How to Pick an Xray Technician Degree Program near Big Pine California
Best wishes on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Big Pine CA so you can learn to be a radiology technician. And now that you have decided to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you go about selecting the ideal college and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And since most states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you may need training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering in order to compare each program. Most students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and usually gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location need to be considered, there are additional important qualifiers also. For example, you must ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are examining are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray tech does and the degrees and education options that are offered.
X-Ray Technician Career Summary
There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the same primary job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many elect to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for example mammography. They may practice in Big Pine CA hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician might work with include:
- Traditional and specialized X-Rays
- Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Sonography or ultrasound
- Fluoroscopy
Radiographers must take care of their equipment and routinely assess its functionality and safety. They are also required to retain in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Big Pine CA medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
Radiology Tech Degrees Offered
The standard requirement for attending a radiology tech college is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, usually requires 18 months to two years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to complete and is more comprehensive in nature. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be acceptable as well. One thing to consider is that Big Pine CA radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may frequently be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which many colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification mandates in California or the state you will be working as applicable.
X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification
After you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, based on the state where you will be practicing you may have to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but several provide other alternatives for testing as well. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, many Big Pine CA employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it may increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Technician Programs
As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree programs. So even though you can still obtain your online degree, a substantial portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is often conducted 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 privacy of your Big Pine CA home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree often find that the online approach to education is far more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online programs are frequently less costly than on-campus alternatives. Along with lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials can be decreased as well. But just confirm that the online college you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online school may be the best choice for you.
Topics to Ask Radiology Tech Schools
When you have selected the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of looking for and evaluating Big Pine CA x-ray tech schools. You will also need to decide if you want to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be important. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be an important variable as well. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you factor in when evaluating colleges? Well, you should ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these important details before you make your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are assessing.
Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? Most xray technician colleges have acquired some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still important 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 earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive examination of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial aid and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Big Pine CA employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level openings.
Are Internship Programs Offered? Ask if the California xray tech schools you are assessing have associations with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great means to receive practical experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist graduates and students form professional relationships in the Big Pine CA healthcare community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Big Pine CA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Program Located? For many students, the school they select will have to be within travelling distance of their Big Pine CA home. Students who have chosen to attend online classes obviously 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 consider is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might 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 to those students that live outside of their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit far in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Big Pine CA colleges you are considering what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with some of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.
Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the radiographer program you ultimately select can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Big Pine CA, check that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Why Did You Choose to Become an X-Ray Tech?
When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's advantageous to consider questions you may be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers often ask radiographer candidates is "What made you choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not only the personal reasons you may have for being an X-Ray tech, but additionally what characteristics and talents you possess that make you good at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, in addition to a certain number of typical interview questions, so you should prepare several ideas about how you would like to address them. Because there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the strengths you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but jot down some concepts and anecdotes that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can assist you to develop your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.Select the Ideal Radiology Tech School near Big Pine CA
Choosing the ideal x-ray technician school is a crucial first step toward initiating a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs often stand for the greater part of the workday and move and at times lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best available care to patients. As we have covered in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are assessing prior to making your ultimate decision. This is equally true whether you decide on an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each school so you can focus your options and make your decision. And with the right education and your motivation to be successful, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiology tech in Big Pine CA.
Some Background on Big Pine California
Big Pine, California
Big Pine (formerly, Bigpine)[4] is a census-designated place (CDP) in Inyo County, California, United States. Big Pine is located approximately 15 miles (24 km) south-southeast of Bishop,[4] at an elevation of 3,989 feet (1,216 m).[2] The population was 1,756 at the 2010 census, up from 1,350 at the 2000 census. The Big Pine Band of Owens Valley Paiute Shoshone Indians of the Big Pine Reservation operates their tribal headquarters from here.
Big Pine is located in the Owens Valley of California between the Sierra Nevada and the White Mountains, just west of the Owens River upstream of its diversion into the Los Angeles Aqueduct. It lies on U.S. Route 395, the main north-south artery through the Owens Valley, connecting the Inland Empire to Reno, Nevada. US 395 also connects Big Pine to Los Angeles via State Route 14 through Palmdale.
To the East, CA route 168 crosses the White Mountains over Westgard Pass to the basin and range province of Nevada, while Death Valley Road leads to Death Valley. The plaque beneath the young giant sequoia (pictured) at the road junction says it was planted in 1913 to commemorate the opening of Westgaard Pass to auto traffic. North from Westgaard Pass lies the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, home to the oldest trees in the world.
To the West, Glacier Lodge Road leads high up Big Pine Creek into the Sierra, to lakes, hiking trails, fishing, and rock climbing underneath the Palisades Range and the Palisade Glacier.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 3.0 square miles (7.8 km2), over 99% of it land.
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