic prerequisite for attending a radiology tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the choice 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 as much as 4 years to complete and is more expansive in scope. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be appropriate as well. Something to keep in mind is that San Simeon CA radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may often be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which many schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing mandates in California or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might have to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites differ so check with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but many offer other alternatives for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. However, numerous San Simeon CA employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technologist Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in San Simeon 93452As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree colleges. So although you can still obtain your degree online, a considerable amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is often provided in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online segment of the training can be attended in the privacy of your San Simeon CA home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online approach to learning is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are frequently cheaper than conventional options. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be lessened also. But just be sure that the online college you select is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online school may be the best option for you.

Topics to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs

As soon as you have chosen the type of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of searching for and evaluating San Simeon CA x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be important. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a material factor also. But along with location and cost, what else should you consider when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to check out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these important details prior to making your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? Most radiology tech schools have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still important to verify that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous evaluation of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online 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 quality education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of San Simeon CA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level jobs.

Are Internships Offered? Inquire if the California radiology technician schools you are interested in have relationships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent manner to get hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist graduates and students establish professional relationships in the San Simeon CA healthcare community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the radiographer schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with San Simeon CA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For many students, the school they pick will have to be within driving distance of their San Simeon CA home. Those who have decided to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit far in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the San Simeon CA schools you are looking at 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 ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the x-ray tech  program you finally pick can offer 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 San Simeon CA, check that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Become a Radiology Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to consider questions you could be asked. One of the things that recruiters frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not only the private reasons you may have for being an Xray technician, but also what qualities and skills you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will likely be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, in addition to a significant number of general interview questions, so you should ready some strategies about how you would like to address them. Since there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but take down some ideas and topics that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can help you to develop your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.

Enroll in the Right X-Ray Tech College near San Simeon CA

Picking the best x-ray tech school is an important first step toward starting a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs frequently stand for the greater part of the day and position and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to 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 radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. As we have covered in this report, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are considering prior to making your final decision. This is equally true whether you opt for an online school or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each school so you can narrow down your choices before making your decision. And with the right education and your commitment to be successful, you can realize your goal to practice as a radiographer in San Simeon CA.

Some Background on San Simeon California

San Simeon, California

San Simeon (ZIP Code: 93452; area code 805) is a town and census-designated place[2] on the Pacific coast of San Luis Obispo County, California. Its position along State Route 1 is approximately halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, each of those cities being roughly 230 miles (370 km) away. A key feature of the area is Hearst Castle, a hilltop mansion built by William Randolph Hearst in the early 20th century that is now a tourist attraction. The area is also home to a large northern elephant seal rookery, known as the Piedras Blancas rookery. It is located seven miles north of San Simeon on Highway 1.

Prehistorically the local area was inhabited by the Chumash people, who settled the coastal San Luis Obispo area approximately 10,000 to 11,000 BC, including a large village south of San Simeon at Morro Creek.[3]

The first European land exploration of Alta California, the Spanish Portolà expedition, traveled northwest along the coast in September, 1769. On September 11–12, the party passed the future location of San Simeon. At Ragged Point, about 15 miles past San Simeon, the party turned inland across the Santa Lucia Range.[4]

San Simeon was founded as an asistencia ("sub-mission") to Mission San Miguel Arcángel[citation needed], founded in 1797 and located to the east across the Santa Lucia Range. San Simeon was named for Rancho San Simeon, although the town-site is actually north of that rancho, on the former Rancho Piedra Blanca, a Mexican land grant given in 1840 to José de Jesús Pico. In 1865, Pico sold part of the rancho to George Hearst, the father of William Randolph Hearst.

The first Europeans to settle in the immediate area near the bay of San Simeon were Portuguese shore whalers under the command of Captain Joseph Clark (born Machado) from the Cape Verde Islands, around 1864.[5] In 1869, Captain Clark built a wharf near the point for his whaling station. A small community grew near the 1869 wharf, but the waves near the wharf were too high, and the wharf was abandoned. In 1878, Hearst built a new wharf, and the small community moved near the new wharf. A general store (later Sebastian's Store) was built near the Clark wharf, and then relocated near the 1878 wharf.[6] Shore whaling continued on the point until the mid-1890s. It ceased for a short time, started up again in 1897, and continued to about 1908 when it ceased for good.[7]

 

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