How to Select the Right X-Ray Technician School near Los Alamitos California
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Los Alamitos CA so you can learn to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have decided to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about choosing the right college and program so that you will get the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And since the majority of states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you might require training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you investigate each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering in order to evaluate each program. Many potential students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and frequently gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while location and cost must be taken into consideration, there are other critical qualifiers also. For instance, you must find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the X-ray Tech schools you are considering are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and training choices that are available.
X-Ray Tech Career Summary in Los Alamitos CA
There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the same primary job function, which is to use 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 practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for instance mammography. They may practice in Los Alamitos CA clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech 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 also regularly analyze its functionality and safety. They are also required to retain detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
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X-Ray Tech Degrees near Los Alamitos CA
The standard requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, usually requires 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to complete and is more extensive in nature. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are acceptable also. Something to keep in mind is that radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which many schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in Los Alamitos CA or their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification mandates in California or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing
Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, depending on the state where you will be working you might need to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements differ so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but several offer other alternatives for testing also. A number of states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, many Los Alamitos area employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it may improve your career options in and around Los Alamitos CA to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Technologist Degrees
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 the same for online degree colleges. So even though you can still obtain your online degree, a significant portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is often carried out in Los Alamitos CA hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Los Alamitos home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree often discover that the online approach to education is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online programs are frequently less expensive than on-campus alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, costs for commuting and study materials can be decreased as well. But just make certain that the online college you select is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online degree may be the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Radiologic Tech Schools
When you have chosen the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of locating and evaluating x-ray tech schools near Los Alamitos CA. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or travel to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be important. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be an important factor also. But along with cost and location, what more should you consider when reviewing colleges? Well, you need to find out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details prior to making your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are assessing.
Are the Radiology Technician Schools Accredited? Most xray technician colleges have received some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to confirm that the school and program 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 an extensive evaluation of their teachers and course materials. If the college is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies 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 securing financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Los Alamitos CA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level jobs.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out if the radiology technician colleges you are evaluating have relationships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great means to get practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Los Alamitos CA healthcare community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in Los Alamitos CA in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with California healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the school they select will need to be within travelling distance of their Los Alamitos 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. One thing 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 need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.
What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit far in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Los Alamitos CA colleges you are researching what the typical 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 a chance to converse with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the xray tech program as well.
Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the radiographer program you ultimately choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in the Los Alamitos CA area, verify that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option 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 due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Radiology Technician Major Los Alamitos CA
Choosing the best x-ray technician degree program is a crucial first step toward launching a fulfilling new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs often stand for the majority of the working day and position and in some cases lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and furnish the best available patient care. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Radiology Technician Major and wanting more information on the topic Xray Technician Schools Near Me. However, as has been discussed in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each college you are considering before making your final decision. This is just as true whether you enroll in an online school or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can focus your options before making your decision. And with the appropriate education and your motivation to succeed, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Los Alamitos CA.
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Los Alamitos, California
Los Alamitos (Spanish for "The Little Cottonwoods") is a city in Orange County, California. The city was incorporated in March 1960. The population was 11,449 at the 2010 census, down from 11,536 at the 2000 census. The adjacent unincorporated community of Rossmoor uses Los Alamitos in its mailing address, but is not part of the city. The Los Alamitos Race Course is named for the city, but lies in the neighboring city of Cypress.
The history of the area during the Californio period and after U.S. annexation is detailed in the article on Rancho Los Alamitos. The town of Los Alamitos was established in 1896 by Lewellyn Bixby to support the new sugar beet factory in town built by the extremely wealthy Clark Brothers. William Andrews Clark, a future Senator from Montana, had built his fortune in mining, banking and logging in that state. His younger brother, J. Ross Clark, managed their operations in California after he moved to that state for health reasons. Lewellyn Bixby, whose family owned the surrounding land on the Rancho Los Cerritos and Rancho Los Alamitos, had been trying to build a sugar beet factory in that area for a few years but, due to financial losses in the 1880s, he no longer had the financial capital to undertake the sugar beet factory complex on his own. Bixby had made his fortune back in the 1850s when he and his cousins Benjamin and Thomas Flint, formed Flint, Bixby & Co. which became a thriving entity in mutton and wool, all originally housed on the Rancho San Justo, south of San Jose. After making an additional fortune from selling wool to the government during the Civil War, the Flints and Bixby bought up many properties in Southern California. One was the future Irvine Ranch and another was the Rancho Los Cerritos which makes up much of the western half of Long Beach. Flint, Bixby hired Lewellyn's younger brother Jotham to manage the Cerritos. When Flint, Bixby broke up Lewellyn assumed their Southern California properties and moved to Los Angeles and became the senior partner in his operations with his brother Jotham.
Around 1881, a cousin, John W. Bixby wanted to purchase the Rancho Los Alamitos. John W. put together a consortium of himself, his cousins Lewellyn and Jotham (owners of Rancho Los Cerritos) and banker I.W. Hellman to finance the purchase of the Alamitos land. Upon John's sudden death on May 7, 1887,[8] the ranch was divided between the three owning families. The northern third adjacent to the Rancho Los Cerritos — the land roughly north of present Orangewood Ave.—went to the Lewellyn-Jotham faction (which later became the Bixby Land Company). By the mid-1890s, after the crash following the land boom of the 1880s—this group was relatively cash-poor and land rich. Having experimented in Northern California with sugar beets, the Bixbys agreed to provide the land, and contracted with Montana copper baron William A. Clark to provide the capital, and got E.A. Dyer to provide the expertise to build a new sugar beet factory on the Bixby's land. The community that grew up around this new sugar beet factory complex—with its streets of company houses for workers and surrounding farms—came to be called Los Alamitos. (As part of his arrangement to build and operate the sugar beet factory, William Clark and his brother H. Ross, who actually ran the Los Alamitos operation, also received 1,000 acres east of the factory and a year later completed a purchase of 8,000 acres (32 km2) of land north of the sugar plant—most of the latter in the Rancho Los Cerritos boundaries—that would eventually become the Long Beach Airport, Long Beach City College, and the city of Lakewood. Also, Clark and Hellman were intricately involved with the machinations and corporate dealings of railroad tycoon E. H. Harriman and Henry Edwards Huntington and the destiny of the Southern Pacific in Southern California. In addition, some time after establishing Los Alamitos, the Clarks completed their railroad from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City, establishing the desert stop of Las Vegas in the process.
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