Tag Archives: Schools with Radiology Technician Programs Shasta Lake CA 96019

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Shasta Lake CA 96019

How to Pick a Radiology Tech College near Shasta Lake California

Shasta Lake CA x-ray tech internship programCongratulations on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Shasta Lake CA so you can learn to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have decided to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you tackle selecting the ideal college and program to ensure that you will receive the proper training to become a qualified professional? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you might require preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering in order to compare each program. A number of potential students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and often settle on the lowest cost. But while expense and location must be taken into account, there are other critical qualifiers as well. For example, you should find out whether or not 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 radiologic technician does and the credentials and training choices that are offered.

X-Ray Technician Job Summary

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, each has the same principal 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 opt to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, such as mammography. They can work in Shasta Lake CA hospitals, clinics, private 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 must care for their equipment plus routinely analyze its functionality and safety. They are additionally required to keep in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Shasta Lake CA medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degree Options

x-ray machine in Shasta Lake CAThe standard prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech program is to have received a high school diploma or GED. 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 takes 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to complete and is more expansive in nature. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable also. One thing to bear in mind is that Shasta Lake CA radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may typically be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which many schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once you have graduated from one 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

Once you have graduated from an Radiologist school, depending on the state where you will be practicing you may have to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their criteria 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 offer other options for testing also. Several states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. However, many Shasta Lake CA employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it could 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 exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technician Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Shasta Lake 96019As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree colleges. So while you can still obtain your online degree, a considerable portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is often carried out in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online segment of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Shasta Lake CA home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree often discover that the online style of learning is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are generally less expensive than conventional options. Along with lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials may be lessened also. But just be sure that the online school you choose is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online degree may be the best choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiology Tech Programs

As soon as you have selected the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the process of looking for and evaluating Shasta Lake CA x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the school will be important. The price of tuition and secondary expenses will be an important factor as well. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you consider when comparing colleges? Well, you should find out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details before you make your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? Most radiology tech schools have earned some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still imperative to make sure that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous review of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it might 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. Besides guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Shasta Lake CA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level openings.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Inquire if the California radiology tech schools you are interested in have associations with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great manner to obtain hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist students and graduates form professional relationships in the Shasta Lake CA medical community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the radiographer programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Shasta Lake CA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the school they pick will have to be within travelling distance of their Shasta Lake CA home. Those who have opted to attend classes online naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. Something to bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit way in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Shasta Lake CA schools you are researching what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program also.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the x-ray tech  college you finally select can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Shasta Lake 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, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Be a Radiology Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to consider questions you may be asked. Among the questions that interviewers frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What made you decide on radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not merely the personal reasons you may have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what qualities and skills you possess that make you good at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, along with a significant number of general interview questions, so you must ready some strategies about how you would like to respond to them. Because there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the talents you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the ideal candidate for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but write down several ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can help you to develop your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.

Choose the Ideal Radiology Tech School near Shasta Lake CA

Selecting the best x-ray tech school is a critical first step toward beginning a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs often stand for the majority of the day and move and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must 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 need to ask each program you are looking at before making your ultimate decision. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each college so you can narrow down your options and make your final choice. And with the right training and your motivation to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Shasta Lake CA.

Some Background on Shasta Lake California

Shasta Lake, California

The City of Shasta Lake (prior to incorporation it was known as Central Valley or CV) is a city in Shasta County, California, United States. It is the closest settlement to Shasta Dam and Shasta Lake reservoir, which are popular tourist destinations. The population was 10,164 at the 2010 census, up from 9,008 at the 2000 census.

Shasta Lake started out as five small communities named Central Valley, Toyon, Project City, Pine Grove, and Summit City, all of which came about with the beginning of construction of Shasta Dam in 1938.[4] Project City was built at the intersection of Highway 99 and Shasta Dam Boulevard, a larger Central Valley at a midpoint on Shasta Dam Blvd., Summit City at the intersection of Shasta Dam Blvd. and Lake Blvd., and Pine Grove at what today is the intersection of I-5 and Pine Grove Ave.

The Bureau of Reclamation built the town of Toyon, first called Government Camp. Toyon was the premier community, built on 41 acres (17 hectares) of what was once the Seaman Ranch. By 1950 Toyon had two tennis courts, an outdoor basketball court, a Community Center, green lawns, concrete side walks, commercial water and power from Shasta Dam, its own sewage treatment plant, and its own landfill. Initially, Toyon also had two large dormitories for bachelor employees. All the residents of Toyon worked for the US Bureau of Reclamation. Bureau headquarters office and maintenance facilities were located on Kenneth Ave, parallel to Shasta Dam Blvd.

All bureau employees were forced to vacate Toyon by the end of 1964 when the facility was turned over to the Job Corps as a work camp as a part of President Lyndon Johnson's Great Society. The Job Corps supervision ended in 1972. Toyon was subsequently occupied by local Native American's who hoped to stake claim and have Toyon recognized as tribal lands; this did not occur. Water and electric power were turned off after the Native Americans failed to pay a $28,000 utility bill. Conflicts between law enforcement and the occupying Native Americans continued, and a large number of the homes burned to the ground. The historic Seaman Ranch Community House and the large USBR headquarters building also burned to the ground in this era. Today, one metal storage building and the flagpole are the only remaining structures other than overgrown streets and sidewalks. The site is fenced off from Shasta Dam Blvd.

The workers at Shasta Dam built these communities because land was cheap and most families needed a low cost home while working on the dam. Later on, Central Valley became the commercial hub of workers on Shasta Dam. Initially there was no water supply for these new communities, and attempts at digging wells produced very limited water supplies.

 

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