How to Choose a Radiology Tech School near Lebec California
Congratulations regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Lebec CA in order to learn to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have made a decision to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about choosing the ideal school and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And since most states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you might require preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you research each of the schools you are looking at in order to compare each program. A number of students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location must be taken into consideration, there are additional critical qualifiers also. For example, you must ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the colleges you are examining are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and training choices that are offered.
Radiology Technician Career Summary
There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, they all have the same major job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They can practice in Lebec CA clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician might work with 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 performance and safety. They are additionally required to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Lebec CA health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
Radiology Technician Degree Options
The standard requirement for attending an x-ray tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, generally takes 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to complete and is more expansive in nature. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are acceptable also. Something to consider is that Lebec CA radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may typically be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which many schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification requirements in California or the state you will be working as applicable.
X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing
After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, depending on the state where you will be employed you may have to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but a number offer other alternatives for testing as well. A number of states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is optional. Having said that, many Lebec CA employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Tech Colleges
As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree programs. So while you can still earn your degree online, a significant portion of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is typically provided in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Lebec CA home. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually discover that the online approach to learning is much more practical with their active schedules. Plus online schools are frequently less costly than on-campus alternatives. Along with lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be reduced as well. But just make certain that the online program you choose 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 online classes may be the ideal choice for you.
Subjects to Ask Radiology Tech Colleges
After you have chosen the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of searching for and evaluating Lebec CA x-ray tech schools. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the college will be important. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a determining factor also. But along with location and cost, what else should you factor in when reviewing colleges? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these important details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are looking at.
Are the X-Ray Tech Schools Accredited? Most xray tech schools have acquired some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still crucial to verify that the school and program 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 earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive examination of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Lebec CA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level jobs.
Are Internships Provided? Ask if the California xray tech programs you are reviewing have associations with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent means to get practical experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist graduates and students form professional connections in the Lebec CA health care community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Lebec CA healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the school they pick will need to be within travelling distance of their Lebec CA residence. Students who have decided to attend online classes naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. Something to keep 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 have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit far in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Lebec CA colleges you are looking at what the average 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 an opportunity to speak with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program also.
Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the x-ray tech program you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Lebec CA, make certain that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. 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 Want to Be a Radiology Technician?
When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to review questions you might be asked. Among the questions that interviewers often ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not only the private reasons you might have for becoming a radiology technician, but also what qualities and talents you possess that make you good at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, along with a certain number of typical interview questions, so you should prepare several strategies about how you want to address them. Given that there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you as well as the talents you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but write down several ideas and topics that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.Choose the Best Radiology Technician College near Lebec CA
Selecting the right radiology technician degree program is an important first step toward launching a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs frequently stand for the greater part of the working day and move and at times lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines 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 necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best available patient care. As we have addressed in this report, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are reviewing prior to making your final selection. This is just as true whether you opt for an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each college so you can focus your choices before making your final choice. And with the appropriate education and your motivation to be successful, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Lebec CA.
Some Background on Lebec California
Lebec, California
Lebec is an unincorporated area and census-designated place in southwestern Kern County, California.
It is one of the Mountain Communities of the Tejon Pass, in the northeastern San Emigdio Mountains. Lebec is 40 miles (64 km) south of Bakersfield.[2]
According to the United States Census Bureau, Lebec has an area of 15.3 square miles (40 km2). The community, which is near Tejon Pass, lies at an elevation of 3,481 feet (1,061 m).[3]
Interstate 5 is the only highway passing through the community. Local traffic drives on Lebec Road, Peace Valley Road, Frazier Mountain Park Road and adjoining streets.
Lebec is named in honor of Peter Lebeck or Lebecque, a French trapper killed by a grizzly bear in 1837 in the area that later became Fort Tejon. He was memorialized in an epitaph at the site, found carved in a bare spot on an old oak tree.[3] The epitaph read PETER LEBECK / KILLED BY A X BEAR / OCTR 17 / 1837. The bark of the oak tree eventually grew over the carving. A group from Bakersfield, called the Foxtail Rangers, removed the bark in the late 19th century and found the inscription in reverse on its underside. The piece is now displayed in the museum at Fort Tejon State Historic Park.[4]
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