When pursuing a career as a radiology technician, you will discover a vast area of opportunity. Radiology technicians work in a variety of fields, including dentist offices, doctor offices, hospitals and clinics. With an assortment of courses to choose from, several schools in California offer career certification in radiography.
Instructions
1. Examine the radiology career opportunities. There are many specialized areas of study. For instance, ultrasound radiologists use high-tech machinery to produce and record images of a patient's organs, focusing on an organ's motion, shape and composition. Cardiovascular radiologists conduct noninvasive testing by using radiography to study the function of a patient's heart.
2. Review education requirements for the specific radiology career choices. Each radiology field can require different program lengths. Radiology assistants, also known as radiology technicians, assist radiologists in completing their jobs. Certificates, associate degrees and bachelor's degrees are available from many technical schools. The most common degree for radiology assistants, or technicians, is the associate degree. To work in the field of ultrasound, a 2-year associate degree in ultrasound technology qualifies graduates to practice in obstetrics and a variety of medical specialties that use ultrasound techniques, also called sonography.
3. Research California’s certification requirements. It can take up to 4 years of study to complete a certificate in a radiology program in California. California’s radiology programs and certifications are regulated by the California Department of Healthcare Services. After completing a radiology program successfully, you must apply for certificate testing. The state of California can consider your application for up to 30 days. After completing a program through a radiology technician school in California, you cannot work in your career field until the certificate testing is completed.
4. Investigate optional schools. Kaplan College offers a career-focused education with a wide variety of resources, including career services, financial aid for qualifying students and tutoring services. Their available programs range from basic X-ray technician to diagnostic medical sonography using ultrasound. Kaplan College offers 11 campuses located throughout California. Another of the many schools available is Western Career College. Offering eight campuses situated around California, Western Career College provides its students with comprehensive, hands-on training and externships, preparing graduates for the challenges they will experience in their careers.
5. Preview the necessary requirements for continuing your education. The American Board of Radiology has continuing education requirements for radiologists. The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology is recognized by the United States Department of Education to accredit educational programs in radiography and radiation therapy. The JRCERT awards accreditation to programs demonstrating substantial compliance with their standards. There are many methods available online to complete the necessary coursework, including the Specialized Topics in Areas of Radiologic Sciences program, also known as the STARS program.
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