Tag Archives: How to Become a Radiology Technician San Pedro CA 90731

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near San Pedro CA 90731

How to Find an Xray Tech School near San Pedro California

San Pedro CA x-ray tech internship programCongrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near San Pedro CA in order to train to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have chosen to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about picking the right school and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And since the majority of states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you may need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering in order to compare each program. Most potential students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and usually settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location should be considered, there are additional important qualifiers also. For example, you must find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are examining are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiology tech does and the credentials and education choices that are offered.

Radiology Technician Job Description

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the identical principal job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for example mammography. They may practice in San Pedro CA hospitals, clinics, private 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 have to take care of their equipment and frequently assess its performance and safety. They are also required to retain complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As San Pedro CA health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in San Pedro CAThe basic requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech school is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, normally takes 18 months to two years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to finish and is more extensive in scope. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be appropriate also. One thing to bear in mind is that San Pedro CA radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which many schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from one 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.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an Radiologist school, depending on the state where you will be employed you might need to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements vary so contact your state. Currently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but many offer other alternatives for testing as well. Several states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. However, many San Pedro CA employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it may increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Tech Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in San Pedro 90731As a part 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 programs. So although you can still earn your online degree, a large portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is usually conducted in regional 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 San Pedro 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 often less costly than conventional options. Along with lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be reduced as well. But just confirm 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 structured type of training, then an online degree may be the best choice for you.

Questions to Ask Radiology Tech Colleges

When you have selected the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can initiate the process of searching for and assessing San Pedro CA x-ray technician schools. 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 cost of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a determining variable also. But along with cost and location, what else should you look at when comparing colleges? Well, you need to ask if the colleges 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 put together a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are looking at.

Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? Most radiology technician colleges have earned some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still crucial 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). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive review of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous San Pedro CA employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Inquire if the California radiology technician schools you are evaluating have relationships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great means to receive practical training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist students and graduates develop professional connections in the San Pedro CA medical community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with San Pedro CA healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the college they choose will need to be within travelling distance of their San Pedro CA residence. Individuals who have chosen to attend online classes naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school 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 generally charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit far in the back of the classroom 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 Pedro CA colleges you are looking at what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to converse with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the x-ray tech  program you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in San Pedro CA, check that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of illness, work or family obligations.

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

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to reflect on questions you could be asked. One of the questions that interviewers typically ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not merely the private reasons you might have for being a radiology technician, but additionally what qualities and abilities you possess that make you good at your profession. You will likely be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, as well as a certain number of typical interview questions, so you need to prepare several strategies about how you want to answer them. Considering there are several factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the abilities you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but take down a few ideas and anecdotes that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can assist you to develop your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.

Select the Ideal Radiology Tech Program near San Pedro CA

Picking the best x-ray technician degree program is a critical first step toward launching a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs regularly stand for the majority of the workday and position and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best available care to patients. As has been covered in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are assessing before making your ultimate selection. This is just as true whether you opt for an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each program so you can focus your choices before making your decision. And with the right education and your commitment to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in San Pedro CA.

Some Background on San Pedro California

San Pedro, Los Angeles

San Pedro /sænˈpiːdroʊ/ is a community within the city of Los Angeles, California. Formerly a separate city, it consolidated with Los Angeles in 1909. The Port of Los Angeles, a major international seaport, is partially located within San Pedro. The district has grown from being dominated by the fishing industry to become primarily a working class community within the city of Los Angeles.

San Pedro was declared 2017 Neighborhood of the year by Curbed Los Angeles.[2]

San Pedro is mainly pronounced as “San Pee-dro” by locals.[3][4]

The site, at the southern end of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, on the west side of San Pedro Bay, was used by Spanish ships starting in the 1540s. The peninsula, including all of San Pedro, was the homeland of the Tongva-Gabrieleño Native American people for thousands of years. In other areas of the Los Angeles Basin archeological sites date back 8,000–15,000 years. The Tongva believe they have been here since the beginning of time. Once called the "lords of the ocean", due to their mastery of oceangoing canoes (Ti'ats), many Tongva villages covered the coastline. Their first contact with Europeans in 1542 with Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, the Portuguese explorer who also was the first to write of them. Chowigna and Suangna were two Tongva settlements of many in the peninsula area, which was also a departure point for their rancherias on the Channel Islands. Legend has it that the Native Americans blessed the land of Palos Verdes, making it the most beautiful place on Earth. The Tongva called the San Pedro area "Chaaw".[5]

 

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