Tag Archives: Schools for X Ray Techs San Leandro CA 94577

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near San Leandro CA 94577

How to Find a Radiologic Technician Degree Program near San Leandro California

San Leandro CA x-ray tech internship programCongrats regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near San Leandro CA in order to learn to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have decided to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle selecting the right college and program so that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And because the majority of states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you may need training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you research each of the schools you are considering so that you can compare each program. A number of potential students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and usually settle on the most affordable cost. But while expense and location need to be considered, there are other critical qualifications as well. For example, you should find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the schools you are evaluating are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and education options that are offered.

X-Ray Technician Career Description

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, each has the identical principal job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some elect to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for example mammography. They can practice in San Leandro CA clinics, hospitals, private 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 maintain their equipment and regularly evaluate its performance and safety. They are also expected to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As San Leandro CA health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Technician Degrees

x-ray machine in San Leandro CAThe basic prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech school is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. 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 complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to finish and is more comprehensive in nature. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be appropriate also. One thing to keep in mind is that San Leandro CA radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can typically be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which many schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any certification or licensing mandates in California or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, based on the state where you will be practicing you might have to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria differ so contact your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but many approve additional options for testing also. Several states also require certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is optional. However, many San Leandro CA employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it could improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technician Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in San Leandro 94577As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree schools. So while you can still obtain your online degree, a large portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is usually performed in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online segment of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your San Leandro CA home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online style of learning is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are often less expensive than traditional alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be decreased as well. But just make certain that the online program you choose 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 right choice for you.

What to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges

Once you have selected the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can start the process of searching for and assessing San Leandro CA x-ray technician schools. You will also have to determine if you want to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the college will be critical. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be an important factor also. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you consider when reviewing schools? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details prior to making your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are reviewing.

Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? The majority of radiology technician colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still crucial to confirm that the school and program 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 obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive examination of their instructors and educational materials. If the program is online it can 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. In addition to guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous San Leandro CA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out if the California xray tech programs you are interested in have partnerships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great manner to get hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help graduates and students establish professional relationships in the San Leandro CA healthcare community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with San Leandro CA healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the school they pick will have to be within driving distance of their San Leandro CA home. Those who have chosen to attend classes online obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. One thing to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the San Leandro CA schools you are reviewing what the average 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 an opportunity to converse with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the radiographer  school you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in San Leandro CA, verify that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Become an Xray Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you could be asked. Among the questions that interviewers frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not only the private reasons you may have for becoming an Xray technician, but additionally what qualities and talents you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, in addition to a significant number of routine interview questions, so you should prepare some ideas about how you want to answer them. Because there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the talents you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down several ideas and anecdotes that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Enroll in the Right X-Ray Tech College near San Leandro CA

Choosing the appropriate x-ray tech college is an important first step toward initiating a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs often stand for the greater part of the day and move and in some cases lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to 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 productive work environment and furnish the best available care to patients. As has been addressed in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are assessing before making your final selection. This is just as true whether you enroll in an online program or drive to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each program so you can narrow down your options and make your decision. And with the appropriate education and your commitment to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in San Leandro CA.

Some Background on San Leandro California

San Leandro, California

San Leandro is a large suburban town in Alameda County, California, United States. It is located on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay, between Oakland to the northwest and Hayward to the southeast.

The first inhabitants of the geographic region which would eventually become San Leandro were the ancestors of the Ohlone people, who arrived sometime between 3500 and 2500 BC.

The Spanish settlers called these natives Costeños or "coast people" and the English-speaking settlers called them Costanoans. San Leandro was first visited by Europeans on March 20, 1772 by Spanish soldier Captain Pedro Fages and the Spanish Catholic priest Father Crespi.

San Leandro is located on the Rancho San Leandro and Rancho San Antonio Mexican land grants. Both were located along El Camino Viejo, modern 14th Street / State Route 185.

 

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