How to Select a Radiologic Technician Degree Program in Washington
Congratulations on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school in Washington in order to become a radiology technologist. And now that you have chosen to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle picking the ideal college and program so that you will get the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And considering that most states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you might need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the schools you are looking at in order to compare each program. Most potential students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and typically gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location need to be taken into consideration, there are additional significant qualifiers as well. For instance, you should ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are evaluating are provided later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology technician does and the degrees and education choices that are available.
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X-Ray Technician Career Description
There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the same fundamental job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some opt to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They can practice in Washington clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician might utilize include:
- Traditional and specialized X-Rays
- Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Sonography or ultrasound
- Fluoroscopy
Radiographers must care for their equipment and frequently assess its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Washington medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
Radiology Tech Degrees Offered
The primary prerequisite for attending a radiology tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, usually requires 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to complete and is more expansive in scope. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be appropriate as well. One thing to keep in mind is that Washington radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may typically be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which many colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Washington or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification
Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, based on the state where you will be working you may have to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their requirements vary so contact your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but many approve additional options for testing also. Several states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Washington employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Technologist Schools
As a part of any degree program, Washington x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree programs. So while you can still obtain your degree online, a significant amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is usually provided in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online section of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Washington 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 schools are generally less expensive than conventional alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be reduced as well. But just make sure that the online college you choose is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online school may be the best choice for you.
Questions to Ask Radiology Tech Programs
Once you have chosen the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of looking for and evaluating Washington 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 important. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a material variable as well. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you look at when comparing colleges? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details prior to making your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are assessing.
Are the X-Ray Tech Programs Accredited? Most radiology technician schools have earned some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to confirm that the school and program 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 receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed evaluation of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be recognized 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 getting financial assistance and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Washington health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry-level openings.
Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out if the Washington radiology technician schools you are reviewing have relationships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific means to obtain hands on training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Washington healthcare community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the radiographer programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Washington healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the school they select will need to be within driving distance of their Washington residence. Students who have opted to attend online classes naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may be required 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.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that prefers to sit far in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Washington colleges you are researching what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program as well.
Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the radiographer college you finally choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Washington, make certain that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Enroll in the Right X-Ray Technician Program in Washington
Enrolling in the best radiology tech school is a critical first step toward initiating a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs regularly stand for the greater part of the day and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best available patient care. As has been addressed in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are considering prior to making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online program or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each school so you can narrow down your choices and make your decision. And with the proper education and your motivation to be successful, you can realize your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Washington.