X-ray Technician Programs in California: How to Choose the Right One for You

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: not all X-ray Technician programs in California have been created equally. But that’s really a good thing, because you want to be able to choose the best x-ray tech school for your own specific needs. Because there are so many different key aspects to a great x-ray tech program, and because different x-ray schools offer different benefits, we think it’s important to explore what makes up the best X-ray Technician programs in California.

Using this information, you’ll be able to decide on what’s most important to you when choosing an X-ray Tech school. It should also give you a great understanding of the X-ray Technician’s career path. We’ll take a look at why choosing an all-inclusive x-ray tech program is a great idea. Finally, we’ll break down what an all-inclusive program should entail and why they’re important. Let’s get started…

X-ray Technician Programs in CA: Find an Accredited X-ray Tech School

If you want to become an X-ray Technician in California, the first thing you’ll want to do is begin by researching x-ray schools. For starters, you’ll want to find an accredited Diagnostic Healthcare school. X-ray Tech schools must work hard and offer a great curriculum in order to acquire and maintain their accreditation. Furthermore, attending an accredited x-ray technician college will ensure that you’re getting the best education possible.

Accredited x-ray schools have to adhere to the strict standards set forth by both the State and licensing bodies. Not only does the school have to be up-to-par, but their staff, curriculum and equipment must be as well. Moreover, Healthcare employers in California want candidates from accredited x-ray technician schools. Not only does it means they’ve received a standardized education, but it also means you won’t have to return to school because you attended an unaccredited institution.

There are many X-ray Technician schools which are accredited throughout California. The ACCSC is the largest of the accrediting bodies and is recognized by the US Department of Education. They are responsible for over 700 trade & technical schools nationwide and oversee the education of over 150,000 students annually. That said, always ask if the x-ray tech school you’re planning on attending is accredited.

All-Inclusive X-ray Technician Programs: Why are They Vital and What Do They Include?

All-inclusive x-ray technician programs offer the best value for your tuition, but what do they include? For starters, enrolling in all-inclusive usually means that you’ll have everything you need in order to prepare for and take the CA State X-ray Exams. You pay one tuition, and will receive a standardized x-ray technician education, all under the same program.

For instance, most California Diagnostic Healthcare employers are looking for a hybrid of X-ray Tech and Medical Assistant. That said, all inclusive x-ray technician programs will offer medical assisting cross-training at no additional cost. Furthermore, look for other added benefits, such as pre-requisite classes (so you don’t need any prior healthcare training), as well as clinical internship (which we’ll get to later).

The best all-inclusive x-ray technician programs will not only prepare you for a career as an X-ray Tech in California, but will also provide you with a great foundation for professional patient care and a future in radiology & radiography. An all-inclusive X-ray Technician Program like the one at Modern Technology School, will even include textbooks & scrubs as well as cover the cost of your first CA State exams.

Look for X-ray Technician Programs Which Offer Built-in Clinical Internship

When meeting any x-ray tech college or school, find out if they offer clinical internship as part of their program. Clinical internship is a key factor to your x-ray technician education. Clinical Internship is the time you’ll spend interning at a live clinical site during the latter portion of your x-ray technician training. It’s vital because you get to experience what life is like for a working x-ray technician. Moreover, it helps prepare you even further for your career and puts your skills to the test with actual patients.

The best x-ray technician programs in California will include clinical internship as part of their curriculum. This means you will receive the internship as part of your tuition at no additional cost. We mentioned prior that not all clinical internships are created equal either. Remember to compare apples to apples when looking at x-ray tech school’s internships and the hours they provide.

The State and licensing bodies do have a minimum requirement for images and hours which clinical sites must adhere to. That said, it’s hard finding your own internship, especially during this portion of your x-ray technician education. That’s why the best x-ray technician programs in California will have done the work for you to find the best internships, as well as offer it to students at no additional cost.

Other Benefits to Expect from the Best X-ray Technician Programs in CA and Smaller Things to Ask About

We use the term expect (in the heading) with a grain of salt. Like we said, not all x-ray technician programs are created equal. That said, ask the x-ray tech school‘s Admissions department if they offer the following:

  • Hands-on training — this is vital; you’re working with live patients and need to position them properly in order to take proper x-rays
  • A good foundation for professional patient care — make sure their medical assistant program is built-in to the X-ray Tech program. Remember CA employers will want a cross-trained hybrid of XT/MA
  • Books & Scrubs. Hey, the costs add up, we get it! Make sure that the x-ray technician programs you’re considering will include the cost of books & scrubs… ask them how much parking costs each year as well!
  • Small classroom environments: these are vital for quick absorption of the material and allow each student ample time both on the machines and working directly with a qualified x-ray tech instructor. Think of an overcrowded school like an overcrowded gym. Ultimately, there’s less time for each person to get quality training
  • Length of time: find x-ray technician programs that will get you in and on your way within a year’s time. Remember, your goal is to begin working as an x-ray tech in CA as soon as possible
  • Ask about financial aid and whether it’s available to those who qualify. If you’re a US Veteran, ask about using the GI Bill to attend the Diagnostic Healthcare school

Modern Technology School Offers One of the Best X-ray Technician Programs in Southern California

Modern Technology School is an ACCSC accredited Diagnostic Healthcare School. Our X-ray Technician / Medical Assistant program has been in effect since 1981. Not only have we kept up with the industry changes, but we’ve kept up with the busy lives of our students. We offer day and evening X-ray Technician programs, as well as an X-ray Only option for current medical assistants who want to transition into an X-ray Tech.

Modern Technology School offers financial aid to those who qualify and our 12 month X-ray program is all-inclusive. Not only do you get built-in clinical internship, but you receive medical assistant cross-training as well. We pay the cost of your first CA State X-ray and MA exams! Want textbooks, scrubs and free parking included in the cost of your tuition? No problem!

Our compassionate faculty teaches students hands-on and in small classroom environments. We want you to be able to ask questions and get hands-on answers. We also believe in helping our grads after they complete the program, so job placement assistance is built-into the school. Best of all, pre-requisite classes are built-into our Orange County X-ray Technician Program.

Modern Technology School is Here to Help You Understand How to Become an X-ray Tech in CA

If you’re looking to become an X-ray Tech in California, we’re here to help. We want to answer your questions and help you find the best x-ray technician programs for your needs. That said, give us a call and ask for Admissions. Our friendly Advisor will walk you through the program and learn about your goals. We don’t push students to enroll, and always want a good fit on both ends of the spectrum.

Classes fill-up quickly due to our commitment to small classroom sizes. Our Orange County X-ray Tech School is safe, and easy to get to from various freeways. There’s a reason people commute to our school from as far out as San Diego, Riverside and Los Angeles Counties every day. It’s not because they can’t find x-ray technician programs in their area — it’s because we offer more value for your tuition.

If you’re interested in becoming an x-ray tech in California or want to learn more about night classes, give us a call. We also can help you learn about alternate pathways to becoming a CRT  or RadTech in California. Many students who want to become a Certified Radiologic Technologist are facing a 5+ year wait at junior colleges. We’re enrolling right now for our next X-ray Technician class which starts October 1st. We look forward to meeting you and having you in one of our next  X-ray Tech classes!

Looking for One of the Best X-ray Technician Programs in CA?

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Our Next All Inclusive X-ray Class Starts October 1st!

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