Tag Archives: How to Become an X Ray Technician Millbrae CA 94030

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Millbrae CA 94030

How to Choose an Xray Tech Degree Program near Millbrae California

Millbrae CA x-ray tech internship programCongratulations on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Millbrae CA so you can train to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have chosen to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle selecting the right school and program to ensure that you will receive the proper training to become a skilled professional? And considering that most states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you may require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the colleges you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. Most prospective students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and frequently settle on the most affordable cost. But while expense and location should be taken into account, there are other critical qualifiers also. For instance, you should ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are evaluating are provided later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and training options that are offered.

X-Ray Tech Job 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, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, they all have the identical fundamental job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some choose to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They can practice in Millbrae CA hospitals, clinics, 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 care for their equipment plus regularly analyze its performance and safety. They are also expected to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Millbrae CA medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Tech Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Millbrae CAThe standard requirement for attending an x-ray tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, usually takes 18 months to two years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to finish and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are appropriate also. Something to keep in mind is that Millbrae CA radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can typically be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing requirements in California or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an Radiologist college, based on the state where you will be employed you may have to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many approve additional options for testing also. A number of states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Millbrae CA employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technician Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Millbrae 94030As a part 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 colleges. So although you can still earn your degree online, a large amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is usually performed in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online portion of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Millbrae CA residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree typically discover that the online approach to learning is far more practical with their active schedules. Plus online schools are generally more affordable than traditional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be lessened also. But just make certain that the online program you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online degree may be the best option for you.

Questions to Ask Radiographer Programs

After you have chosen the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of looking for and evaluating Millbrae CA x-ray technician schools. You will also have to decide if you want to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the college will be critical. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a material variable also. But along with location and cost, what else should you factor in when reviewing colleges? Well, you need to ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details before you make your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are reviewing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? Most xray tech schools have earned some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. 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 receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed review of their teachers and course materials. If the college is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Millbrae CA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level jobs.

Are Internships Provided? Find out if the California xray tech colleges you are interested in have relationships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent manner to obtain practical experience in a clinical environment, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can help graduates and students develop professional connections in the Millbrae CA healthcare community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the radiographer programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Millbrae CA healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the school they select will need to be within driving distance of their Millbrae CA residence. Those who have opted to attend online classes naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. One thing to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit way in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Millbrae CA schools you are looking at what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the radiographer  school you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Millbrae CA, verify that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Be an Xray Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you may be asked. One of the things that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What made you choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not just the personal reasons you might have for being an Xray technician, but also what characteristics and talents you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, as well as a significant number of routine interview questions, so you need to ready some ideas about how you want to respond to them. Considering there are numerous factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the abilities you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but write down some ideas and topics that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can help you to develop your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Select the Right Radiology Tech Program near Millbrae CA

Selecting the ideal x-ray technician college is an important first step toward starting a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs regularly stand for the greater part of the day and move and in some cases lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. As we have addressed in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are reviewing before making your ultimate selection. This is similarly true whether you opt for an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each school so you can focus your options and make your final choice. And with the proper training and your commitment to be successful, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiology tech in Millbrae CA.

Some Background on Millbrae California

Millbrae, California

Millbrae is a city in San Mateo County, California, United States, just west of San Francisco Bay, with San Bruno on the north and Burlingame on the south. The population was 21,536 at the 2010 census.

Darius Ogden Mills purchased land in the 1860s from the Sanchez family to build a country estate. The former Mills estate was bordered by what is now Skyline Boulevard, Bayshore Highway U.S. Route 101, Millbrae Avenue and Trousdale Drive. The estate became known as "Millbrae" from "Mills" and the Scottish word "brae," which means "rolling hills" or "hill slope." Children swam in three lakes situated on the estate and sold acacias to tourists before the Mills family began to sell the land for development. The estate's spectacular mansion burned down during a realistic "fire drill" in 1954.

Millbrae used a private patrol financed by fees from merchants and residents until 1941, when the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors created the Millbrae Police District. Records of the Internal Revenue Service document the licensing of several Millbrae bars for gambling; only after incorporation were gambling laws enforced in Millbrae and not until the 1950s was gambling defeated. In 1931, citizens organized a volunteer fire department, which remained entirely volunteer until 1938. The police and fire departments were housed together for several years at Hillcrest Boulevard and El Camino Real before the vital services moved to their permanent location in Millbrae's civic center, a few blocks west of El Camino.

For many Millbrae residents, the original Sixteen Mile House was a direct link to Millbrae's early days. The rest stop was built in 1872 by members of the Sanchez family, the original landholders of the Rancho Buri Buri, which at one time comprised parts of present-day Millbrae and Burlingame. The building faced demolition but was moved to its current location on Broadway and serves today as a tavern and restaurant.

Spurred largely by the desire to secure the Mills' estate for residential use and by the efforts of Millbrae's weekly newspaper, the Millbrae Sun, residents heatedly discussed incorporation for over a decade before voting to incorporate. Finally, on January 14, 1948, residents of Millbrae traveled to Sacramento to present their new city's charter. W.F. Leutenegger was elected mayor to represent Millbrae's nearly 8,000 residents. That year, Green Hills Elementary School opened as Millbrae's first new school in over 25 years, in anticipation of the educational needs of the post-war "baby boom" children. The new city's chief industries were agriculture, floriculture, dairy, and porcelain manufacturing. Many families that built the new city have never left.

 

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