Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Fremont CA 94536 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose an X-Ray Technician College near Fremont California

Fremont CA x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Fremont CA so you can learn to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have made a decision to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about selecting the ideal school and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And since the majority of states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you may require preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you assess each of the colleges you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. Most potential students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and often gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location should be considered, there are other significant qualifiers also. For example, you should find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are reviewing are presented later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic technician does and the degrees and education choices that are offered.

Radiology Technician Work Summary

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, they all have the identical primary job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They may practice in Fremont CA clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech might utilize 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 also frequently analyze its functionality and safety. They are also required to retain complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Fremont CA health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degrees

x-ray machine in Fremont CA The standard prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, normally takes 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to complete and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are acceptable as well. One thing to consider is that Fremont CA radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may frequently be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which many schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their region. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing requirements in California or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiographer Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, based on the state where you will be employed you may have to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so check with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number offer other options for testing also. Several states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, numerous Fremont CA employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it may increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program as well as 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 ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technologist Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Fremont 94536 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree schools. So although you can still earn your online degree, a large portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is usually provided in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online section of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Fremont CA home. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically find that the online approach to education is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are often less expensive than conventional options. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be lessened as well. But just make certain that the online program you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online degree may be the best option for you.

Topics to Ask Radiology Tech Schools

As soon as you have selected the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of locating and evaluating Fremont CA x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or travel to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be important. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be an important factor also. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you factor in when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these important details prior to making your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are reviewing.

Are the Radiology Technician Colleges Accredited? The majority of xray technician schools have received some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to confirm that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed assessment of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial aid and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Fremont CA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level openings.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Inquire if the California xray technician schools you are evaluating have relationships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great way to obtain hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist students and graduates develop professional connections in the Fremont CA medical community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the radiographer programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Fremont CA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For many students, the school they decide on will have to be within commuting distance of their Fremont CA home. Individuals who have opted to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry 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 decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may need 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 type of person that likes to sit way in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Fremont CA colleges you are researching what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program as well.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the radiographer school you ultimately pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Fremont CA, make certain that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Want to Become an Xray Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to consider questions you might be asked. Among the things that hiring managers typically ask radiographer candidates is "What made you choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not just the personal reasons you might have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but also what qualities and abilities you have that make you good at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, in addition to a certain number of standard interview questions, so you must prepare some approaches about how you want to address them. Because there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the strengths you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but write down several ideas and anecdotes that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can help you to develop your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Select the Ideal Radiology Tech College near Fremont CA

Picking the right radiology technician degree program is a critical first step toward starting a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs often stand for the majority of the day and position and in some cases lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs 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 pleasant work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. As has been covered in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are assessing before making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you participate in an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each school so you can narrow down your options before making your final choice. And with the appropriate education and your motivation to be successful, you can realize your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Fremont CA.

Some Background on Fremont California

Fremont, California

Fremont (/ˈfriːmɒnt/ FREE-mont) is a city in Alameda County, California, United States. It was incorporated on January 23, 1956, from the annexing of Centerville, Niles, Irvington, Mission San José, and Warm Springs. The city is named after John C. Frémont, an American explorer and former US Senator from California, Governor from Arizona, Major General in the Union Army,and the first Republican presidential candidate in 1856.

Located in the southeast San Francisco Bay Area and straddling both the East Bay and South Bay regions, Fremont has a rapidly-growing population of around 230,000.[10] It is one of the largest cities by land area and the fourth most populous city in the San Francisco Bay Area, behind San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland. It directly borders and is the closest East Bay city to Silicon Valley as formally defined, and is thus often associated with it. The city has an extensive and rapidly expanding base of both tech industry and workers.

The area consisting of Fremont and the cities of Newark and Union City (formed from the annex of Alvarado and Decoto) is known collectively as the Tri-City Area; different from the adjacent Tri-Valley area encompassing Pleasanton, Dublin, and Livermore.

Fremont is home to the largest population of Afghanis anywhere on earth outside of Afghanistan, and the largest population of Afghan-Americans in the United States.[13]

The recorded history of the Fremont area began on June 6, 1795, when Mission San José was founded by the Spaniard Father Fermin de Lasuen. The Mission was established at the site of the Ohlone village of Oroysom. On their second day in the area, the Mission party killed a grizzly bear in Niles Canyon. The first English-speaking visitor to Fremont was the renowned trapper and explorer Jedediah Smith in 1827. The Mission prospered, eventually reaching a population of 1,887 inhabitants in 1831. The influence of the missionaries declined after 1834, when the Mexican government enacted secularization.