Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Harlingen TX 78550 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find a Radiology Tech School near Harlingen Texas

Harlingen TX x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Harlingen TX in order to become a radiologic technologist. But now that you have decided to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about selecting the right school and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And considering that the majority of states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you might need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you research each of the colleges you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. A number of potential students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and usually gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location should be taken into account, there are additional important qualifications also. For example, you need to ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the colleges you are reviewing are provided later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and training options that are offered.

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X-Ray Tech Work Description

There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, each has the same major job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many opt to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for example mammography. They may work in Harlingen TX hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech may 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 and regularly analyze its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to keep in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Harlingen TX medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Technician Degree Options

x-ray machine in Harlingen TX The basic requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech program is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, generally takes 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to finish and is more expansive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be acceptable as well. One thing to bear in mind is that Harlingen TX radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can typically be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which many schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Texas or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an Radiologist program, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might need to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria differ so contact your state. At present, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but several accept other options for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. However, numerous Harlingen TX employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technologist Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Harlingen 78550 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree colleges. So even though you can still obtain your online degree, a significant amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is usually carried out in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online segment of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Harlingen TX home. Students who continue working while earning their degree often discover that the online style of learning is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are generally less costly than conventional options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be lessened as well. But just be sure that the online college you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online degree may be the right option for you.

Points to Ask X Ray Tech Programs

As soon as you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of looking for and evaluating Harlingen TX x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to decide if you want to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a determining variable also. But along with location and cost, what more should you consider when comparing schools? Well, you should check out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are reviewing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? The majority of xray tech colleges have received some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still important to make sure that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive assessment of their teachers and educational materials. If the college is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Harlingen TX employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level openings.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out if the Texas radiology tech programs you are assessing have relationships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent manner to get practical experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist students and graduates develop professional connections in the Harlingen TX healthcare community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Harlingen TX healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the school they decide on will need to be within travelling distance of their Harlingen TX residence. Individuals who have opted to attend classes online obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. Something to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit way in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Harlingen TX colleges you are looking at what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program as well.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the x-ray tech college you ultimately choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Harlingen TX, check that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Choose to Be an X-Ray Tech?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to review questions you might be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not merely the private reasons you might have for being an X-Ray tech, but additionally what characteristics and skills you possess that make you outstanding at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, in addition to a certain number of routine interview questions, so you must organize a number of approaches about how you want to respond to them. Since there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the abilities you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but jot down several ideas and topics that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Pick the Ideal Radiology Technician College near Harlingen TX

Enrolling in the appropriate x-ray tech degree program is an important first step toward launching a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the majority of the working day and position and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best possible patient care. As has been addressed in this report, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are reviewing before making your final decision. This is equally true whether you decide on an online program or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can narrow down your options and make your decision. And with the appropriate education and your motivation to be successful, you can reach your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Harlingen TX.

Some Background on Harlingen Texas

Harlingen, Texas

Harlingen (/ˈhɑːrlɪndʒɪn/ HAR-lin-jin)[3] is a city in Cameron County in the central region of the Rio Grande Valley of the southern part of the U.S. state of Texas, about 30 miles (48 km) from the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. The city covers more than 40 square miles (104 km2) and is the second largest city in Cameron County, as well as the fourth largest in the Rio Grande Valley. As of the 2010 census the city had a population of 64,849,[4] for a growth rate of 12.5% since the 2000 census. It is the city with the least expensive cost of living in the United States.[5][6]

Harlingen is a principal city of the Brownsville–Harlingen metropolitan area, which is part of the larger Brownsville-Harlingen-Raymondville combined statistical area, included in the Matamoros–Brownsville metropolitan area.

Harlingen's strategic location at the intersection of U.S. Route 77 and U.S. Route 83, designated as Interstate 69 East and Interstate 2 respectively, in northwestern Cameron County fostered its development as a distribution, shipping, and industrial center. In 1904 Lon C. Hill (a man of Choctaw ancestry[7]) envisioned the Arroyo Colorado as a commercial waterway. He named the town he founded on the north bank after the Frisian city of Harlingen, in what is now the Netherlands. The town's post office was established that year. The first school opened with fifteen pupils in 1905 near the Hill home, the first residence built in Harlingen. Harlingen incorporated on April 15, 1910, when the population totaled 1,126. In 1920 the census listed 1,748. The local economy at first was almost entirely agricultural. Major crops were vegetables and cotton.

World War II military installations in Harlingen caused a jump in population from 23,000 in 1950 to 41,000 by 1960. Harlingen Army Air Field preceded Harlingen Air Force Base, which closed in 1962. The city's population fell to 33,603 by 1972, then climbed to 40,824 by 1980. Local enterprise, focused on the purchase and utilization of the abandoned base and related housing, laid the groundwork for continuing progress through a diversified economy. The estimated population in July 1985 was 49,000, of which about 80 percent was Hispanic. In the late 1980s income from tourism ranked second only to citrus fruit production, with grain and cotton next in order. The addition of wholesale and retail trade, light and medium manufacturing, and an array of service industries has broadened the economic base. Large-scale construction for multifaceted retirement communities is a new phase of industrial development.

The City of Harlingen operates a busy industrial airpark where bombers used to land. At Valley International Airport the Confederate Air Force (now Commemorative Air Force) occupied hangar and apron space until 1991. The first hospital in Harlingen opened in 1923 and consisted of little more than two barracks as wings. The Valley Baptist Hospital was built nearby a few years later, and eventually the older hospital closed. The Valley Baptist Hospital has grown into the Valley Baptist Medical Center. The city's outstanding network of health care specialists and facilities parallels the growth of the still-expanding center. Also serving regional health needs are the South Texas State Chest Hospital, the State Hospital for Children, and the Rio Grande State Mental Health and Mental Retardation Center.