Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Oakland CA 94601

How to Pick a Radiologic Technician College near Oakland California

Oakland CA x-ray tech internship programCongrats on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Oakland CA in order to learn to be a radiologic technologist. But now that you have decided to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you undertake choosing the ideal college and program so that you will get the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you may require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. Most potential students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and frequently gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location must be taken into consideration, there are other important qualifiers as well. For instance, you must ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are reviewing 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.

Radiology Technician Work Summary

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the identical primary job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some choose to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, such as mammography. They may practice in Oakland CA clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist might utilize 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 plus frequently analyze its performance and safety. They are also expected to retain in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Oakland CA medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Technician Degrees

x-ray machine in Oakland CAThe primary requirement for attending an x-ray tech program is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, generally takes 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to finish and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be acceptable as well. Something to keep in mind is that Oakland CA radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may frequently be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which many schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from any 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 Tech Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, based on the state where you will be practicing you may need to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so check with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but a number offer additional alternatives for testing also. Several states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, numerous Oakland CA employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it could increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technician Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Oakland 94601As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree schools. So although you can still earn your degree online, a large portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is usually conducted in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online portion of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Oakland CA residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree usually find that the online approach to education is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are generally more affordable than conventional alternatives. Along with lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting can be reduced as well. But just confirm that the online school you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online degree may be the right option for you.

Topics to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges

After you have chosen the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of locating and evaluating Oakland CA x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be important. The price of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a material variable also. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you factor in when evaluating schools? Well, you should find out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are looking at.

Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? A large number of xray technician colleges have acquired some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to verify 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). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous assessment of their teachers and educational materials. If the program is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting organizations 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 assist in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Oakland CA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level openings.

Are Internships Provided? Inquire if the California radiology technician programs you are assessing have associations with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent means to receive practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist graduates and students form professional relationships in the Oakland CA health care community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Oakland CA healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For many students, the school they pick will need to be within travelling distance of their Oakland CA home. Those who have chosen to attend classes online obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit way in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Oakland CA colleges you are considering 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 final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program as well.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the x-ray tech  program you ultimately choose 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 Oakland CA, make sure that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify 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 because of illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Radiologic Technologist?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to review questions you might be asked. Among the things that hiring managers often ask radiographer prospects is "What drove you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not only the personal reasons you might have for being a radiology technician, but additionally what characteristics and talents you have that make you good at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, in addition to a significant number of typical interview questions, so you need to organize several ideas about how you would like to respond to them. Since there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, try 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 position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down a few concepts and topics that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can assist you to develop your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.

Pick the Ideal Radiology Technician School near Oakland CA

Picking the appropriate x-ray technician college is a critical first step toward starting a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs regularly stand for the greater part of the workday and position and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best available care to patients. As we have discussed in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each college you are looking at prior to making your final decision. This is equally true whether you opt for an online school or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each school so you can narrow down your options and make your decision. And with the proper education and your commitment to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Oakland CA.

Some Background on Oakland California

Oakland, California

Oakland is the largest city and the county seat of Alameda County, California, United States. A major West Coast port city, Oakland is the largest city in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area, the third largest city overall in the San Francisco Bay Area, the eighth most populated city in California, and the 45th largest city in the United States. With a population of 412,040 as of 2016[update],[14] it serves as a trade center for the San Francisco Bay Area; its Port of Oakland is the busiest port in the San Francisco Bay, the entirety of Northern California, and the fifth busiest in the United States of America.[16] An act to incorporate the city was passed on May 4, 1852, and incorporation was later approved on March 25, 1854, which officially made Oakland a city.[4] Oakland is a charter city.[17]

Oakland's territory covers what was once a mosaic of California coastal terrace prairie, oak woodland, and north coastal scrub.[18] Its land served as a rich resource when its hillside oak and redwood timber were logged to build San Francisco.[18] Oakland's fertile flatland soils helped it become a prolific agricultural region. In the late 1860s, Oakland was selected as the western terminal of the Transcontinental Railroad.[19] Following the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, many San Francisco citizens moved to Oakland, enlarging the city's population, increasing its housing stock and improving its infrastructure. This is also the time when plague cases were discovered in Oakland and the East Bay.[20] It continued to grow in the 20th century with its busy port, shipyards, and a thriving automobile manufacturing industry.

Oakland is known for its sustainability practices, including a top-ranking for usage of electricity from renewable resources. Oakland is also known for its history of political activism, as well as its professional sports franchises (such as the Oakland Raiders, Oakland Athletics and the Golden State Warriors) and major corporations, which include health care, dot-com companies, and manufacturers of household products.

The earliest known inhabitants were the Huchiun Indians, who lived there for thousands of years. The Huchiun belonged to a linguistic grouping later called the Ohlone (a Miwok word meaning "western people").[21] In Oakland, they were concentrated around Lake Merritt and Temescal Creek, a stream that enters the San Francisco Bay at Emeryville.

 

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