Tag Archives: How to Become an X Ray Technician Torrance CA 90501

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Torrance CA 90501

How to Find a Radiology Technician Program near Torrance California

Torrance CA x-ray tech internship programCongratulations on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Torrance CA so you can learn to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have chosen to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about choosing the ideal college and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you may need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you research each of the schools you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. A number of prospective students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and typically gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location need to be considered, there are other important qualifiers as well. For instance, you must find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are considering are presented later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology tech does and the degrees and training choices that are available.

Radiology Technician Career Description

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, they all have the identical primary job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some elect to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They can work in Torrance CA clinics, hospitals, family 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 take care of their equipment and also regularly evaluate its functionality and safety. They are additionally required to retain complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Torrance CA health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Technician Degree Options

x-ray machine in Torrance CAThe primary prerequisite for attending a radiology tech college is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, generally takes 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to finish and is more comprehensive in scope. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be acceptable as well. Something to consider is that Torrance CA radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may often be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which many schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing requirements in California or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiographer Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an Radiologist college, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements vary so check with your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but several offer additional options for testing also. Several states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. However, numerous Torrance CA employers would rather 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 accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technician Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Torrance 90501As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree schools. So even though you can still obtain your online degree, a substantial amount of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is often conducted in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online segment of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Torrance CA residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree often discover that the online approach to learning is much more practical with their active schedules. Plus online programs are often less expensive than on-campus alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, costs for study materials and commuting may be lessened also. But just make certain that the online program you enroll in 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 online classes may be the ideal option for you.

Topics to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges

Once you have chosen the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of finding and evaluating Torrance CA x-ray tech schools. You will also need to determine if you want to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be important. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a determining factor also. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you look at when evaluating schools? Well, you should check out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are looking at.

Are the X-Ray Tech Programs Accredited? The majority of xray tech colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still imperative to make sure that the school and program are accredited. One of 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 detailed examination of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Torrance CA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level jobs.

Are Internships Sponsored? Find out if the California xray technician programs you are interested in have partnerships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great means to receive practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help graduates and students develop professional connections in the Torrance CA health care community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Torrance CA healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For many students, the school they select will have to be within travelling distance of their Torrance CA residence. Individuals who have chosen to attend online classes obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area 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 be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that prefers to sit way in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Torrance CA colleges you are considering what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with some of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program also.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the x-ray tech  college you ultimately select 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 night or weekend classes in Torrance CA, make sure 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 need to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Be an Xray Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to consider questions you could be asked. One of the things that recruiters frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What drove you to decide on radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not only the personal reasons you might have for becoming an Xray technician, but additionally what qualities and skills you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, along with a significant number of typical interview questions, so you should organize several ideas about how you would like to address them. Because there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you as well as the abilities you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but take down some ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can assist you to prepare your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Select the Ideal Radiology Tech School near Torrance CA

Picking the best x-ray tech degree program is a critical first step toward starting a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the greater part of the day and move and at times lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best available care to patients. As we have discussed in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each program you are looking at prior to making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you enroll in an online program or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each program so you can focus your options before making your decision. And with the proper training and your dedication to be successful, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiographer in Torrance CA.

Some Background on Torrance California

Torrance, California

Torrance is a U.S. city in the South Bay (southwestern) region of Los Angeles County, California. Torrance has 1.5 miles (2.4 km) of beaches on the Pacific Ocean. Torrance has a moderate year-round climate with warm temperatures, sea breezes, low humidity and an average rainfall of 12.55 inches per year.[8]

Since its incorporation in 1921, Torrance has grown rapidly. Its estimated 2013 population was 147,478.[6] This residential and light high-tech industries city has 90,000 street trees and 30 city parks.[8] Known for its low crime rates, the city consistently ranks among the safest cities in Los Angeles County.[9] Torrance is the birthplace of the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO). In addition, the city of Torrance has the second-highest percentage of residents of Japanese ancestry in California (8.9%).[10]

Torrance was originally part of the Tongva Native American homeland for thousands of years. In 1784 the Spanish land grant for Rancho San Pedro, in the upper Las Californias Province of New Spain and encompassing present day Torrance, was issued to Juan Jose Dominguez by King Carlos III—the Spanish Empire.[11][12] It was later divided in 1846 with Governor Pío Pico granting Rancho de los Palos Verdes to José Loreto and Juan Capistrano Sepulveda, in the Alta California territory of independent Mexico.[13][14]

In the early 1900s, real estate developer Jared Sidney Torrance and other investors saw the value of creating a mixed industrial-residential community south of Los Angeles. They purchased part of an old Spanish land grant and hired landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. to design a new planned community.[15] The resulting town was founded in October 1912 and named after Mr. Torrance. The city of Torrance was formally incorporated in May 1921, the townsite initially being bounded by Western Avenue on the east, Del Amo Boulevard on the north, Crenshaw Boulevard on the west, and on the south by Plaza Del Amo east of where it meets Carson Street, and by Carson Street west of where it meets Plaza Del Amo.[16] The first residential avenue created in Torrance was Gramercy and the second avenue was Andreo. Many of the houses on these avenues turned 100 years of age in 2012. Both avenues are located in the area referred to as Old Town Torrance. This section of Torrance is under review to be classified as a historical district.[17] Some of the early civic and residential buildings were designed by the renowned and innovative Southern California architect Irving Gill, in his distinctive combining of Mission Revival and early Modernist architecture.[18]

Historically the El Nido neighborhood was home to many European immigrants, such as originally Dutch, German, Greek, Italian and Portuguese people. These were soon joined by Mexican-American and Hispanic and Latino immigrants, employed in the growing early 20th century agriculture, petroleum, and manufacturing industries, such as the fish canneries.[citation needed]

 

More Cities of Interest in California

  • Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Alpine CA 91901
  • Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Susanville CA 96127
  • Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Hesperia CA 92340
  • Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Hollister CA 95023
  • Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Stinson Beach CA 94970
  • Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Pixley CA 93256
  • Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Point Arena CA 95468
  • Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Lake Elsinore CA 92530
  • Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Lemon Cove CA 93244
  • Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Montebello CA 90640
  •  

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 494

    Family Radiology
    5 Reviews
    Phone:
    3440 Lomita Blvd, Ste 151, Torrance, CA 90505
    MRI Centers
    33 Reviews
    Phone:
    23441MADISON St, Bldg 8, Ste 100, Torrance, CA 90505
    Mink Radiologic Imaging
    52 Reviews
    Phone:
    13160 Mindanao Way, Ste 175, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
    Del Amo Diagnostic Center
    16 Reviews
    Phone:
    3531 Fashion Way, Torrance, CA 90503
    Torrance Radiology Medical Group
    1 Reviews
    Phone:
    3330 Lomita Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
    Brookshire Radiology
    4 Reviews
    Phone:
    11411 Brookshire Ave, Ste 101, Downey, CA 90241
    David Wu, MD
    50 Reviews
    Phone:
    1408 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance, CA 90501
    UCLA Health Radiology Manhattan Beach
    27 Reviews
    Phone:
    2200 N. Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
    Providence Women's Imaging Center
    8 Reviews
    Phone:
    20929 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503
    Wellnessmart MD
    23 Reviews
    Phone:
    17356 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90504