How to Choose an X-Ray Tech College near Canoga Park California
Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Canoga Park CA so you can train to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have made a decision to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you undertake picking the ideal college and program to ensure that you will get the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And because most states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you might require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you research each of the schools you are looking at in order to compare each program. A number of students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and usually gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while location and cost must be taken into consideration, there are additional significant qualifiers also. For instance, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are evaluating are provided later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and training options that are offered.
X-Ray Technician Job Description
There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, each has the same major job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many elect to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, such as mammography. They can practice in Canoga Park 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 have to maintain their equipment and also frequently assess its functionality and safety. They are also required to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Canoga Park CA medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
X-Ray Technician Degrees Available
The standard requirement for attending an x-ray tech college is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, usually takes 18 months to two years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to complete and is more comprehensive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be acceptable as well. One thing to bear in mind is that Canoga Park CA radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which a large number of colleges 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 requirements in California or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification
When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, based on the state where you will be practicing you might need to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites vary so check with your state. At present, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many offer other options for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is optional. Having said that, numerous Canoga Park CA employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it may enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Technician Schools
As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree programs. So although you can still obtain your online degree, a substantial portion of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical 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 may be accessed in the privacy of your Canoga Park CA residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree often discover that the online style of learning is much more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are often less expensive than conventional options. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be reduced also. But just be 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 structured type of training, then online classes may be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges
After you have chosen the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of locating and assessing Canoga Park CA x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the college will be critical. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a material variable also. But along with location and cost, what else should you look at when reviewing schools? Well, you need to check out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details before you make your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are assessing.
Are the Radiology Tech Programs Accredited? A large number of radiology tech colleges have received some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still crucial to confirm that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting agencies 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 review of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Canoga Park CA employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level jobs.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask if the California radiology technician colleges you are interested in have partnerships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great manner to obtain practical experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Canoga Park CA healthcare community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? 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 reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Canoga Park CA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the school they select will have to be within travelling distance of their Canoga Park CA residence. Those who have opted to attend online classes 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 consider is that if you decide 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 often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
What are the Class Sizes ? 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 probably prefer a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Canoga Park CA colleges you are considering what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program also.
Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the x-ray tech school you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Canoga Park CA, make sure that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative 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 might miss due to illness, work or family obligations.
Why Did You Decide to Become a Radiology Technician?
When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to review questions you could be asked. Among the things that recruiters frequently ask radiographer prospects is "What compelled you to pick radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not merely the private reasons you might have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but also what qualities and talents you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, as well as a certain number of routine interview questions, so you must organize some approaches about how you would like to answer them. Since there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the abilities you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down a few concepts and talking points that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.Select the Ideal Radiology Technician School near Canoga Park CA
Enrolling in the right radiology technician college is an important first step toward launching a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the majority of the workday and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best available patient care. As has been discussed in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are reviewing before making your ultimate selection. This is similarly true whether you opt for an online school or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each program so you can narrow down your options before making your final choice. And with the right education and your motivation to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiographer in Canoga Park CA.
Some Background on Canoga Park California
Canoga Park, Los Angeles
Canoga Park is a neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles, California, United States. Its 60,000+ residents are considered to be "highly diverse" ethnically. Before the Mexican–American War, the district was part of a rancho, and after the American victory it was converted into wheat farms and then subdivided, with part of it named Owensmouth as a town founded in 1912. It joined Los Angeles in 1917 and was renamed Canoga Park on March 1, 1931, thanks to the efforts of local civic leader Mary Logan Orcutt.
The area of present-day Canoga Park was the homeland of Native Americans in the Tongva-Fernandeño and Chumash-Venturaño tribes, that lived in the Simi Hills and along to the tributaries of the Los Angeles River. They traded with the north Valley Tataviam-Fernandeño people. Native American civilizations inhabited the Valley for an estimated 8,000 years.[1][2] Their culture left the Burro Flats Painted Cave nearby.[3]
From 1797 to 1846 the area was part of Mission San Fernando Rey de España (Mission San Fernando). After the Mexican War of Independence from Spain the 'future Canoga Park' land became part of Rancho Ex-Mission San Fernando. In 1845, a land grant for the separate and historically rich Rancho El Escorpión was issued by Governor Pío Pico to three Chumash people, Odón Eusebia, his brother-in-law Urbano, and Urbano's son Mañuel.[4][5][6] It was located in the area west of Fallbrook Avenue and later called Platt Ranch.[7][8]
In 1863 the syndicate San Fernando Homestead Association led by Isaac Lankershim and Isaac Van Nuys purchased the southern half of the historic San Fernando Valley. They established seven wheat ranch operations and were the first to ship wheat to Europe from California. In 1869 Alfred Workman acquired the westernmost ranch, a 13,000 acres (50 km2) wheat farm in future Canoga Park (for more: See Landmarks section below).[9] Eucalyptus trees were introduced into the San Fernando Valley by Albert Workman, who imported seedlings from his native Australia and planted them on the Workman Ranch. In time, they spread though the Canoga Park area ranches, farms and beyond. It has been said that these trees are the parents of all eucalyptus trees in Southern California.[10][11]
In 1909 the Suburban Homes Company, a syndicate led by H. J. Whitley, general manager of the Board of Control, along with Harry Chandler, H. G. Otis, M. H. Sherman and O. F. Brandt purchased 48,000 acres of the Farming and Milling Company for $2,500,000. [12]Henry E. Huntington, extended his Pacific Electric Railway (Red Cars) through the Valley to Owensmouth (now Canoga Park). The Suburban Home Company laid out plans for roads and the towns of Van Nuys, Reseda (Marian) and Canoga Park (Owensmouth). The rural areas were annexed into the city of Los Angeles in 1915.[13][14]
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