Tag Archives: Accredited Radiology Tech Schools Salinas CA 93901

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Salinas CA 93901

How to Choose a Radiologic Technician School near Salinas California

Salinas CA x-ray tech internship programCongratulations on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Salinas CA in order to learn to be a radiology technician. But now that you have made a decision to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you undertake selecting the right school and program so that you will receive the proper training to become a skilled professional? And because the majority of states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you might need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the schools you are looking at so that you can compare each program. A number of students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and usually gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location should be considered, there are other significant qualifications as well. For instance, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are evaluating are provided later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and training choices that are available.

X-Ray Technician Work Summary

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, they all have the same principal job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They may practice in Salinas CA hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech 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 maintain their equipment plus regularly assess its functionality and safety. They are additionally required to retain complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Salinas CA health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Salinas CAThe standard prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, generally requires 18 months to two years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 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 appropriate also. Something to bear in mind is that Salinas CA radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may typically 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 one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification mandates 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 technician school, based on the state where you will be working you may have to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their criteria vary so get in touch with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but many provide other alternatives for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. However, numerous Salinas CA employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Tech Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Salinas 93901As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree programs. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a large portion of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is often provided in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online section of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Salinas CA residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online style of education is much more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are generally cheaper than on-campus options. Along with reduced tuition, costs for commuting and study materials can be decreased also. But just confirm that the online college you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then online classes may be the best choice for you.

Questions to Ask Radiology Tech Schools

As soon as you have chosen the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can start the process of locating and evaluating Salinas CA x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be an important factor as well. But along with cost and location, what more should you look at when evaluating schools? Well, you should ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are reviewing.

Are the X-Ray Tech Programs Accredited? Most xray technician colleges have received some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still imperative to make sure 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 receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous examination of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Salinas CA employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level openings.

Are Internships Sponsored? Ask if the California radiology technician programs you are interested in have associations with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great manner to obtain hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help graduates and students develop professional connections in the Salinas CA healthcare community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Salinas CA healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they select will have to be within commuting distance of their Salinas CA home. Individuals who have chosen to attend classes online naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. One thing 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 be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally 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.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit way in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Salinas CA schools you are considering what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program also.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the radiographer  program you finally pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Salinas CA, confirm that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Desire to Be an Xray Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to review questions you may be asked. Among the questions that recruiters often ask radiographer prospects is "What made you select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not just the personal reasons you may have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but additionally what attributes and talents you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will likely be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, in addition to a certain number of typical interview questions, so you must prepare several ideas about how you want to answer them. Given that there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the strengths you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but write down several concepts and topics that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Select the Right Radiology Tech School near Salinas CA

Selecting the appropriate radiology tech college is a critical first step toward beginning a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the majority of the workday and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best available patient care. As has been discussed in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are assessing before making your final decision. This is just as true whether you decide on an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each program so you can narrow down your choices before making your decision. And with the right training and your motivation to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Salinas CA.

Some Background on Salinas California

Salinas, California

Salinas /səˈliːnəs/ is the county seat and largest municipality of Monterey County, California. Salinas is an urban area located just outside the southern portion of the Greater Bay Area and 10 miles (16 km) east-southeast of the mouth of the Salinas River.[11] The population was 157,218 as of 2016[update].[9] The city is located at the mouth of the Salinas Valley roughly eight miles from the Pacific Ocean and has a climate more influenced by the ocean than the hot-summer interior. The majority of residents live in single-unit detached homes, built between 1950 and 2000, while one third of the housing stock has three or more units per structure.[12] Salinas serves as the main business, governmental and industrial center of the region.[13] The marine climate is ideal for the floral industry, grape vineyards, and vegetable growers. Salinas is known for its vibrant and large agriculture industry and being "The Salad Bowl of the World" as the hometown of writer and Nobel Prize in Literature laureate John Steinbeck, who based several of his novels there.

The land currently occupied by the city of Salinas is thought to have been settled by Native Americans known as the Esselen prior to 200 AD.[14] Between 200 and 500 AD, they were displaced by the Rumsen group of Ohlone speaking people. The Rumsen-Ohlone remained as the inhabitants of the area for approximately another 1,200 years, and in the 1700s, were the group of native inhabitants contacted and recorded by the first Spanish explorers of the Salinas area.

Upon the arrival of the Spanish, large Spanish land grants were initially issued for the Catholic Missions and also as bonuses to soldiers. Later on after Mexican independence, smaller land grants continued to be issued for ranchos where mostly cattle were grazed. One of the many land grants was the Rancho Las Salinas land grant, part of which included the area of modern-day Salinas. As a result of the many new cattle ranches, a thriving trade eventually developed in cattle hide shipments, shipping primarily out of the Port of Monterey.[15]

In 1848 California officially became a part of the United States of America. This transition followed several years of battles in the Salinas area with John Fremont flying the American flag on the highest peak of the Gabilan Mountains and claiming California for the United States. Before the transition to American administration, Monterey had been the capital of California. For a short while after the transition, California was ruled by martial law.[15] On September 9, 1850, California was admitted to the Union and became a State, celebrated as California Admission Day.

 

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