How to Pick an Xray Technician Program near Bell Gardens California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Bell Gardens CA so you can learn to be a radiology technician. But now that you have decided to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about picking the ideal school and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And considering that the majority of states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you may need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering in order to evaluate each program. Many students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location must be taken into consideration, there are other critical qualifications as well. For instance, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are reviewing are provided later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray tech does and the degrees and education options that are available.
X-Ray Technician Work Description
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. No matter what the name, each has the same major job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for example mammography. They can work in Bell Gardens CA clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist might 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 also regularly analyze its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to retain complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Bell Gardens CA medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
Radiology Tech Degree Options
The basic requirement for attending a radiology tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, generally requires 18 months to two years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to finish and is more comprehensive in scope. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be appropriate also. Something to consider is that Bell Gardens CA radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may often be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing requirements in California or the state you will be working as applicable.
Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing
After you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, depending on the state where you will be practicing you may need to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria vary so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but several accept additional options for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, many Bell Gardens CA employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Technician Colleges
As 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 earn your online degree, a significant amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is usually provided in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Bell Gardens CA residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree often discover that the online approach to learning is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online schools are generally cheaper than on-campus options. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be decreased also. But just make sure that the online program you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online degree may be the best option for you.
Subjects to Ask Radiology Tech Schools
As soon as you have selected the type of degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of finding and evaluating Bell Gardens CA x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to decide if you want to attend online classes or travel to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the college will be critical. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a determining factor also. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you look at when comparing schools? Well, you should ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details prior to making your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are assessing.
Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? Most xray tech schools have received some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still imperative to verify that the program and school are accredited. One of 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 undergone an extensive review of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Bell Gardens CA employers will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry-level openings.
Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask if the California xray technician schools you are reviewing have partnerships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific manner to get practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help students and graduates form professional relationships in the Bell Gardens CA medical community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first 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. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Bell Gardens CA healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the college they select will need to be within commuting distance of their Bell Gardens CA residence. Individuals who have chosen to attend online classes naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to bear 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 might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit far in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Bell Gardens CA schools you are reviewing what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program as well.
Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the x-ray tech school you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Bell Gardens CA, verify that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check 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 might miss due to work, illness or family obligations.
Why Did You Choose to Become a Radiology Technician?
When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to reflect on questions you could be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers often ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not just the personal reasons you might have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what characteristics and skills you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, as well as a certain number of general interview questions, so you must ready a number of ideas about how you would like to address them. Since there are several factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to 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 attempt to memorize a response, but take down a few concepts and talking points that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.Pick the Right Radiology Technician Program near Bell Gardens CA
Choosing the appropriate x-ray tech degree program is a crucial first step toward beginning a satisfying new career providing 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 day and position and at times lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines designed 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. Having interpersonal 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 article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are considering 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 school so you can narrow down your options and make your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your commitment to be successful, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiographer in Bell Gardens CA.
Some Background on Bell Gardens California
Bell Gardens, California
Bell Gardens is a city in Los Angeles County, California. The population was 42,072 at the 2010 census, down from 44,054 at the 2000 census.
Bell Gardens is notable for being one of only six Los Angeles County cities (out of 88 total) to permit casino gambling (the others being Inglewood, Gardena, Commerce, Compton, and Hawaiian Gardens). Dice games and slot machines are forbidden by state law.
The city of Bell Gardens has a Native American history dating back thousands of years. In the late 18th century, when the area was associated with a large amount of land situated along the lower basin of the Rio Hondo area in Los Angeles County, Bell Gardens was once a bustling agricultural center for Californios during the Spanish Empire, 1509–1823, the Mexican government, 1823–1848, and the United States, after the Mexican-American war concluded in 1848.
Among those early Spanish settlers was one of California’s first families, the Lugos. While stationed at Mission San Antonio de Padua near Salinas, California, Francisco Lugo’s son Antonio Maria Lugo was born in 1783. In 1810 Antonio Lugo, a 35-year-old corporal in the Spanish army, was given the 29,514-acre (119.44 km2) Rancho San Antonio land grant. The land grant was a reward for his military service during the establishment of the Franciscan Missions in California while being the attendant of colonization for the area. Today the grant includes the cities of Bell Gardens, Bell, Maywood, Vernon, Huntington Park, Walnut Park, Cudahy, South Gate, Lynwood and Commerce.
Antonio Lugo built several adobe homes within the boundaries of the Rancho San Antonio grant, and raised cattle. One of the adobe houses, built in 1795, is the oldest house in Los Angeles County and is still standing at 7000 Gage Avenue. Lugo was given a term as Mayor of Los Angeles. According to Dr. Roy Whitehead in his book Lugo, "Don Antonio Maria Lugo…rode around Los Angeles and his Rancho San Antonio in great splendor. He never adopted American dress, culture or language and still spoke only Spanish. He rode magnificent horses, sitting in his $1,500 silver trimmed saddle erect and stately, with his sword strapped to the saddle beneath his left leg…People knew him far and wide, and even the Indians sometimes named their children after him, as he was one Spanish Don that they admired." Antonio María Lugo died at the age of 85 in 1860.
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