How to Find the Best Radiology Technician Degree Program near Parker Dam California
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Parker Dam CA in order to become a radiology technologist. And now that you have chosen to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you undertake selecting the right school and program so that you will get the proper training to become a qualified professional? And considering that the majority of states do require that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you might require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering in order to compare each program. Most potential students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and usually gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location need to be considered, there are other critical qualifiers also. For example, you must ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the X-ray Tech schools you are considering are provided later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and training choices that are offered.
Radiology Tech Job Description in Parker Dam CA
There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, they all have the same fundamental job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many choose to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They can practice in Parker Dam CA hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech may work with include:
- Traditional and specialized X-Rays
- Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Sonography or ultrasound
- Fluoroscopy
Radiographers have to care for their equipment and routinely evaluate its performance and safety. They are also expected to retain in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
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X-Ray Technician Degrees Offered near Parker Dam CA
The standard prerequisite for attending a radiology tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. 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 two years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to finish and is more expansive in scope. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are appropriate as well. One thing to consider is that radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can typically be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which many schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in Parker Dam CA or their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification mandates in California or the state you will be working as applicable.
Radiographer Licensing and Certification
After you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, depending on the state where you will be practicing you may need to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary 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 purpose of licensing, but a number offer additional alternatives for testing also. Several states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. However, numerous Parker Dam area employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it may increase your career options in and around Parker Dam CA to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Technologist Schools
As a part 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 degree online, a large portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is often performed in Parker Dam CA family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online segment of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Parker Dam home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree often find that the online approach to learning is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online schools are frequently less costly than traditional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, costs for commuting and study materials may be decreased as well. But just make sure that the online program you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online school may be the right option for you.
Points to Ask X Ray Tech Programs
When you have chosen the type of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of looking for and assessing x-ray tech schools near Parker Dam CA. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a material factor also. But along with cost and location, what else should you look at when reviewing schools? Well, you should ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these important details before you make your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are looking at.
Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? The majority of radiology technician schools have received some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still imperative to verify that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive review of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Parker Dam CA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level openings.
Are Internship Programs Offered? Find out if the radiology technician schools you are evaluating have partnerships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific means to obtain hands on training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Parker Dam CA health care community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in Parker Dam CA in a new profession can be challenging 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 confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the college they pick will have to be within driving distance of their Parker Dam CA home. Individuals who have chosen to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. One thing to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit way in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Parker Dam CA colleges you are reviewing what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.
Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the xray tech school you finally pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Parker Dam CA area, verify that they are available. 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, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.
Where to Find Accredited Radiologic Tech Schools Parker Dam CA
Selecting the best radiology technician degree program is a critical first step toward initiating a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs often stand for the majority of the day and move and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Where to Find Accredited Radiologic Tech Schools and wanting more information on the topic Free Info on Online Schools For X Ray Techs. However, as we have discussed in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are looking at before making your ultimate decision. This is equally true whether you opt for an online school or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each college so you can narrow down your options and make your decision. And with the right training and your dedication to be successful, you can realize your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Parker Dam CA.
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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]
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