Radiology

Radiology Schools in California

Whether they work in California or another state, radiologic technologists use X-ray equipment to take internal images of the body, providing them to doctors for purposes of diagnosing and assessing patient health. X-rays provide clear images of the bone, showing whether they might be fractured or broken, but can also help doctors to determine if a patient has arthritis or even a lung infection, according to The Mayo Clinic.

Radiologic technologists have many different responsibilities on the job, and, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these can include:

  • Maintaining diagnostic equipment
  • Correctly positioning patients
  • Collaborating with physicians to determine if more X-rays are needed
  • Making sure parts of the body that don’t need imaging are shielded from radiation

Specific occupations in radiology include:

Radiologist schools in California can train students so that they learn the types of skills they’re likely to need for these jobs. Students looking for a health care field may want to consider radiology technology simply because of the strong potential for employment. Why the job demand? The BLS reports that a growing baby boomer population is increasing the needs for these and other types of health care services and that changes in health insurance law are providing more people with access to care.

Radiologic Technologist Schools in California

Below is a list of some of the schools in California that offer radiologic technologist programs, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

  • Antelope Valley College, Lancasterr
  • Bakersfield College,Bakersfield
  • Cabrillo College, Aptos
  • City College of San Francisco, San Francisco
  • Contra Costa College, San Pablo
  • Crafton Hills College, Yucaipa
  • Cypress College, Cypress
  • El Camino Community College District, Torrance
  • Foothill College, Los Altos Hills
  • Fresno City College, Fresno
  • Loma Linda University, Loma Linda
  • Long Beach City College, Long Beach
  • Los Angeles City College, Los Angeles
  • Merced College, Merced
  • Merritt College, Oakland
  • Mt. San Antonio College, Walnut
  • Pasadena City College, Pasadena
  • San Diego Mesa College, San Diego
  • San Joaquin Delta College, Stockton
  • Santa Barbara City College, Santa Barbara
  • Santa Rosa Junior College, Santa Rosa
  • Yuba College, Marysville

How to Become a Radiologic Technologist in California

How do students become radiologic technologists? According to the BLS, an associate degree is typically what’s needed to seek entry-level employment, though some occupations may require a bachelor’s degree or even a postsecondary certificate instead. Students in radiologist schools in California will find that clinical coursework is an important part of their instruction and learning. These classes can provide them with real-life skills, working with X-ray equipment and in settings where their skills can be put to real use.Although course names and needed credits hours may vary by program, the education necessary to become a radiologic technologist is often the same. Students enrolled in radiologist schools in California could take classes that include:

  • Anatomy and Radiographic Positioning
  • Radiographic Science and Protection
  • Radiographic Imaging
  • Radiographic Equipment and Clinical Application

After completing a radiographic technology program, students will want to begin the licensing process in the state. Licensing is required in most, but not all states, and the requirements vary from state to state. In California, passing the state exam or the national exam offered through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is part of the licensing process. Students may also want to ensure that they have graduated from a school program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), since graduation from an accredited program is so often a step in state licensing.

Once students obtain their license in California, they will need to renew it every two years. This can be done by completing 24 continuing education hours in a two-year period. In California, four of these hours need to be completed specifically in digital radiography, according to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). Students can also go on to work toward certification in specific areas of radiology, such as mammography and bone densitometry, and find certifications available through the ARRT.

Radiology Salary in California

Below are the number of people employed and the average annual salaries for five common radiology jobs in California. Wages may vary by employer and by which part of the state you live in.

CareerTotal EmploymentAnnual Mean Wage
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians4,55072,750
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers6,38091,700
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists3,46087,520
Nuclear Medicine Technologists1,590109,980
Radiologic Technologists18,14077,650

Source: 2016 Occupational Employment Statistics and 2016-26 Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov.

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