How to Choose an X-Ray Tech School near Bakersfield California
Congratulations regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Bakersfield CA in order to learn to be a radiology technician. But now that you have decided to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you undertake choosing the ideal college and program so that you will receive the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And since most states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you might require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering in order to evaluate each program. A number of prospective students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and frequently settle on the lowest cost. But while cost and location should be considered, there are other important qualifications as well. For example, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the colleges you are considering are provided later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology tech does and the credentials and education options that are offered.
Radiology Technician Work Summary
There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have the same major job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many choose to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They may work in Bakersfield CA clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist 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 regularly analyze its functionality and safety. They are also required to keep detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Bakersfield CA health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
Radiology Tech Degree Options
The basic prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech college is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, generally takes 18 months to two years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to complete and is more extensive in nature. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be appropriate also. Something to keep in mind is that Bakersfield CA radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can typically be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which many colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in their region. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing requirements in California or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
Radiographer Certification and Licensing
Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, depending on the state where you will be practicing you may have to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their requirements differ so contact your state. Currently, 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 additional options for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. However, numerous Bakersfield CA employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online Radiology Technologist Classes
As a part 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 colleges. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a considerable portion of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is usually carried out in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online portion of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Bakersfield CA residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online approach to learning is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are frequently more affordable than traditional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting can be reduced also. But just be sure that the online school you select is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then online classes may be the right choice for you.
Points to Ask Radiographer Colleges
When you have chosen the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of looking for and assessing Bakersfield CA x-ray technician schools. You will also need to determine if you want to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the college will be important. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenses will be an important variable also. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you consider when reviewing schools? Well, you should find out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are assessing.
Are the Radiology Technician Schools Accredited? The majority of xray tech colleges have earned some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still imperative to make sure that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly respected 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 a rigorous assessment of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also help in securing financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Bakersfield CA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level openings.
Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out if the California xray technician colleges you are assessing have relationships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent manner to get hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Bakersfield CA healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the radiographer schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Bakersfield CA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the college they pick will need to be within travelling distance of their Bakersfield CA home. Students who have decided to attend classes online naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. One thing to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that likes to sit far in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Bakersfield CA colleges you are considering what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program as well.
Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the radiographer program you finally pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you decide to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Bakersfield CA, make certain that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Why Did You Decide to Be an X-Ray Tech?
When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to review questions you could be asked. Among the questions that recruiters frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What made you select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not just the personal reasons you may have for being an Xray technician, but also what characteristics and abilities you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, in addition to a significant number of general interview questions, so you should organize several strategies about how you want to address them. Since there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you along with the talents you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but jot down a few ideas and topics that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.Select the Right X-Ray Tech Program near Bakersfield CA
Selecting the right radiology tech degree program is an important first step toward starting a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs frequently stand for the greater part of the working day and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing social skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best available patient care. As has been discussed in this report, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are considering before making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you decide on an online program or commute 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 proper training and your commitment to succeed, you can realize your goal to work as a radiology tech in Bakersfield CA.
Some Background on Bakersfield California
Bakersfield, California
Bakersfield is a city in and the county seat of Kern County, California, United States. It covers about 142 square miles (370 km2)[13] near the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley and the Central Valley region. Bakersfield's population is approximately 365,000,[14] making it the ninth-most populous city in California and the 52nd-most populous city in the nation. The Bakersfield–Delano Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Kern County, had a 2010 census population of 839,631, making it the 62nd largest metropolitan area in the United States.[15] The more built-up urban area that includes Bakersfield and areas immediately around the city, such as East Bakersfield, Oildale and Rosedale, has a population of approximately 464,000. Bakersfield is a charter city.
The city is a significant hub for both agriculture and oil production. Kern County is the most productive oil-producing county,[16] and the fourth most productive agricultural county (by value) in the United States.[17] Industries include natural gas and other energy extraction, aerospace, mining, petroleum refining, manufacturing, distribution, food processing, and corporate regional offices.[18] The city is also the birthplace of the country music genre known as the Bakersfield sound.
Archaeological evidence indicates the presence of Native American settlements dating back thousands of years.[19] The Yokuts lived in lodges[20] along the branches of the Kern River Delta and hunted antelope, tule elk, deer, bear, fish, and game birds. In 1776, Spanish missionary Father Francisco Garcés became the first European to explore the area. Owing to the remoteness and inaccessibility of the region, however, the Yokuts remained largely isolated until after the Mexican War of Independence, when Mexican settlers began to migrate to the area. Following the discovery of gold in California in 1848, settlers flooded into the San Joaquin Valley. In 1851, gold was discovered along the Kern River in the southern Sierra Nevada, and in 1865, oil was discovered in the valley.[21] The Bakersfield area, once a tule-reed-covered marshland, was first known as Kern Island to the handful of pioneers who built log cabins there in 1860. The area was subject to periodic flooding from the Kern River, which occupied what is now the downtown area, and experienced outbreaks of malaria.[22]
In 1862, disastrous floods swept away the original settlement founded in 1860 by the German-born Christian Bohna.[23] Among those attracted to the area by the California gold rush was Thomas Baker, a lawyer and former colonel in the militia of Ohio, his home state.[23][24] Baker moved to the banks of the Kern River in 1863,[23] at what became known as Baker's Field, which became a stopover for travelers.[25] By 1870, with a population of 600, what is now known as Bakersfield was becoming the principal town in Kern County.[23]
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