How to Select a Radiologic Technician School near Artesia California
Best wishes on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Artesia CA so you can train to be a radiologic technician. And now that you have chosen to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you undertake picking the ideal college and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And since the majority of states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you may require preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you research each of the schools you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. Many potential students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and usually gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location must be taken into consideration, there are additional critical qualifications as well. For example, you need to ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are evaluating are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray tech does and the degrees and training choices that are offered.
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Radiology Technician Work Summary
There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have the same primary job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some choose to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They may work in Artesia CA hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may utilize 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 and also routinely assess its functionality and safety. They are also expected to retain detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Artesia CA health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
X-Ray Technician Degrees
The primary prerequisite for attending a radiology tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, generally requires 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to complete and is more extensive in scope. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be appropriate also. One thing to bear in mind is that Artesia CA radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may typically be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification mandates in California or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing
After you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, depending on the state where you will be working you may need to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites vary so contact your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but a number approve other alternatives for testing as well. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. However, numerous Artesia CA employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it may enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Technologist Classes
As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree colleges. So while you can still earn 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 often conducted in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Artesia CA residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree often discover that the online style of learning is much more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are frequently more affordable than conventional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials can be decreased as well. But just make certain that the online school you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online school may be the best choice for you.
Questions to Ask Radiographer Schools
As soon as you have decided on the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can start the process of finding and evaluating Artesia CA x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to decide if you want to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a determining variable as well. But along with location and cost, what more should you factor in when comparing schools? Well, you need to check out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these important details prior to making your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are looking at.
Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? Most xray technician colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still imperative to make sure 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). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive examination of their teachers and course materials. If the college is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Artesia CA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level openings.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Inquire if the California xray tech schools you are assessing have partnerships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent means to obtain hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are also a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help graduates and students form professional connections in the Artesia CA medical community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Artesia CA healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the college they select will need to be within driving distance of their Artesia CA home. Individuals who have chosen to attend online classes obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. One thing to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit way in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Artesia CA colleges you are looking at what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with a few of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program also.
Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the radiographer school you ultimately pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Artesia CA, make certain that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Why Did You Choose to Become an Xray Technician?
When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you could be asked. Among the questions that interviewers typically ask radiographer prospects is "What drove you to select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not merely the private reasons you may have for becoming a radiology technician, but also what attributes and skills you possess that make you good at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, as well as a certain number of general interview questions, so you need to organize a number of ideas about how you would like to address them. Given that there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the strengths you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the best choice for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but take down some concepts and talking points that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can help you to prepare your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.Select the Right X-Ray Tech College near Artesia CA
Selecting the appropriate radiology technician school is an important first step toward starting a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs regularly stand for the majority of the workday and position and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to observe 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 doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and furnish the best available care to patients. As we have discussed in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each college you are looking at before making your ultimate selection. This is just as true whether you enroll in an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each program so you can focus your options before making your decision. And with the right education and your commitment to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Artesia CA.
Some Background on Artesia California
Artesia, California
Artesia is a city in southeast Los Angeles County, California. Artesia was incorporated on May 29, 1959 and is one of Los Angeles County's Gateway Cities. The city has a 2010 census population of 16,522. Artesia is surrounded on the west, south, and east sides by Cerritos, with Norwalk to the north. Artesia is the home of the East West Ice Palace, an ice rink which is co-owned by Michelle Kwan. It was also the childhood home of former First Lady Pat Nixon, who lived there from 1914 to 1931, though the property on which she grew up is now part of neighboring Cerritos.
The village of Artesia was established upon the completion of the Artesia School District on May 3, 1875. It was named for the many flowing artesian wells in the area, which made the village ideal for farming and agriculture.
In the 1920s and 1930s, Dutch and Portuguese farmers developed Artesia into one of the most important dairy districts in Southern California. After World War II, as with many other cities in the region, Artesia was pressured by developers to build residential tracts. The city of Dairy Valley was incorporated in 1956, and later became the city of Cerritos. As the demand for housing continued, dairymen moved their operations further east into Chino and north into the Central Valley. Artesia finally incorporated on May 29, 1959.
Before Artesia was incorporated, some rural areas, like Hawaiian Gardens, were considered part of Artesia for mapping and postage purposes.
In 1993, the Artesia Historical Society was formed, with the mission of preserving and protecting the archives and historic sites of the city. In 2002, the Historical Society salvaged and restored one of the last remaining Spanish-styled homes in the city into a historical civic museum open to the public.[6]
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