Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Palmdale CA 93550 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose an X-Ray Tech Program near Palmdale California

Palmdale CA x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Palmdale CA in order to learn to be a radiology technician. And now that you have made a decision to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you undertake picking the right school and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified professional? And since most states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you might require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the colleges you are looking at in order to compare each program. Many students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and frequently gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while cost and location should be taken into account, there are other important qualifications as well. For example, you should find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are examining are presented later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and education options that are available.

X-Ray Technician Career 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. No matter what the name, they all have the identical major job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many elect to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They may practice in Palmdale CA clinics, hospitals, family 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 maintain their equipment and routinely assess its functionality and safety. They are also required to keep in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Palmdale CA health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degrees

x-ray machine in Palmdale CA The primary prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, normally requires 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to complete and is more comprehensive in nature. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are appropriate as well. One thing to consider is that Palmdale CA radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may often be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which many schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any certification or licensing requirements in California or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, based on the state where you will be employed you may have to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements vary so contact your state. Currently, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but many accept other alternatives for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. However, numerous Palmdale CA employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technician Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Palmdale 93550 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree programs. So even though you can still obtain your online degree, a substantial amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is usually conducted in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Palmdale CA home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree often find that the online style of learning is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are often less costly than conventional options. Along with lower tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting can be lessened also. But just be sure that the online program you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online school may be the best choice for you.

Questions to Ask Radiology Tech Programs

When you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of searching for and evaluating Palmdale CA x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to determine if you want to attend classes online or drive to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be critical. The price of tuition and secondary expenses will be a material variable also. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you factor in when comparing colleges? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are reviewing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? Most radiology technician schools have received some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still important to make sure that the school and program 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 earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive review of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. 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 help in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Palmdale CA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level openings.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out if the California xray technician schools you are reviewing have relationships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great way to receive practical experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help students and graduates develop professional connections in the Palmdale CA medical community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the radiographer programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Palmdale CA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the college they select will have to be within travelling distance of their Palmdale CA home. Students who have opted to attend online classes obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally 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 likes to sit far in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Palmdale CA schools you are researching what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to speak with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program as well.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the radiographer program you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Palmdale CA, confirm that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Desire to Become a Radiologic Technologist?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to consider questions you may be asked. Among the questions that interviewers frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to decide on radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not only the private reasons you might have for becoming an Xray technician, but also what qualities and abilities you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, along with a significant number of general interview questions, so you must prepare some strategies about how you want to answer them. Given that there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the abilities you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but write down several ideas and topics that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.

Select the Ideal Radiology Technician School near Palmdale CA

Picking the ideal x-ray technician college is an important first step toward launching a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the greater part of the workday and position and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best available patient care. As has been covered in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are assessing prior to making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you participate in an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each school so you can narrow down your choices before making your decision. And with the appropriate training and your dedication to succeed, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Palmdale CA.

Some Background on Palmdale California

Palmdale, California

Palmdale is a city in the center of northern Los Angeles County in the U.S. state of California. The San Gabriel Mountains separate Palmdale from the City of Los Angeles.

On August 24, 1962, Palmdale became the first community in the Antelope Valley to incorporate. 47 years later, in November 2009, voters approved making it a charter city. Its population was 152,750 at the 2010 census, up from 116,670 at the 2000 census. Palmdale is the 33rd most populous city in California. In 2013, the Palmdale / Lancaster urban area had an estimated population of 513,547.[9]

"Palmenthal", the first European settlement within the limits of Palmdale, was established as a village on April 20, 1886, by westward Lutheran travelers from the American Midwest, mostly of German and Swiss descent. According to area folklore, the travelers had been told they would know they were close to the ocean when they saw palm trees. Never actually having seen palm trees before, they mistook the local Joshua trees for palms and so named their settlement after them. (Palmenthal is German for Palm Valley.)[10][11] According to David L. Durham Joshua trees were sometimes called yucca palms at the time, which was the reason for the name.[10] The village was officially established upon the arrival of a post office on June 17, 1888.

By the 1890s (soon after the last of the indigenous antelopes, which the valley was named after, had died) farming families continued to migrate to Palmenthal and nearby Harold to grow grain and fruit. However, most of these settlers were unfamiliar with farming in a desert climate, so when the drought years occurred, most abandoned their settlement. By 1899, only one family was left in the original village. The rest of the settlers, including the post office, moved closer to the Southern Pacific railroad tracks. This new community was renamed Palmdale and was located where the present day civic center is. A railroad station was built along the tracks there. This railroad was operated by Southern Pacific and traveled between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The Wells Fargo stagecoach line that ran between San Francisco and New Orleans stopped there as well.[12] The only remaining pieces of evidence of the original settlements of Palmenthal and Harold are the old Palmdale Pioneer cemetery located on the northeast corner of Avenue S and 20th Street East, recently acquired and restored by the city as part of a future historical park, and the old schoolhouse now relocated to McAdam Park.