Become nn X-Ray Tech in 2018: How to Change Careers and Get into Radiology

We meet lots of people who feel stuck at their current job or in their careers. If you’re thinking of changing careers to get into radiology, you’re not alone. 2018 has been a popular year for many who’ve made the leap to become an x-ray tech in California. For many people, there’s a lot of confusion, curiosity and myths that get in the way of making a career change. For others, it’s simply not knowing what the first steps are. Furthermore, with all of the marketing out there, it’s not easy choosing which Orange County x-ray tech school to attend.

In this article, we’ll talk about x-ray tech school facts, how to make a career change and become an x-ray tech in California as well as why it’s important to choose the right school. Finally, we’ll discuss some of the benefits that the best x-ray technician schools in California offer. We’ll also touch on getting the most value for your x-ray tech school tuition and how to make the leap in 2018.

Become an X-Ray Tech in California – Changing Careers or Leaving Your Dead-End Job

There aren’t a lot of careers that you can get into with minimum qualifications. This statement is even more true when talking about a specialized field or getting into Healthcare. If you want to leave your dead-end job or change careers, you’re not alone. There are some exceptional careers in Diagnostic Healthcare, and you’d be surprised to learn that you can start working in as little as a 11 months. That said, no school or education guarantees employment. However, if you’re looking for an opportunity, have the minimum qualifications and put in the effort, you’re on the right path.

So what are the minimum qualifications to become an x-ray tech in California? For starters, you’ve got to be a high school graduate and provide your transcripts. That said, most x-ray tech schools in Orange County and California are private institutions. If you’re not confident in some of your grades, you’re not alone. Still, you’d be hard-pressed to find another career with so many different opportunities you can explore with just a HS diploma.

If you live in Southern California, you probably have noticed all of the urgent cares and clinics that have sprouted. These are just some of the places in which x-ray technicians find work. You may also find work in imaging centers, corporate healthcare, sports medicine clinics, private practice, and more!

If You Want to Become an X-Ray Tech in CA, Find a School that Fits Your Specific Needs

Finding the right x-ray tech school for your specific needs is key. The first step, as we’ve outlined in several articles is creating a list of values that are important to you. Once you have them written down, you can begin your search. But what if you don’t know what values are of importance? Well, it all starts with taking a look at your current situation and examining what your needs are. Maybe you’re not currently working but are the head of your household. Perhaps you don’t think you can afford tuition and may need financial aid for x-ray technician school. For others, it may be the school’s location and commute as well as length of the x-ray program.

Whatever your specific needs are, put them on your list! They can be big things like qualifying for financial assistance, or small things like free campus parking. If you want to become an x-ray tech in California, you’ll need to take this part of your search seriously. As we’ve also discussed in prior articles, you’ll also need to do some research on the schools that make your short list of prospective schools. Some great places to start include review sites like Yelp & Google, as well as checking out the school’s social media accounts. Try to get a general feel for the school — how they teach, what their curriuculum consists of, and whether they meet the standards.

Some Things to Consider When Searching for the Best X-Ray Technician Schools

There are a lot of things to consider when searching for the right x-ray tech school in California. Some basics include finding out if the school is accredited. A good x-ray technician school will be accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges – ACCSC. The ACCSC is recognized by the US Department of Education. You’ll also want to make sure they are licensed to operate as a private post-secondary institution in the State of California through the Bureau for Private Post-secondary Education (BPPE).

Furthermore, find out if their x-ray technician program is approved by the California Department of Public Health’s Radiological Health Branch (CDPH-RHB). If you’re one of our country’s beloved Veterans, find out if they accept the GI Bill. Other things to consider include checking if they offer Financial Aid. Lastly, if you’re unemployed ask if EDD’s Eligible Training Programs List. Ask if they are an eligible institution to provide training services for the California Department of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Work Force Investment Board – WIA.

Other Factors to Consider if You Want to Become an X-Ray Tech in CA

  • Ask if the x-ray school offers an all-inclusive program. One that has added benefits and structures their program around actual industry employment needs
  • Find out if they offer Medical Assisting cross-training as part of their x-ray technician program
  • Take a look at some of the small perks — are textbooks, scrubs, and on-campus parking included with your tuition?
  • Speak with the Admissions Advisor and ask them to walk you through their clinical internship for x-ray — is it included?
  • Make time to find out if your x-ray tech training is hands-on and taught in real-life labs
  • Does the x-ray technician school pack their classrooms or teach in small groups for accelerated learning?
  • How popular is their x-ray tech program — are students raving about it in online reviews?
  • Is the x-ray technician training course accessible and what is the entry/admissions process like?
  • Do you need more than a high school diploma to become an x-ray tech at this school?
  • How long is the program and at what point do you start your clinical internship?
  • Does the x-ray school have good connections and place you at good locations for your internship?
  • Is there an onsite job-placement and career services center? What do they provide?
  • If you’re a current medical assistant, ask if they have an x-ray only program
  • Do they offer evening x-ray classes?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Remember, the best x-ray technician schools in California will be transparent and want to ensure you’re confident in your decision to enroll. 

Why Modern Technology School is the Best X-Ray Tech School in Orange County

If any of the things we covered in this article are important to you, then you’re at the right school. Modern Technology has been teaching and training x-ray technicians in California since 1981. We’ve seen the industry undergo many changes and we’ve adjusted in order to ensure our students receive the most value for their tuition. If you want to become an x-ray tech in California, follow the steps in this article. Check out a couple x-ray tech schools that are near you. Use your list to find out what makes each of them unique and whether they fit your needs.

Then come meet with our friendly Admissions Advisor, and ask us the same questions. Find out about our included Clinical Internship and let us walk you through a day in the life of an x-ray tech in CA. Talk to us about why we include Medical Assistant cross-training and why it’s important when you become an x-ray tech in California. If you want to find out if you qualify for financial aid, we can help you fill out your FAFSA. Our onsite Job Placement Center gets rave reviews on Yelp. Not only do we help you with networking with Healthcare employers, but we also help with custom cover letters, resumes and interviews.

The Modern Technology School Difference

Our student’s first philosophy sets us apart from other x-ray tech schools in California. While other x-ray schools pack their classes or simply want more warm bodies on their roster, we believe in training our x-ray technicians in small class sizes. Our Orange County X-Ray Technician Program is popular and fills up quickly. We start classes every other month and you learn hands-on in real-life labs and classrooms. Textbooks, scrubs and plenty of free parking are included in the cost of tuition.

There’s never been a better time to become an x-ray tech in Southern California. If you live in Orange County or surrounding areas like Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Diego, Riverside, Corona or San Bernardino, come check us out! On a final note, keep in mind that we love answering your questions! Our school is open Mon-Fri and we offer walk-in appointments as well as free tours of our campus. Finally, remember that not every school is perfect for everyone. We understand that, and hope our x-ray technician program fits your specific needs.

Come train with the best x-ray technician program and a faculty that cares at Modern Technology School! We look forward to meeting with you!

Call Modern Technology School & Ask for Admissions

(714) 418-9100

X-Ray Tech Classes Start February 20th in Orange County

*Ask about evening x-ray technician classes as well as our X-Ray Only program for current Medical Assistants!

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