Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Valencia CA 91354 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find a Radiology Technician School near Valencia California

Valencia CA x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Valencia CA so you can train to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have chosen to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you undertake selecting the ideal college and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And since most states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you might need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you research each of the colleges you are looking at in order to compare each program. Many students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and typically gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location should be taken into account, there are other important qualifications also. For example, you need to ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are evaluating are provided later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and training options that are offered.

Radiology Technician Occupation Description

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, they all have the identical primary job description, which is to employ 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. Many opt to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They can practice in Valencia CA clinics, hospitals, private 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 care for their equipment and regularly evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally required to keep in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Valencia CA health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Valencia CA The standard prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech college is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, usually takes 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to finish and is more comprehensive in nature. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be appropriate as well. Something to bear in mind is that Valencia CA radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification requirements in California or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, based on the state where you will be working you may need to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements differ so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but several provide additional options for testing also. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, numerous Valencia CA employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it could enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technologist Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Valencia 91354 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree colleges. So although you can still earn your online degree, a considerable portion of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is typically provided in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online segment of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Valencia CA home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically discover that the online approach to learning is much more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are frequently less costly than on-campus alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be lessened as well. But just make certain that the online program you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online school may be the right option for you.

Questions to Ask X Ray Tech Programs

After you have chosen the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of looking for and assessing Valencia CA x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to decide if you want to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and secondary expenses will be an important variable as well. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you look at when evaluating schools? Well, you need to check out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details prior to making your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are considering.

Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? Most xray technician schools have acquired some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still important to make sure that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive assessment of their instructors and course 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. Besides ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Valencia CA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level jobs.

Are Internships Offered? Inquire if the California radiology technician programs you are interested in have associations with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent way to receive hands on training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist graduates and students form professional relationships in the Valencia CA medical community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Valencia CA healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the college they decide on will need to be within travelling distance of their Valencia CA residence. Students who have chosen to attend online classes obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. One thing to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit far in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Valencia CA colleges you are researching what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the radiographer college you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Valencia CA, make certain that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol 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 Radiology Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to review questions you may be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers typically ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not merely the personal reasons you might have for becoming an Xray technician, but also what attributes and abilities you possess that make you good at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, as well as a certain number of general interview questions, so you need to organize a number of approaches about how you would like to respond to them. Given that 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, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the talents you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but take down several concepts and talking points that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Choose the Ideal Radiology Tech College near Valencia CA

Enrolling in the best radiology tech school is an important first step toward launching a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs regularly stand for the majority of the day and position and at times lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best available patient care. As has been discussed in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are reviewing before making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you enroll in an online school or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each program so you can focus your choices before making your decision. And with the proper education and your motivation to be successful, you can realize your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Valencia CA.

Some Background on Valencia California

Valencia, Santa Clarita, California

Valencia is a neighborhood in Santa Clarita located within Los Angeles County, California. It is in the northwestern corner of the Santa Clarita Valley, generally east of Interstate 5. Most of Valencia is part of a planned community; it was one of the four unincorporated communities (along with Saugus, Newhall, and Canyon Country) that merged to create the city of Santa Clarita, California, in 1987.[2]

In 1769, the Spanish Portola expedition, first Europeans to see inland areas of California, came up and over the pass from the San Fernando Valley and camped near the river on August 8–9. They found a large native village there and witnessed a wedding celebration. Fray Juan Crespi, a Franciscan missionary travelling with the expedition, named the river Santa Clara and noted in his diary that the place would be a good location for a mission. On the return trip, however, the party found a less strenuous trail through Conejo Valley. Later travelers also preferred that route, and Mission San Fernando Rey de España was established down in the valley.[3]

The master planned portion of Valencia was first planned in the 1960s by the Newhall Land and Farming Company. Development began in 1967, continues to the present day, and is nearing completion. Valencia is notable for its landscaped boulevards connecting a mix of apartment buildings, single-family detached homes, shopping centers, office parks and industrial warehouses. Major schools in Santa Clarita include California Institute of the Arts, College of the Canyons, Hart High School, West Ranch High School, Saugus High School, Canyon High School, Golden Valley High School and Valencia High School.

Valencia's residential areas are separated into villages, each with its own lifestyle (see List of Valencia, California residential villages). Almost all of Valencia's villages are close to schools, shopping, etc. In many of the villages, homeowner associations oversee the quality and upkeep of housing developments ranging in size from a few dozen homes to over a thousand. Many villages also have a neighborhood watch program in force.