Tag Archives: Accredited X Ray Technician Schools San Rafael CA 94901

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near San Rafael CA 94901

How to Pick an X-Ray Technician School near San Rafael California

San Rafael CA x-ray tech internship programCongratulations regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near San Rafael CA in order to learn to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have chosen to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you undertake selecting the ideal school and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And because the majority of states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you may require preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the colleges you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Many students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and usually gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while location and cost should be taken into consideration, there are additional significant qualifications as well. For instance, you must find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the colleges you are reviewing are provided later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiology tech does and the degrees and training options that are available.

X-Ray Tech Occupation Summary

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, they all have the same fundamental job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some elect to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They may practice in San Rafael CA clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech might 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 and also routinely analyze its performance and safety. They are additionally required to keep complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As San Rafael CA medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Technician Degree Options

x-ray machine in San Rafael CAThe basic prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, generally requires 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to complete and is more expansive in nature. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be acceptable also. One thing to bear in mind is that San Rafael CA radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may frequently be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which many schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification requirements in California or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, based on the state where you will be working you may need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria differ so contact your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many offer additional alternatives for testing also. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. However, numerous San Rafael CA employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it may increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technologist Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in San Rafael 94901As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree schools. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a large portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is often carried out in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your San Rafael CA residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically discover that the online style of education is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently less costly than traditional options. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be lessened as well. But just be sure that the online program you select is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online school may be the ideal choice for you.

What to Ask Radiographer Programs

When you have chosen the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can start the process of finding and evaluating San Rafael CA x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to determine 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 critical. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be an important factor also. But along with cost and location, what more should you factor in when reviewing colleges? Well, you need to find out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are looking at.

Are the X-Ray Tech Programs Accredited? A large number of xray technician schools have earned some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to confirm 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). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous review of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets 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 superior education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of San Rafael CA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask if the California xray technician programs you are interested in have relationships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific manner to obtain practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist graduates and students develop professional connections in the San Rafael CA health care community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are assessing 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 great relationships with San Rafael CA healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For many students, the college they choose will need to be within driving distance of their San Rafael CA home. Individuals who have chosen 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 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 need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often 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 prefers to sit way in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the San Rafael CA schools you are considering 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 ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the radiographer  school you finally choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in San Rafael CA, check that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Be an X-Ray Tech?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you could be asked. Among the questions that recruiters often ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not just the private reasons you may have for becoming an Xray technician, but additionally what attributes and talents you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, in addition to a significant number of routine interview questions, so you need to organize a number of approaches about how you want to respond to them. Since there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the talents you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the best choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but jot down a few ideas and topics that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can help you to develop your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Enroll in the Best X-Ray Technician School near San Rafael CA

Picking the appropriate x-ray technician degree program is a critical first step toward initiating a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs often stand for the majority of the day and move and in some cases 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 radiologists and other doctors. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and furnish the best available patient care. As has been addressed in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are reviewing before making your final decision. This is equally true whether you decide on an online school or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each school so you can focus your options before making your final choice. And with the proper education and your dedication to succeed, you can realize your goal to practice as a radiology tech in San Rafael CA.

Some Background on San Rafael California

San Rafael, California

San Rafael (/ˌsæn rəˈfɛl/ SAN rə-FEL; Spanish pronunciation: [san rafaˈel] "Saint Raphael") is a city and the county seat of Marin County, California, United States. The city is located in the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. As of the 2010 census the city's population is 57,713.

What is now San Rafael was once the site of several Coast Miwok villages: Awani-wi, near downtown San Rafael, Ewu, near Terra Linda, and Shotomko-cha, in Marinwood.[10]Mission San Rafael Arcángel was founded in what is now downtown San Rafael as the 20th Spanish mission in the colonial Mexican province of Alta California by three priests—Father Narciso Durán from Mission San José, Father Abella from Mission San Francisco de Asís, Father Luis Gíl y Taboada from La Iglesia de Nuestra Señora Reina de los Angeles—on Dec. 14, 1817, four years before Mexico gained independence from Spain. Mission San Rafael Arcángel was located a donkey's day walk to the mission below it. The mission and the city are named after the Archangel Raphael, the Angel of Healing. It is home to Miller Creek Middle School, the school is attended by 6th, 7th, and 8th graders ranging from ages 11 to 14.

The mission was originally planned as a hospital site for Central Valley American Indians who had become ill at the cold San Francisco Mission Dolores. Father Luis Gil, who spoke several Native American languages, was put in charge of the facility. In part because of its ideal weather, San Rafael was later upgraded to full mission status in 1822. The mission had 300 converts within its first year, and 1,140 converts by 1828. The Mexican government took over the California missions in 1834, and Mission San Rafael was abandoned in 1844, eventually falling into ruin. The current mission was built in 1949 in the style of the original, but faces at right angles to the alignment of the original.

The San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad reached San Rafael in 1879 and was linked to the national rail network in 1888. The United States Navy operated a San Pablo Bay degaussing range from San Rafael through World War II.[11]

 

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