How to Pick a Radiology Technician Degree Program in Kentucky
Best wishes on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school in Kentucky in order to become a radiology technician. But now that you have decided to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you set about choosing the ideal college and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a skilled professional? And because most states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you might need training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you research each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can compare each program. Most students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and often gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while location and cost need to be taken into account, there are additional significant qualifications as well. For instance, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are considering are provided later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and training options that are available.
X-Ray Technician Occupation Description
There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, they all have the identical principal job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some choose to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for example mammography. They can practice in Kentucky hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech might utilize include:
- Traditional and specialized X-Rays
- Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Sonography or ultrasound
- Fluoroscopy
Radiographers have to care for their equipment plus frequently analyze its performance and safety. They are additionally required to keep detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Kentucky medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
Radiology Tech Degree Options
The basic prerequisite for attending a radiology tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, normally takes 18 months to two years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to finish and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be acceptable as well. Something to bear in mind is that Kentucky radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may typically be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification mandates in Kentucky or the state you will be working as applicable.
X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing
After you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, depending on the state where you will be working you might have to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their requirements vary so contact your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but a number accept additional alternatives for testing as well. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, many Kentucky employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it might increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Tech Degrees
As a part of any degree program, Kentucky x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree schools. So although you can still earn your degree online, a large portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is typically provided in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online segment of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Kentucky residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree often find that the online approach to learning is much more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are frequently less costly than traditional options. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting can be decreased as well. But just make certain that the online school you select is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online degree may be the ideal option for you.
Subjects to Ask Radiology Tech Schools
Once you have selected the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of locating and evaluating Kentucky x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to decide if you want to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a determining variable also. But along with location and cost, what else should you look at when reviewing schools? Well, you need to find out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are reviewing.
Are the Radiology Tech Colleges Accredited? A large number of xray technician schools have received some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to verify that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous review of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also help in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Kentucky employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level positions.
Are Internship Programs Offered? Find out if the Kentucky xray technician schools you are evaluating have partnerships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent manner to get practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Kentucky medical community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the radiographer programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Kentucky healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the school they decide on will need to be within commuting distance of their Kentucky residence. Those who have opted to attend online classes naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit far in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Kentucky colleges you are looking at what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program as well.
Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the x-ray tech school you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Kentucky, make certain that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Enroll in the Ideal Radiology Tech School in Kentucky
Choosing the best x-ray tech degree program is an important first step toward starting a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs often stand for the majority of the day and position and in some cases lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. As has been covered in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each college you are assessing prior to making your ultimate decision. This is equally true whether you decide on an online school or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each program so you can focus your options and make your decision. And with the appropriate education and your motivation to be successful, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiographer in Kentucky.