How to Select the Right Xray Tech Program near Lakewood California
So you have made the decision to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Lakewood CA in order to become a radiologic technologist. And now that you have chosen to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about choosing the right school and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that most states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you may need training to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the X-ray technician schools you are looking at in order to compare each program. A number of students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and frequently gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while location and cost must be taken into account, there are additional critical qualifiers also. For example, you must ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you must ask the X-ray Tech schools you are examining are presented later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic technician does and the degrees and training choices that are available.
Radiology Technician Occupation Description in Lakewood CA
There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, each has the same fundamental job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some elect to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They can practice in Lakewood CA hospitals, clinics, family 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 must take care of their equipment and also regularly analyze its functionality and safety. They are also expected to keep complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
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Radiology Tech Degrees Offered near Lakewood CA
The primary prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech college is to have attained 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 common among technicians, generally takes 18 months to two years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to complete and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are appropriate also. Something to bear in mind is that radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may often be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in Lakewood CA or their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any licensing or certification mandates in California or the state you will be working 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 practicing you may have to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites differ so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but several offer additional alternatives for testing as well. A number of states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. However, many Lakewood area employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it may improve your career options in and around Lakewood CA to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Technician Programs
As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree programs. So while you can still obtain your online degree, a substantial portion of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is usually performed in Lakewood CA family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online portion of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Lakewood residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online approach to education is far more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are generally more affordable than on-campus alternatives. Along with lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials may be lessened also. But just make certain that the online school you select 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 choice for you.
What to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges
As soon as you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of finding and evaluating x-ray tech schools near Lakewood CA. You will also have to determine if you want to attend classes online or travel to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be relevant. The price of tuition and secondary expenses will be a determining factor as well. But along with cost and location, what more should you consider when comparing colleges? Well, you should ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are reviewing.
Are the Radiology Technician Colleges Accredited? A large number of radiology technician schools have received some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to make sure 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). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed assessment of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also help in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Lakewood CA employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level jobs.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask if the radiology technician programs you are reviewing have associations with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great manner to receive hands on training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Lakewood CA medical community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in Lakewood CA in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the radiographer schools you are reviewing have job assistance 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 California healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the school they pick will have to be within travelling distance of their Lakewood CA residence. Individuals who have chosen to attend classes online naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit way in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Lakewood CA colleges you are looking at what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the xray tech program as well.
Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the xray tech program you ultimately pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in the Lakewood CA area, verify that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Radiology Technician Colleges Lakewood CA
Choosing the best radiology technician college is an important first step toward initiating a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical condition. X-Ray 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 adhere to the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians 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 good work environment and furnish the best possible care to patients. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Radiology Technician Colleges and wanting more information on the topic Radiation Technician Degree. However, as we have discussed in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each program you are reviewing before making your ultimate selection. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices and make your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your dedication to be successful, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Lakewood CA.
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Lakewood, California
Lakewood is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. The population was 80,048 at the 2010 census. It is bordered by Long Beach on the west and south, Bellflower on the north, Cerritos on the northeast, Cypress on the east, and Hawaiian Gardens on the southeast. Major thoroughfares include Lakewood (SR 19), Bellflower, and Del Amo Boulevards and Carson and South Streets. The San Gabriel River Freeway (I-605) runs through the city's eastern regions.
Sometimes called "an instant city" because of its origins, going from lima bean fields in 1950 to a well-developed city by 1960, Lakewood is a classic example of a post–World War II American suburb.
Lakewood is a post-World War II planned community.[9] Developers Louis Boyar, Mark Taper and Ben Weingart are credited with "altering forever the map of Southern California."[9] Begun in late 1949, the completion of the developers' plan in 1953 helped in the transformation of mass-produced housing from its early phases in the 1930s and 1940s to the reality of the 1950s.[9]
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