How to Find a Radiologic Technician College near Lawndale California
Best wishes regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Lawndale CA so you can become a radiologic technician. And now that you have decided to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you go about choosing the right college and program to ensure that you will receive the proper training to become a qualified professional? And because most states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you might require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. Many potential students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and usually gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location must be taken into consideration, there are other significant qualifiers also. For example, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the schools you are considering are presented later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology tech does and the degrees and education choices that are available.
Radiology Tech Occupation Description
There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the same primary job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some opt to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They may practice in Lawndale CA clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician might utilize 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 regularly evaluate its performance and safety. They are also required to retain detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Lawndale CA medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
X-Ray Tech Degrees Available
The standard prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, usually takes 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to complete and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be appropriate also. One thing to consider is that Lawndale CA radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing requirements in California or the state you will be working as applicable.
Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing
Once you have graduated from an Radiologist school, based on the state where you will be employed you may need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so check with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number offer additional alternatives for testing as well. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, many Lawndale CA employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Tech Schools
As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree colleges. So while you can still obtain your degree online, a large amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is often conducted in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online section of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Lawndale CA home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree often find that the online style of learning is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are often less costly than conventional options. Along with lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be decreased 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 dedicated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online school may be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Radiology Tech Colleges
After you have decided on the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can initiate the process of looking for and assessing Lawndale CA x-ray tech schools. You will also have to determine if you want to attend online classes or travel to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the school will be important. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be a determining factor as well. But along with location and cost, what else should you look at when evaluating colleges? Well, you should check out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these important details before you make your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are considering.
Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? A large number of xray technician schools have obtained some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still crucial to verify that the program and school 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). Programs earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous examination of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Lawndale CA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level openings.
Are Internships Provided? Inquire if the California radiology technician schools you are interested in have relationships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent manner to obtain practical experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist students and graduates establish professional connections in the Lawndale CA healthcare community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the radiographer schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Lawndale CA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the school they decide on will need to be within driving distance of their Lawndale CA residence. Students who have decided to attend classes online naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit way in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Lawndale CA colleges you are researching 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 final decision. 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 as well.
Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the radiographer school you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Lawndale CA, make sure that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Why Did You Desire to Become a Radiologic Technologist?
When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you could be asked. One of the things that interviewers typically ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to decide on radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not just the personal reasons you might have for being an Xray technician, but additionally what qualities and skills you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, along with a certain number of routine interview questions, so you must organize several approaches about how you would like to address them. Given that there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you in addition to the talents you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but jot down a few concepts and topics that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can help you to develop your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.Select the Best X-Ray Tech College near Lawndale CA
Enrolling in the ideal radiology tech degree program is an important first step toward launching a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the majority of the day and position and at times lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also show 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 techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and furnish the best available patient care. As has been addressed in this report, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you participate in 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 and make your final choice. And with the proper training and your motivation to be successful, you can achieve your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Lawndale CA.
Some Background on Lawndale California
Lawndale, California
Lawndale is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. The population was 32,769 at the 2010 census, up from 31,712 according to the 2000 census.[10] The city is in the South Bay region of the Greater Los Angeles Area.
From the 1780s onward, the area that is now Lawndale was part of the Rancho Sausal Redondo, a land grant given by the Spanish colonial government that includes much of what is now the South Bayshore region.[11] In 1905 Charles B. Hopper first subdivided the area and named it after the Chicago neighborhood of the same name. Lots sold slowly and different promotions were tried such as promoting Lawndale as a chicken raising area. The first railway to run through Lawndale was the Inglewood Division of the Redondo Railway which would later become part of the Pacific Electric "Red Car" system. It ran down the middle of Railway Ave. (now Hawthorne Blvd.) until 1933. In 1927 the Santa Fe railroad arrived. After World War II, the immense demand for housing from returning veterans and California newcomers resulted in Lawndale's formation as a bedroom community. On December 28, 1959 it was incorporated as a city in Los Angeles county.
Starting in the 1970s Lawndale's relatively low housing prices but more desirable location relative to its neighboring cities attracted absentee landlords and a substantial portion of its residents increasingly became renters.
For a time in the 1980s, with new cycle of expansion of defense industry nearby, many young people who wished to live in the Beach Cities found that they simply could not afford to do so, and settled in less glamorous inland cities such as Lawndale. But with the contraction of this industry after the cold war, Lawndale reverted to its previous pattern. Lawndale has attempted to attract more owner–residents, as well as tourists with the 2003 completion of the "Beautify Lawndale" urban renewal project along the city's stretch of Hawthorne Boulevard (State Route 107), a major South Bay thoroughfare.
A large electronic billboard was installed and began running advertising in 2004 until it was realized that the sign violated a city ordinance prohibiting advertising of out-of-town businesses on signs of that nature. For its first 18 months the sign was sponsored by Fox and promoted upcoming television shows and movies under the Fox label. It also later gained and lost a sponsorship with Acura before its current sponsorship for Los Angeles radio station 100.3 – The Sound. The billboard is said to generate Lawndale $200,000 annually.[12] In 2012 the Lawndale community center opened up its doors.
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