Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Dos Palos CA 93620 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose an Xray Technician Program near Dos Palos California

Dos Palos CA x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Dos Palos CA so you can become a radiologic technologist. But now that you have decided to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you undertake selecting the right college and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And because the majority of states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you may require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the schools you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. A number of prospective students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location should be taken into consideration, there are other critical qualifiers as well. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are examining are provided later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and training choices that are available.

Radiology Technician Career Description

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, they all have the identical fundamental job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many elect to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for instance mammography. They can practice in Dos Palos CA hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician 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 and also frequently assess its performance and safety. They are additionally required to retain complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Dos Palos CA medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Dos Palos CA The standard prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, generally takes 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to complete and is more expansive in scope. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are acceptable as well. One thing to bear in mind is that Dos Palos CA radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can frequently be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification mandates in California or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, based on the state where you will be employed you may need to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their requirements vary so check with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but many provide additional alternatives for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, many Dos Palos CA employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it may improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technician Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Dos Palos 93620 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical 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 significant amount of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is usually performed in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Dos Palos CA home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree often find that the online approach to learning is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are often less expensive than conventional alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, costs for study materials and commuting can be decreased as well. But just confirm that the online college you choose is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then online classes may be the ideal option for you.

Points to Ask Radiographer Programs

When you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of locating and evaluating Dos Palos CA x-ray tech schools. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a determining factor also. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you factor in when reviewing colleges? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details prior to making your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? The majority of radiology tech schools have received some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still important to confirm that the school and program 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 receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed examination of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also help in securing financial aid and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Dos Palos CA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry-level positions.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Inquire if the California radiology technician programs you are interested in have relationships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific means to obtain hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Dos Palos CA healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the radiographer programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Dos Palos CA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the school they choose will have to be within driving distance of their Dos Palos CA home. Those who have chosen to attend classes online obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. Something to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually 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.

What Size 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 probably prefer a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Dos Palos CA colleges you are reviewing what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to converse with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program also.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the radiographer program you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Dos Palos CA, make sure that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. 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 Choose to Become an Xray Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to consider questions you may be asked. One of the questions that interviewers often ask radiographer applicants is "What made you decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not just the private reasons you may have for being an Xray technician, but also what characteristics and talents you possess that make you outstanding at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, as well as a certain number of general interview questions, so you should prepare some strategies about how you would like to answer them. Since there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the abilities you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down a few ideas and topics that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can help you to prepare your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.

Pick the Ideal Radiology Tech Program near Dos Palos CA

Picking the best x-ray technician school is a critical first step toward starting a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the majority of the working day and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best possible care to patients. As has been discussed in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each college you are considering prior to making your final 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 narrow down your options before making your decision. And with the right education and your dedication to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Dos Palos CA.

Some Background on Dos Palos California

Dos Palos, California

Dos Palos (formerly, Colony Center)[6] is a city in Merced County, California, United States. Dos Palos is located 23 miles (37 km) south-southwest of Merced,[6] at an elevation of 118 feet (36 m).[3] The population was 4,950 at the 2010 census, up from 4,581 at the 2000 census.

Dos Palos is located at 36°59′N 120°38′W / 36.983°N 120.633°W / 36.983; -120.633.[3]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP covers an area of 1.35 square miles (3.5 km2), all of it land.

In one of his expeditions (1820's) along the westside of the San Joaquin Valley, explorer Gabriel Moraga reported the location of two large isolated poplar trees, which he called "Dos Palos." In 19th Century Spanish usage, "palos" was used to describe tall pole-like trees or "timbers".[7] 21st century usage often translates it as "sticks." The "Rancho Sanjon de Santa Rita" Mexican Land Grant cites "Los Dos Palos" or "The Two Trees" as a boundary marker. In 1891, former school superintendent Bernhard Marks convinced cattle ranch king Henry Miller to develop a small town nearby. They gave it the name "Dos Palos Colony" but pronounced it with their Alsatian German accent as "Dahce Palace." This pronunciation remained for over one hundred years until a recent Spanish pronunciation revival. Marks brought forty pioneer families west from Iowa and Nebraska to establish the community. In 1892, unable to find good water, many of the settlers left. Marks convinced Miller to establish another town two miles away on land unsuitable for farming and ranching due to swamps and unsettling soils. Some of the settlers relocated. This new town was named Colony Center, California. In 1906, Dos Palos Colony was renamed South Dos Palos and Colony Center was renamed Dos Palos. The Post Office was briefly misspelled as one word, "Dospalos" but this was changed within a year. About a dozen of the colony's original families still reside locally. Through the years, people from many other locations joined the community.[8] Dos Palos incorporated in 1935.[6]

On 1 January 2008 6.52 square miles (16.89 km2) surrounding the community of Dos Palos were transferred from Fresno County to Merced County.