Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Marina Del Rey CA 90292

How to Choose an X-Ray Technician School near Marina Del Rey California

Marina Del Rey CA x-ray tech internship programCongratulations on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Marina Del Rey CA so you can become a radiology technologist. But now that you have chosen to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you go about picking the ideal school and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And because most states do require that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you might need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you assess each of the colleges you are considering in order to compare each program. Many prospective students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location must be considered, there are other critical qualifications also. For example, you should find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are reviewing are provided later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and education choices that are offered.

Radiology Technician Career Summary

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, each has the same fundamental job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize 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, for example mammography. They may work in Marina Del Rey CA hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist 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 take care of their equipment and also frequently analyze its performance and safety. They are additionally required to keep detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Marina Del Rey CA medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Tech Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Marina Del Rey CAThe primary requirement for attending an x-ray tech college is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, normally requires 18 months to two years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to finish and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are acceptable also. Something to bear in mind is that Marina Del Rey CA radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can often be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing mandates in California or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, depending on the state where you will be working you might have to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements vary so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but several accept additional alternatives for testing as well. A number of states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, numerous Marina Del Rey CA employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it could increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technician Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Marina Del Rey 90292As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree schools. So while you can still obtain your degree online, a significant amount of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is typically carried out in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online section of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Marina Del Rey CA residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically find that the online style of education is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are often cheaper than traditional options. In addition to lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials can be reduced also. But just be sure that the online program you pick 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 right choice for you.

Questions to Ask Radiology Tech Schools

As soon as you have selected the type of degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of searching for and assessing Marina Del Rey 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 obviously the location of the college will be critical. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a material factor also. But along with location and cost, what more should you consider when evaluating schools? Well, you should ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship 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 colleges you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Tech Programs Accredited? The majority of xray technician colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still imperative 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). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed examination of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Marina Del Rey CA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level positions.

Are Internships Sponsored? Find out if the California radiology technician colleges you are assessing have relationships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent means to obtain practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Marina Del Rey CA healthcare community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Marina Del Rey CA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the college they select will have to be within driving distance of their Marina Del Rey CA residence. Those who have opted to attend online classes naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to keep 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 typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit far in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Marina Del Rey CA colleges you are considering 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 a chance to speak with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the x-ray tech  program you finally choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Marina Del Rey CA, make certain that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Be an X-Ray Tech?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to review questions you might be asked. One of the questions that recruiters frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What drove you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not merely the private reasons you might have for becoming an Xray technician, but additionally what attributes and skills you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, as well as a significant number of general interview questions, so you need to prepare several ideas about how you want to answer them. Given that there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the strengths you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the best choice for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but take down some concepts and topics that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can help you to develop your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Pick the Right X-Ray Tech Program near Marina Del Rey CA

Picking the best radiology tech school is an important first step toward launching a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs regularly stand for the greater part of the working day and move and at times lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements 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 deliver the best possible care to patients. As we have discussed in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are considering before making your final selection. This is equally true whether you participate in an online program or commute to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each program so you can focus your options and make your decision. And with the proper training and your dedication to succeed, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Marina Del Rey CA.

Some Background on Marina Del Rey California

Marina del Rey, California

Marina del Rey is an unincorporated seaside community and census-designated place (CDP) in Los Angeles County, California, United States. A Westside locale, the population was 8,866 at the 2010 census. Fisherman's Village offers a view of Marina del Rey's dominant feature, the Marina, the world's largest man-made small craft harbor[3][4] with eight basins having a capacity for 5,300 boats and is home port to approximately 6,500 boats. The harbor, the Los Angeles Times said in 1997, is "perhaps the county's most valuable resource".[5]

Prior to its development as a small craft harbor, the land occupied by Marina del Rey was a salt-marsh fed by fresh water from Ballona Creek, frequented by duck hunters and few others. Burton W. Chace, a member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, referred to the area as mud flats, though today the area would more properly be referred to as wetlands.

In the mid-19th century, Moye C. Wicks and Louis Mesmer thought of turning this Playa del Rey estuary into a commercial port. He formed the Ballona Development Company in 1888 to develop the area, but three years later the company went bankrupt.

Port Ballona made by Louis Mesmer and Moye Wicks was then sold to Moses Sherman. Sherman purchased 1,000 acres (400 ha) of land around the Ballona lagoon and Port Ballona in 1902 under the name the Beach Land Company. Sherman and Clark renamed the land "Del Rey". Port Ballona was then renamed Playa Del Rey. The port was serviced by the California Central Railway opened in September 1887, this line later became the Santa Fe Railway, that later became the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad. The rail line ran from the port to Redondo junction. A street car tram line was made to the Port by the Redondo and Hermosa Beach Railroad company, that had incorporated on February 21, 1901. This company was part of the Los Angeles Pacific Railroad owned by Sherman. The tram line opened December 1902 departed downtown at 4th & Broadway.[6][7]

 

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