Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Atwater CA 95301

How to Choose a Radiologic Technician School near Atwater California

Atwater CA x-ray tech internship programCongratulations regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Atwater CA in order to learn to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have decided to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you tackle picking the ideal school and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And since the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you may require training 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 colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and frequently gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location should be taken into consideration, there are other important qualifications as well. For example, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the schools you are considering are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray technician does and the degrees and education choices that are available.

Radiology Tech Job Summary

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, each has the same major job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They may practice in Atwater CA hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech may utilize 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 also frequently assess its performance and safety. They are additionally required to retain detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Atwater CA medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degrees

x-ray machine in Atwater CAThe primary requirement for attending an x-ray tech program is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, normally takes 18 months to two years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to complete and is more expansive in nature. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be acceptable also. One thing to bear in mind is that Atwater CA radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can frequently be fulfilled by taking part in an externship program which many colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing mandates in California or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, based on the state where you will be employed you may need to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their requirements vary so contact your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but several accept other options for testing as well. Some states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. However, numerous Atwater CA employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technician Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Atwater 95301As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree schools. So although you can still earn your degree online, a considerable amount of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is typically carried out in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online section of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Atwater CA residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree often discover that the online style of learning is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are generally less expensive than conventional alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be reduced as well. But just make sure that the online program you select is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then online classes may be the ideal choice for you.

Questions to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges

As soon as you have chosen the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of locating and assessing Atwater CA x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or travel to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the college will be important. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a material variable also. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you factor in when comparing schools? Well, you need to find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these important details prior to making your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Technician Schools Accredited? A large number of xray tech colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still imperative to make sure that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly respected 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 an extensive assessment of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Atwater CA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level openings.

Are Internships Provided? Ask if the California xray technician schools you are interested in have relationships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to receive practical training in a clinical environment, they are also a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help students and graduates establish professional connections in the Atwater CA healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the radiographer schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Atwater CA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the school they decide on will have to be within commuting distance of their Atwater CA home. Individuals who have decided to attend online classes obviously will not have to concern 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 choose to enroll in a college 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 normally charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that prefers to sit way in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Atwater CA colleges you are reviewing what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program also.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the x-ray tech  program you finally choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Atwater CA, make certain that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Desire to Become an Xray Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's advantageous to review questions you could be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not merely the personal reasons you may have for being an X-Ray tech, but additionally what characteristics and skills you have that make you good at your profession. You will likely be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, as well as a certain number of general interview questions, so you need to ready some ideas about how you want to answer them. Given that there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the strengths you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the best choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but write down several ideas and topics that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Enroll in the Best X-Ray Tech School near Atwater CA

Choosing the appropriate radiology tech degree program is an important first step toward initiating a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs often stand for the greater part of the working day and move and at times lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. As has been discussed in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online school or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each school so you can focus your options before making your decision. And with the appropriate education and your motivation to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Atwater CA.

Some Background on Atwater California

Atwater Village, Los Angeles

Atwater Village is a highly diverse neighborhood in the 13th district of Los Angeles, California. Much of Atwater Village lies in the fertile Los Angeles River flood plain. Located in the northeast region of the city, Atwater borders Griffith Park and Silver Lake to the west, Glendale to the north and east, and Glassell Park to the south. The area has three elementary schools—two public and one private. Almost half the residents were born abroad, a high percentage for the city of Los Angeles.

Much of Northeastern Los Angeles was part of Rancho San Rafael, until 1868, when parts of it were purchased by W.C.B. Richardson, who renamed it Rancho Santa Eulalia. The entire region was subdivided and sold to home builders in 1902, with the Atwater Village portion being named as such due to its proximity to the Los Angeles River. The area was initially named "Atwater," while the "Village" was added in 1986.[1]

Initial residents included the newly created middle-class workers employed at the nearby DWP substation. The location between the Los Angeles and Glendale city cores made it a highly sought after residential neighborhood beginning in the 1920s. The majority of homes and structures in Atwater Village have never been demolished (although many have changed in use or have been renovated), resulting in the neighborhood having one of the highest number of structures built before 1939 in Los Angeles County.[2]

Today, the neighborhood is among Los Angeles' most rapidly gentrifying, with an influx of young creative professionals (sometimes called "hipsters") and businesses catering to them, spilling over from the popular Silver Lake and Los Feliz areas.

Census tracts 1883, 1881 and 1871.01 lie wholly within Atwater Village boundaries, and a large portion of census tract 1871.02 is also within Atwater Village.[3] Here are the five-year findings as reported by American Community Survey in 2013:

 

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