Tag Archives: Accredited X Ray Tech Schools Los Gatos CA 95030

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Los Gatos CA 95030

How to Select a Radiologic Technician College near Los Gatos California

Los Gatos CA x-ray tech internship programBest wishes regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Los Gatos CA in order to become a radiologic technologist. And now that you have decided to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you go about choosing the ideal school and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And since the majority of states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you may require preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you research each of the colleges you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Most prospective students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location must be taken into consideration, there are other important qualifications also. For instance, you should find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are evaluating are presented later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and training options that are offered.

X-Ray Tech Occupation Description

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, each has the identical fundamental job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view 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 work as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They can practice in Los Gatos CA clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist may work with 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 plus routinely evaluate its performance and safety. They are also required to keep detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Los Gatos CA medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degree Options

x-ray machine in Los Gatos CAThe standard prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech school 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 typical among technicians, usually takes 18 months to two years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to complete and is more extensive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are acceptable as well. One thing to keep in mind is that Los Gatos CA radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can typically be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing mandates in California or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiographer Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, based on the state where you will be working you may need to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so check with your state. At present, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number offer other alternatives for testing also. Several states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. However, numerous Los Gatos CA employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it could enhance your career options to become certified. 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 other year, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technologist Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Los Gatos 95030As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree colleges. So although you can still obtain your degree online, a considerable portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is typically carried out in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online portion of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Los Gatos CA home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree often find that the online approach to learning is far more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently cheaper than on-campus alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be lessened also. But just make sure that the online program you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online degree may be the best option for you.

What to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges

Once you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the process of looking for and assessing Los Gatos CA x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to decide if you want to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be critical. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be an important variable as well. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you look at when comparing colleges? Well, you should find out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these important details prior to making your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are reviewing.

Are the Radiology Technician Schools Accredited? The majority of radiology technician colleges have received some form 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 organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive evaluation of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Los Gatos CA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level openings.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out if the California radiology technician colleges you are interested in have relationships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent way to receive hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist students and graduates form professional connections in the Los Gatos CA health care community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are considering 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 Los Gatos CA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For many students, the school they pick will have to be within commuting distance of their Los Gatos CA residence. Those who have decided to attend online classes obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. One thing to bear 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 might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Los Gatos CA schools you are reviewing 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 talk with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program also.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the x-ray tech  college you ultimately select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you decide to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Los Gatos CA, make sure that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative 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 Choose to Become a Radiology Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to review questions you could be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers typically ask radiographer candidates is "What made you select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not merely the personal reasons you may have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but also what qualities and talents you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, as well as a certain number of routine interview questions, so you must organize some approaches about how you want to respond to them. Considering there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the abilities you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the best choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but write down a few concepts and topics that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Enroll in the Right Radiology Tech College near Los Gatos CA

Picking the ideal radiology tech degree program is a critical first step toward launching a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the majority of the workday and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best possible patient care. As we have discussed in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are looking at before making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you opt for an online program or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each school so you can narrow down your choices before making your final choice. And with the right education and your commitment to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Los Gatos CA.

Some Background on Los Gatos California

Los Gatos, California

Los Gatos (US: /loʊs ˈɡɑːtoʊs, lɔːs-/;[8][9] Spanish for "The Cats") is an incorporated town in Santa Clara County, California, United States. The population is 30,391 according to the 2013 United States Census Bureau.[10] According to Bloomberg Businessweek, Los Gatos is ranked the 33rd wealthiest city in the United States.[11] It is located in the San Francisco Bay Area at the southwest corner of San Jose in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Los Gatos is part of Silicon Valley, with several high technology companies maintaining a presence there. Most notably, streaming and content creator, Netflix is headquartered in Los Gatos and has developed a large presence in the area.

Los Gatos is Spanish for "the cats."[12] The name derives from the 1839 Alta California land-grant that encompassed the area, which was called La Rinconada de Los Gatos, ("Cat's Corner"), where "the cats" refers to the cougars and bobcats that are indigenous to the foothills in which the town is located. The name has been anglicized to /lɔːs ˈɡætəs/ lawss-GAT-əs,[13] although one also hears pronunciations truer to the original Spanish, /loʊsˈɡɑːtoʊs/ lohss-GAH-tohss[citation needed].

The town's founding dates to the mid-1850s with the building of a flour operation, Forbes Mill, by James Alexander Forbes along Los Gatos Creek. The mill's two-story stone storage annex has been preserved as a museum just off of Main Street.

The settlement that was established in the 1860s was originally named for the mill, but the name was changed to Los Gatos after the Spanish land grant. The town was incorporated in 1887 and remained an important town for the logging industry in the Santa Cruz Mountains through the end of the 19th century. In the early 20th century, the town became a thriving agricultural town with apricots, grapes and prunes being grown in the area. By the 1920s, the Los Gatos area had a local reputation as an arts colony, attracting painters, musicians, writers, actors and their bohemian associates as residents over the years. The violinist Yehudi Menuhin lived there as a boy;[14] the actresses Joan Fontaine and Olivia de Havilland (sisters) were graduates of Los Gatos High School, John Steinbeck wrote The Grapes of Wrath there (the location is now located in Monte Sereno), and Beat hero Neal Cassady lived there in the 1950s. Along with much of the Santa Clara Valley, Los Gatos became a suburban community for San Jose beginning in the 1950s, and the town was mostly built-out by the 1980s.

 

More Cities of Interest in California

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