8 Reasons to Become a Rad Tech in California

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There are lots of reasons to consider becoming a Radiologic Technician in California, especially if you are good with people and have an interest in health care. As a Rad Tech, you make a difference in people’s lives and play an important role in the type of care they receive. You’re part of a respected healthcare profession that is in high demand in California. And don’t forget, being a Rad Tech in California means you get to live and work in the Golden State! Check out the top 8 reasons to become a Radiologic Technician in California.

1. California Radiologic Technicians Provide Critical Patient Care

As a Rad Tech, you make an impact on the lives of others. With your help, doctors accurately diagnose patients. When they suspect that a patient has a certain illness or type of injury, they turn to you for scans that can provide evidence and confirmation. The imaging you perform, which can include scans like MRIs, CT scans and X-rays can help doctors diagnose or watch the progression of a disease or treatment. Your work helps save lives.

2. Employment of Rad Techs is Growing in California

Demand for Rad Techs is growing across the country, but especially in California. The state ranks No. 2 in the U.S. for employment of Rad Techs. Demand for Radiologic Technicians in California is nearly double the national average. And with the increase in size of the aging population and the rise of chronic illnesses, more Rad Techs will be needed to provide imaging services for doctors in California.

3. Radiologic Technologists Are Well Compensated in California

Rad Techs in California earn much more than the national average. While Rad Techs throughout the country can expect salaries above $70,000, the average salary for California Rad Techs is more than $102,000. It ranks as the highest paying state for Rad Techs in the country.

4. Plenty of Settings for Rad Techs to Work in California

The majority of Rad Techs work in hospitals, but there are other healthcare facilities where you could find work. Doctors’ offices, outpatient care centers and diagnostic labs all employ Radiologic Technologists and could provide job opportunities for you—right in your own backyard. Healthcare facilities are located across the whole state, so you don’t need to worry about relocating for work after you graduate. For example, you might look for work at healthcare facilities such as Community Memorial Health Center, Channel Islands Surgery Center or the Ventura County Medical Center.

5. Opportunity for Career Advancement in Radiologic Technology

With proper training and additional certifications, you can enter specializations within radiologic technology such as mammography, MRI, and angiography. Specializations may lead to better job prospects and higher salaries. You might also strive to become a lead technologist, supervisor, or imaging department manager. Or you might consider further education to become a radiologist assistant. With additional certifications from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, you can expand your expertise and qualify for more advanced healthcare positions.

6. Rad Techs Access Flexible Schedules

Depending upon where you work, you may have a flexible schedule. Because many hospitals and imaging centers operate 24/7, offering day, evening, night, weekend, and on-call shifts, there’s plenty of need to cover lots of shifts. You might work part-time, per diem, or even choose to travel throughout the state. Or you can settle into one location at an outpatient clinic or private practice with more regular hours, Monday-Friday. Your access to flexibility increases with your experience and specialization, making it a great career if you want varied scheduling options.

7. California Rad Techs work with Cutting-Edge Technology

Radiologic technology has seen quite a few advancements throughout its history, and many hospitals, doctors’ offices, and emergency care centers have begun to adopt new technologies into their facilities to provide better patient care. For example, 3D and 4D imaging helps techs and physicians visualize and track progress of diseases, tumors, and treatment as it’s administered. And AI has made waves throughout healthcare, including imaging. These advancements help Radiologic Technologists and doctors better interpret scans and make more accurate diagnoses.

8. California Is a Great State to Work in for Radiologic Technicians

For worker protections, wage policies, and rights to organize, California ranks #2 in the country as a great place to work. And California ranks #6 in the quality of health care it provides to residents. But don’t forget, California is also an amazing place to work and live. Its consistent climate, breath-taking scenery, indoor and outdoor activities, and economic opportunities all make it a great place to live and work.

Are you interested in a career as a Radiologic Technologist in California? Charter College Oxnard has a comprehensive Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology program that can prepare you for an entry-level job as a Rad Tech. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.