How to Find an X-Ray Technician Degree Program near Half Moon Bay California
Best wishes regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Half Moon Bay CA in order to become a radiology technician. But now that you have chosen to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about picking the ideal school and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And since the majority of states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you might require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you research each of the schools you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. A number of prospective students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and typically gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location need to be taken into consideration, there are other critical qualifiers as well. For example, you must ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are considering are provided later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and education options that are available.
Radiology Tech Job Summary
There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, each has the same principal job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many elect to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They may work in Half Moon Bay CA hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech 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 take care of their equipment and regularly assess its performance and safety. They are additionally required to retain complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Half Moon Bay CA medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
Radiology Technician Degrees
The primary requirement for attending an x-ray tech college is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, generally takes 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to finish and is more comprehensive in nature. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be acceptable also. Something to keep in mind is that Half Moon Bay CA radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can frequently be fulfilled by participating 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 abide by any certification or licensing requirements in California or the state you will be working as applicable.
Radiographer Certification and Licensing
When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, 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 vary so check with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but several provide other alternatives for testing also. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is optional. However, many Half Moon Bay CA employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it may enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Tech Degrees
As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree programs. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a large amount of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is usually provided in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online section of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Half Moon Bay CA home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree often find that the online approach to education is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are generally cheaper than traditional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be reduced as well. But just confirm that the online college you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online school may be the ideal choice for you.
Topics to Ask X Ray Tech Schools
As soon as you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of searching for and evaluating Half Moon Bay CA x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to determine if you want to attend online classes or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a determining factor also. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you consider 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 find out some of these crucial details before you make your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are considering.
Are the Radiology Tech Programs Accredited? Most xray technician colleges have received some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, 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). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed evaluation of their teachers and course materials. If the college is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Half Moon Bay CA employers will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry level openings.
Are Internship Programs Offered? Ask if the California xray tech programs you are interested in have relationships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great means to obtain hands on training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Half Moon Bay CA medical community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Half Moon Bay CA healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the school they decide on will have to be within driving distance of their Half Moon Bay CA home. Those who have decided to attend online classes obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit way in the back 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 Half Moon Bay CA colleges you are looking at what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program also.
Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the x-ray tech school you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Half Moon Bay CA, check that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss because 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 position, it's helpful to review questions you might be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers often ask radiographer candidates is "What drove you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not only the personal reasons you may have for becoming a radiology technician, but additionally what qualities and skills you possess that make you good at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, along with a certain number of routine interview questions, so you should prepare some ideas about how you would like to answer them. Considering there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you as well as the abilities you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but write down some concepts and talking points that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.Pick the Ideal X-Ray Technician College near Half Moon Bay CA
Picking the appropriate x-ray technician school is a crucial first step toward launching a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs frequently stand for the majority of the working day and move and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians 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 deliver the best available care to patients. As has been discussed in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are assessing before making your final selection. This is just as true whether you participate in an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each program so you can narrow down your options and make your decision. And with the right education and your motivation to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as a radiographer in Half Moon Bay CA.
Some Background on Half Moon Bay California
Half Moon Bay, California
Half Moon Bay is a coastal city in San Mateo County, California, United States. Its population was 11,324 as of the 2010 census. Immediately at the north of Half Moon Bay is the Pillar Point Harbor and the unincorporated community of Princeton-by-the-Sea. The urban area had a population of 20,713 at the same census.
Half Moon Bay began as a rural agriculture area, primarily used for grazing of cattle, horses, and oxen used by Mission San Francisco de Asis (established in June 1776). Following the secularization of the Mission, Tiburcio Vásquez received the Rancho Corral de Tierra Mexican land grant in 1839 and Candelario Miramontes was granted Rancho Miramontes (later known as Rancho San Benito) in 1841.
The community began to develop in the 1840s as the first real town in San Mateo County. Known originally as San Benito, the town was renamed Spanishtown and attracted a thriving fishing industry in addition to its continued importance to coastal agriculture. Spanishtown became a racially diverse community, settled by Canadians, Chinese, English, Germans, Irish, Mexicans, Italians, Scots, Portuguese, and Pacific Islanders. Regular stagecoach service was established with San Mateo; coaches also served the communities of Purissima, Lobitos, and San Gregorio. Levy Brothers opened a department store in downtown Half Moon Bay. Spanishtown was officially renamed Half Moon Bay in 1874.
The area grew very slowly, even after the Ocean Shore Railroad began serving the community in 1907. The construction of Pedro Mountain Road in 1914 provided better access to San Francisco and probably contributed to the demise of the railroad by 1920. The USS DeLong ran aground at Half Moon Bay 1 December 1921. During Prohibition "rum runners" took advantage of dense fog and hidden coves in the area to serve a number of roadhouses and inns, some of which operate today as restaurants. Real growth in the area came after World War II with the construction of numerous subdivisions, eventually leading to the incorporation of Half Moon Bay in 1959. The city preserves a historic downtown district which includes historic buildings dating as far back as 1869.
In 2008, financial setbacks endangered the city's viability. The economic crisis severely affected tourism, which generates the most revenue, and that just at the time when the city had finalized a $18 million settlement over a property lawsuit. As the municipal budget was typically $14 million or less, city fathers had issued bonds with annual payments of approximately $1 million over 25 years. As a result of these combined fiscal obstacles, the threat of bankruptcy was very real. Dozens of meetings were held in order to decide where the budget should be cut and finally 75% of municipal employees were laid off and replaced with contract workers. Also, employee contributions toward retirement benefits were raised. However, the city council sought to regain the money paid in the settlement, believing that it should have been paid by the city's insurers. A lawsuit against the insurers was decided in 2013 and the insurer ordered to pay more than $13 million to the city; the costs of the lawsuit had been partially covered by the Association of Bay Area Governments.[8]
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