How to Select an X-Ray Tech School near Parker Dam California
Congratulations regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Parker Dam CA so you can become a radiologic technologist. But now that you have decided to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you go about choosing the right school and program so that you will obtain the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And because the majority of states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you may need training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you investigate each of the schools you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Many prospective students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and frequently settle on the lowest cost. But while cost and location need to be taken into account, there are other important qualifiers as well. For instance, you should ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are evaluating are provided later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and training choices that are available.
Radiology Technician Occupation Summary
There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the same principal job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They may work in Parker Dam CA clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist may 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 regularly evaluate its functionality and safety. They are additionally required to keep complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Parker Dam CA health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
Radiology Tech Degrees Available
The standard requirement for attending an x-ray tech school is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, normally requires 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon 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 scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be acceptable also. Something to keep in mind is that Parker Dam CA radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may often be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which many schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing mandates in California or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
Radiographer Certification and Licensing
Once you have graduated from an Radiologist school, depending on the state where you will be working you might have to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites differ so contact your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but several approve additional options for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. However, many Parker Dam CA employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Tech Classes
As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges 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 earn your online degree, a substantial portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is usually carried out in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online portion of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Parker Dam CA residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree typically discover that the online approach to learning is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are generally less expensive than on-campus options. Along with lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting can be decreased as well. But just make sure that the online program you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online degree may be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Radiographer Schools
As soon as you have chosen the type of degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of locating and assessing Parker Dam CA x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to decide if you want to attend classes online or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be relevant. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a material factor as well. But along with cost and location, what else should you factor in when reviewing 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 crucial details before you make your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are reviewing.
Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? A large number of xray technician colleges have received some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still important to make sure that the school and program 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 undergone a rigorous review of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it may also receive 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 ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Parker Dam CA employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level openings.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask if the California radiology technician schools you are reviewing have associations with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great means to get hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help graduates and students form professional relationships in the Parker Dam CA healthcare community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the radiographer programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Parker Dam CA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the college they select will need to be within driving distance of their Parker Dam CA home. Students who have decided to attend classes online 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 bear 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 may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically 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 Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit way in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Parker Dam CA colleges you are reviewing 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 speak with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program also.
Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the x-ray tech program you finally choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Parker Dam CA, check that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family obligations.
Why Did You Decide to Become an Xray Technician?
When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to review questions you may be asked. One of the things that recruiters often ask radiographer prospects is "What drove you to choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not only the personal reasons you may have for becoming an Xray technician, but additionally what attributes and skills you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, along with a significant number of standard interview questions, so you must prepare a number of ideas about how you want to respond to them. Given that there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the best choice for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but take down some concepts and topics that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can help you to prepare your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.Enroll in the Ideal Radiology Tech College near Parker Dam CA
Selecting the ideal x-ray tech college is a critical first step toward beginning a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs typically stand for the greater part of the working day and position and at times lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best possible patient care. As has been covered in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are looking at prior to making your ultimate selection. This is similarly true whether you enroll in an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices before making your final choice. And with the proper education and your dedication to be successful, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Parker Dam CA.
Some Background on Parker Dam California
Parker Dam
Parker Dam is a concrete arch-gravity dam that crosses the Colorado River 155 miles (249 km) downstream of Hoover Dam. Built between 1934 and 1938 by the Bureau of Reclamation, it is 320 feet (98 m) high, 235 feet (72 m) of which are below the riverbed, making it the deepest dam in the world. The dam's primary functions are to create a reservoir, and to generate hydroelectric power. The reservoir behind the dam is called Lake Havasu and can store 647,000 acre⋅ft (798,000,000 m3) or over 210 billion US gallons. The dam straddles the state border at the narrows the river passes through between the Whipple Mountains of California and the Buckskin Mountains of Arizona.[1]
The power plant has four Francis turbines with a combined capacity of 120 MW. Each turbine weighs 60,000 pounds. The head is 72 feet (22 m). It produces electricity at 97 percent efficiency. Half of the electricity the plant produces is used by the Metropolitan Water District to pump water along the Colorado River Aqueduct, and the rest is sold to utilities in California, Arizona and Nevada. The generation of power is limited by a requirement to keep the water level of Lake Havasu between 440 and 450 feet (134 to 137 meters) for proper operation of pumping plants for the Central Arizona Project and the Colorado River Aqueduct.[2]
Lake Havasu is the water source for the Colorado River Aqueduct. The aqueduct is operated by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, which supplies water to almost all cities in the greater Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and San Diego areas. The district paid for nearly the entire cost of the dam, but it is owned and operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.[2]
Lake Havasu is also the water source for the Central Arizona Project Aqueduct (CAP). The project is designed to provide water for irrigated agricultural areas, as well as municipal water for several Arizona communities, including the metropolitan areas of Phoenix and Tucson.[3]
Construction of the dam was a contentious issue for Arizona. Built as part of the larger Colorado River Compact of 1922, several political groups, their members and privately owned utility companies in Arizona were not pleased with the plan in general and refused to sign it until 1944. Even then Arizona continued to dispute its water allotments until a 1963 Supreme Court decision settled the issue. The court has had to adjust the agreement several times since, most recently in 2000. As recently as 2008 Arizona Senator John McCain has called for a renegotiation of the plan.[4]
More Cities of Interest in California
Business Results 1 - 10 of 1
23 Reviews 