Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Portland MI 48875 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select an X-Ray Technician Degree Program near Portland Michigan

Portland MI x-ray tech internship program Congratulations regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Portland MI in order to become a radiology technician. But now that you have decided to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you undertake choosing the ideal school and program so that you will receive the proper training to become a qualified professional? And considering that most states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you might require training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. Most potential students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and usually settle on the lowest cost. But while cost and location must be taken into consideration, there are additional critical qualifiers also. For instance, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the colleges you are examining are presented later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology technician does and the credentials and training choices that are available.

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Radiology Technician Career Summary

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, each has the identical primary job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They may practice in Portland MI hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist might work with include:

Traditional and specialized X-Rays
Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Sonography or ultrasound
Fluoroscopy

Radiographers have to take care of their equipment and regularly assess its functionality and safety. They are additionally required to keep in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Portland MI medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Portland MI The standard prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech school is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, normally takes 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four 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 are appropriate as well. One thing to keep in mind is that Portland MI radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may often be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Michigan or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might have to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites differ so check with 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 several provide other options for testing also. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, many Portland MI employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it could enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Tech Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Portland 48875 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree colleges. So while you can still obtain your degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is usually carried out in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online segment of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Portland MI residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually discover that the online approach to education is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are generally cheaper than traditional options. Along with lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting may be lessened also. But just make certain that the online program you choose 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 online classes may be the right choice for you.

Topics to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges

When you have decided on the type of degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of finding and assessing Portland MI x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a determining variable also. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you consider when reviewing schools? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these important details before you make your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Tech Schools Accredited? A large number of xray tech schools have earned some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still crucial to verify that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed evaluation of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. 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 assist in getting financial aid and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Portland MI employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Inquire if the Michigan radiology tech schools you are interested in have associations with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great manner to receive practical experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may help graduates and students form professional relationships in the Portland MI medical community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Portland MI healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the college they pick will have to be within travelling distance of their Portland MI home. Individuals who have decided to attend classes online naturally will not have to concern 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 school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Portland MI colleges you are considering what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to converse with a few of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the x-ray tech school you ultimately choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Portland MI, verify that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Become an Xray Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you might be asked. One of the questions that recruiters frequently ask radiographer prospects is "What compelled you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not only the personal reasons you may have for being an Xray technician, but also what characteristics and skills you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, as well as a significant number of general interview questions, so you must prepare several ideas about how you want to address them. Given that there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the strengths you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but jot down several concepts and talking points that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.

Choose the Best X-Ray Tech College near Portland MI

Selecting the best x-ray technician degree program is a critical first step toward starting a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs often stand for the greater part of the workday and position and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best available care to patients. As has been covered in this report, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are assessing before making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you participate in an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each college so you can narrow down your options and make your decision. And with the right training and your dedication to succeed, you can realize your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Portland MI.

Some Background on Portland Michigan

Portland, Michigan

Portland is a city in Ionia County of the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 3,883 at the 2010 census. The city is situated in the south central portion of Portland Township and is known as the "City of Two Rivers" since it is the confluence of the Grand River and the Looking Glass River. Portland is home to Portland Public Schools and Portland Saint Patrick Catholic School and has been a Main Street Community since 2003.

According to government records, the first land that was owned in what is now known as Portland was owned by Elisha Newman in 1833. The first post office arrived in 1837.[6] The first train arrived in Portland in 1869.[7] Portland has been home to several Native American tribes, and was the dwelling-place of John Okemos in the 1850s.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.78 square miles (7.20 km2), of which 2.64 square miles (6.84 km2) is land and 0.14 square miles (0.36 km2) is water.[1]

As of the census[2] of 2010, there were 3,883 people, 1,640 households, and 1,039 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,470.8 inhabitants per square mile (567.9/km2). There were 1,797 housing units at an average density of 680.7 per square mile (262.8/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 96.7% White, 0.7% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.6% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.1% of the population.

There were 1,640 households of which 33.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.1% were married couples living together, 12.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.6% were non-families. 31.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.98.