Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Greenbrae CA 94904 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Pick a Radiology Tech Degree Program near Greenbrae California

Greenbrae CA x-ray tech internship program Best wishes regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Greenbrae CA so you can become a radiologic technologist. But now that you have decided to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you set about choosing the right college and program so that you will receive the proper training to become a qualified professional? And considering that most states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you might need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the colleges you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Many students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and usually settle on the lowest cost. But while expense and location should be considered, there are other critical qualifiers as well. For instance, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the schools you are examining are provided later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and training choices that are available.

X-Ray Tech Occupation Description

There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, they all have the identical fundamental job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some choose to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They may practice in Greenbrae CA hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may utilize 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 plus routinely analyze its functionality and safety. They are additionally required to keep complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Greenbrae CA medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degrees

x-ray machine in Greenbrae CA The primary prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech school is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, normally takes 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to finish and is more extensive in nature. Most students select 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 Greenbrae CA radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can frequently be fulfilled by taking part 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 must comply with any licensing or certification requirements in California or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an Radiologist school, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might have to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but many offer additional alternatives for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Greenbrae CA employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it could enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technologist Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Greenbrae 94904 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree schools. So while you can still earn your degree online, a significant amount of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is usually carried out in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Greenbrae CA residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree typically find that the online style of learning is far more practical with their active schedules. Plus online programs are often less costly than conventional alternatives. Along with lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be reduced also. But just make certain 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 formalized type of training, then an online degree may be the best option for you.

Subjects to Ask X Ray Tech Programs

When you have decided on the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of looking for and evaluating Greenbrae CA x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the school will be important. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a determining factor as well. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you factor in when evaluating schools? Well, you need to check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are reviewing.

Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? The majority of radiology tech schools have received some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still crucial to verify 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 gone through a detailed review of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies 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 help in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Greenbrae CA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level openings.

Are Internships Offered? Ask if the California radiology tech colleges you are interested in have partnerships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific manner to get hands on training in a clinical environment, they are also a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist graduates and students establish professional connections in the Greenbrae CA healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the radiographer schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Greenbrae CA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For many students, the school they select will have to be within commuting distance of their Greenbrae CA residence. Students who have decided 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 concern. Something to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Greenbrae CA schools you are reviewing what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on 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 perspectives regarding the radiology tech program also.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the x-ray tech school you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Greenbrae 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 credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Become a Radiologic Technologist?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to consider questions you might be asked. One of the questions that interviewers often ask radiographer candidates is "What made you choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not merely the private reasons you may have for becoming an Xray technician, but additionally what characteristics and skills you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, along with a certain number of general interview questions, so you need to prepare a number of strategies about how you would like to address them. Considering there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the talents you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the best choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but take down a few concepts and talking points that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can assist you to develop your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.

Enroll in the Right Radiology Tech School near Greenbrae CA

Picking the ideal x-ray tech school is an important first step toward launching a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs often stand for the greater part of the workday and position and at times lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and provide the best available patient care. As we have addressed in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are looking at before making your final selection. This is equally true whether you decide on an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each program so you can focus your options and make your decision. And with the appropriate training and your commitment to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as a radiographer in Greenbrae CA.

Some Background on Greenbrae California

Greenbrae, California

Greenbrae is a small unincorporated community in Marin County, California.[1] It is located 1.5 miles (2 km) south-southeast of downtown San Rafael,[2] at an elevation of 33 feet (10 m),[1] located adjacent to U.S. Route 101 at the opening of the Ross Valley. Part of Greenbrae is an unincorporated community of the county while the remaining area is inside the city limits of Larkspur. The ZIP code is 94904, and is shared with the neighboring Census-designated place (CDP) of Kentfield. The community is in area codes 415 and 628.

Predominantly composed of hillside and waterfront terrain, its homes and offices are known for their views of the San Francisco Bay, Corte Madera Creek, and Mount Tamalpais. "Brae" means a steep bank or hillside in dialects of Scotland and Northern Ireland; Greenbrae translates to "green hillside." The developer of Greenbrae, Niels Schultz, Jr., died in early 2008.[3] Greenbrae's neighborhoods are bordered by downtown Larkspur to the south, Larkspur Landing to the east, the unincorporated area of Kentfield to the west, and the city of San Rafael to the north. Straddling Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, its most frequented points of interest include Marin General Hospital and Bon Air Shopping Center.

In the state legislature, Greenbrae is in the 2nd Senate District, represented by Democrat Mike McGuire, and in the 10th Assembly District, represented by Democrat Marc Levine.

Federally, Greenbrae is in California's 2nd congressional district, represented by Democrat Jared Huffman.[4]

Greenbrae was home to U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer for over 30 years, until 2006.[citation needed] Pediatrician William Silverman, who influenced the development of the neonatal intensive care unit, died there in 2004.[5] Writer Jack Finney died in Greenbrae shortly after completing his last novel, as did Les Crane. Radio host Michael Krasny is a long term resident. American poet FrancEyE died in Greenbrae on June 2, 2009. Additionally, the runner-up of the second season of the cooking competition show Masterchef Junior Samuel Stromberg also lives in Greenbrae.