How to Find an Xray Technician Degree Program near Glendale California
Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Glendale CA in order to learn to be a radiologic technician. And now that you have decided to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you undertake selecting the right school and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And since most states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you might require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you assess each of the schools you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. Many potential students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and usually gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location need to be considered, there are additional important qualifications also. For example, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are evaluating are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiology tech does and the credentials and training options that are offered.
X-Ray Tech Career Description
There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, they all have the same principal job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some opt to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They can work in Glendale CA hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech may utilize include:
- Traditional and specialized X-Rays
- Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Sonography or ultrasound
- Fluoroscopy
Radiographers have to care for their equipment and also regularly analyze its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to keep complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Glendale CA health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
Radiology Technician Degrees
The standard prerequisite for attending a radiology 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 technicians, usually requires 18 months to two years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to finish and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be appropriate also. Something to bear in mind is that Glendale CA radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can often be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with 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 program, depending on the state where you will be working you might need to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites differ so contact your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but a number provide other options for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. However, many Glendale CA employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Technician Colleges
As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree programs. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is often provided in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Glendale CA residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online approach to learning is much more practical with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently less expensive than on-campus alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting can be decreased also. But just make sure that the online school you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online school may be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs
As soon as you have selected the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of finding and evaluating Glendale CA x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or travel to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the school will be important. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be an important variable also. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you consider when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to check out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are reviewing.
Are the Radiology Tech Programs Accredited? Most xray technician schools have earned some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still crucial to confirm that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed evaluation of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on 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 guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Glendale CA employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level openings.
Are Internship Programs Offered? Inquire if the California radiology tech programs you are interested in have associations with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent manner to obtain practical experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist graduates and students develop professional connections in the Glendale CA medical community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the radiographer schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Glendale CA healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the college they select will need to be within commuting distance of their Glendale CA residence. Individuals who have decided to attend classes online obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Glendale CA colleges you are considering what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to speak with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program also.
Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the x-ray tech school you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Glendale CA, confirm that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses 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 emergencies.
Why Did You Decide to Be a Radiologic Technologist?
When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's advantageous to consider questions you could be asked. One of the questions that interviewers typically ask radiographer applicants is "What made you choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not only the private reasons you might have for being an Xray technician, but additionally what qualities and talents you possess that make you good at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, as well as a significant number of general interview questions, so you need to organize some ideas about how you want to address them. Considering there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you in addition to the strengths you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the best choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but write down a few concepts and anecdotes that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.Pick the Ideal Radiology Technician Program near Glendale CA
Enrolling in the appropriate radiology tech school is a critical first step toward starting a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs typically stand for the greater part of the workday and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and furnish the best available patient care. As we have covered in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each program you are reviewing prior to making your final selection. This is similarly true whether you decide on an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each college so you can focus your options and make your final choice. And with the right training and your motivation to be successful, you can reach your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Glendale CA.
Some Background on Glendale California
Glendale, California
Glendale /ˈɡlɛndeɪl/ is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. Its estimated 2014 population was 200,167,[10] making it the third largest city in Los Angeles County and the 23rd-largest city in California. It is located about 8 miles (13 km) north of downtown Los Angeles.
Glendale lies on the southeastern end of the San Fernando Valley, bisected by the Verdugo Mountains, and is a suburb in the Greater Los Angeles Area. The city is bordered to the northwest by the Sun Valley and Tujunga neighborhoods of Los Angeles; to the northeast by La Cañada Flintridge and the unincorporated area of La Crescenta; to the west by Burbank and Griffith Park; to the east by Eagle Rock and Pasadena; to the south by the Atwater Village neighborhood of Los Angeles; and to the southeast by Glassell Park neighborhood of Los Angeles. The Golden State, Ventura, Glendale, and Foothill freeways run through the city.
Glendale has one of the largest communities of Armenian descent in the United States.[11] In 2013, Glendale was named LA's Neighborhood of the Year by the readers and editors of Curbed.com.[12]
Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery contains the remains of many noted celebrities and local residents. Grand Central Airport was the departure point for the first commercial west-to-east transcontinental flight flown by Charles Lindbergh.
The area was long inhabited by the Tongva people (or "People of the Earth"), who were later renamed the Gabrieleños by the Spanish missionaries, after the nearby Mission San Gabriel Arcángel.
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