Tag Archives: Schools for Radiologic Technologists South Pasadena CA 91030

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near South Pasadena CA 91030

How to Pick a Radiologic Technician Degree Program near South Pasadena California

South Pasadena CA x-ray tech internship programCongrats on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near South Pasadena CA so you can learn to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have made a decision to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about selecting the ideal college and program so that you will get the proper training to become a skilled professional? And because most states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you might need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you assess each of the schools you are considering in order to compare each program. Many students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and often gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while location and cost need to be considered, there are other significant qualifiers as well. For example, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are reviewing are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology technician does and the degrees and education choices that are offered.

Radiology Technician Job Summary

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, they all have the identical fundamental job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, such as mammography. They may practice in South Pasadena CA hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech may 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 maintain their equipment plus regularly assess its functionality and safety. They are also required to retain complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As South Pasadena CA health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Technician Degrees Available

x-ray machine in South Pasadena CAThe basic requirement for attending an x-ray tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, generally takes 18 months to two years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to complete and is more comprehensive in nature. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are acceptable also. Something to bear in mind is that South Pasadena CA radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may typically be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any licensing or certification mandates in California or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, based on the state where you will be employed you may need to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but a number approve other options for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, many South Pasadena CA employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it may enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Tech Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in South Pasadena 91030As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree programs. So while you can still obtain your degree online, a considerable amount of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is usually carried out in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your South Pasadena CA home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually discover that the online style of education is much more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are often more affordable than on-campus alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials may be decreased also. But just make certain that the online college you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online degree may be the best option for you.

Questions to Ask X Ray Tech Schools

After you have decided on the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of searching for and evaluating South Pasadena CA x-ray technician schools. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be an important variable as well. But along with cost and location, what else should you look at when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these crucial details before you make your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are considering.

Are the X-Ray Tech Programs Accredited? Most radiology tech colleges have earned some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to make sure that the program and school 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 obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive evaluation of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets 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 help in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of South Pasadena CA employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level jobs.

Are Internships Sponsored? Inquire if the California xray technician programs you are reviewing have partnerships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent means to get hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist students and graduates develop professional connections in the South Pasadena CA medical community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the radiographer schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with South Pasadena CA healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the school they choose will have to be within travelling distance of their South Pasadena CA residence. Individuals who have decided to attend online classes obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. One thing to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often 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.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit far in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the South Pasadena CA schools you are looking at what the typical student to teacher 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 some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program as well.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify 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 attending classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in South Pasadena CA, check that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Become an Xray Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you may be asked. Among the questions that recruiters often ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not merely the private reasons you might have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what characteristics and abilities you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, along with a certain number of standard interview questions, so you need to prepare some ideas about how you want to respond to them. Considering there are several factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the strengths you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but write down several ideas and talking points that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can help you to develop your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.

Pick the Best X-Ray Technician School near South Pasadena CA

Picking the right x-ray technician school is an important first step toward beginning a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the majority of the workday and move and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. As we have discussed in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are looking at before making your final decision. This is just as true whether you participate in an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each program so you can focus your choices before making your decision. And with the proper education and your commitment to be successful, you can achieve your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in South Pasadena CA.

Some Background on South Pasadena California

South Pasadena, California

South Pasadena is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 25,619, up from 24,292 at the 2000 census. It is located in the West San Gabriel Valley. It is 3.42 square miles in area and lies between the much larger city of Pasadena, of which it was once a part, and the metropolis of Los Angeles.[11] South Pasadena is the oldest self-builder of floats in the historic Tournament of Roses Parade.[12]

The original inhabitants of South Pasadena and surrounding areas were members of the Native American Hahamog-na tribe, a branch of the Tongva Nation (part of the Shoshone language group) that occupied the Los Angeles Basin. The Tongva name for the area that covers modern day South Pasadena and much of Alhambra was Vaytsuung'xuilhoor pronounced /ʋaitsyŋ sʐuilχøɛr/. Tongva dwellings lined the Arroyo Seco (Los Angeles County) in South Pasadena and south to where it joins the Los Angeles River and along other natural waterways in the city. They lived in thatched, dome-shape lodges characteristic for their use of carved wood decorations in the Nava style. For food, they lived on a diet of corn meal, seeds and herbs, venison, berries, fruits and other small animals. They traded for ocean fish with the coastal Tongva on a daily basis. They made cooking vessels from steatite soapstone from Catalina Island. South Pasadena also has a strong claim to having the oldest and most historic sites in the San Gabriel Valley. For many centuries, its adjacency to a natural fording place along the Arroyo Seco had served as a gateway to travel and commerce for aboriginal peoples here and along the coast. It was here that Hahamognas greeted Portola and the missionaries who later established the San Gabriel Mission a few miles to the east.[13]

The initial buildings on the Rancho San Pascual were built on the land which eventually became the cities of Pasadena, South Pasadena and Altadena. The first of these adobe structures became headquarters for General Flores and his staff in 1847 where they agreed to surrender to American forces, ending Mexican Colonial rule in California. In 1875, the landowners of the area encompassing present-day Pasadena and South Pasadena voted to rename their association, Pasadena.

South Pasadena's first mayor was Donald McIntyre Graham.[14] In February 1888, members of the southern portion of Pasadena attempted to gain more control over their own property and a vote for incorporation was made. In 1888, South Pasadena incorporated the southern portion of the Indiana Colony and land south and eastward to the Los Angeles border. Few Tongva had received any land.[15][16] On 2 March 1888, the city of South Pasadena was incorporated with a population slightly over 500 residents, becoming the sixth municipality in Los Angeles County. It was chartered with roughly the same area as the current South Pasadena, about 3.42 square miles (8.9 square kilometers). With completion of the Pacific Electric Short Line, putting the entire city within easy walking distance of the “red car” stations, South Pasadena also became one of the first suburbs of Los Angeles.[citation needed]

 

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