Accredited Radiology Tech Schools Battle Creek MI 49014 Archives

How to Select an Xray Tech Program near Battle Creek Michigan

Battle Creek MI x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Battle Creek MI in order to learn to be a radiology technician. And now that you have decided to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you undertake picking the right school and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And since most states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you might need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you research each of the colleges you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Most prospective students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and frequently gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location need to be considered, there are other significant qualifications as well. For example, you must ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are evaluating are provided later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and education choices that are available.

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X-Ray Tech Occupation Description

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, they all have the same major job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many opt to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They may practice in Battle Creek MI hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may 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 care for their equipment plus regularly evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also expected to retain in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Battle Creek MI health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Tech Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Battle Creek MI The primary prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, usually takes 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to complete and is more extensive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are appropriate as well. One thing to keep in mind is that Battle Creek MI radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may frequently be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any licensing or certification mandates in Michigan or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, depending on the state where you will be employed you might need to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites differ so contact your state. Currently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number provide other alternatives for testing also. Some states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, many Battle Creek MI employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it could increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Tech Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Battle Creek 49014 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree colleges. So while you can still obtain your degree online, a significant amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is often conducted in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online section of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Battle Creek MI residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online style of learning is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online programs are generally cheaper than conventional options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be lessened as well. But just confirm that the online school you choose is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then online classes may be the best choice for you.

What to Ask Radiology Tech Colleges

After you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of searching for and assessing Battle Creek MI x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to determine if you want to attend online classes or travel to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be critical. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a determining variable as well. But along with location and cost, what else should you consider when reviewing schools? Well, you should ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Tech Colleges Accredited? The majority of xray technician schools have obtained some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still important to confirm that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive review of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be recognized 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 frequently not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Battle Creek MI health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level positions.

Are Internships Sponsored? Inquire if the Michigan xray tech programs you are interested in have partnerships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great manner to obtain hands on training in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Battle Creek MI medical community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out 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 sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Battle Creek MI healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the college they decide on will have to be within driving distance of their Battle Creek MI home. Individuals who have decided to attend online classes naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit far in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Battle Creek MI schools you are researching what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the x-ray tech school you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you decide to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Battle Creek MI, verify that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Become an Xray Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to review questions you could be asked. One of the things that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to pick radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not just the personal reasons you might have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but also what characteristics and abilities you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, along with a certain number of standard interview questions, so you must organize several approaches about how you would like to answer them. Considering there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the talents you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down several concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.

Choose the Ideal Radiology Tech Program near Battle Creek MI

Enrolling in the best x-ray technician college is an important first step toward beginning a rewarding 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 greater part of the day and move and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and provide the best available patient care. As we have discussed in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each program you are looking at before making your ultimate decision. This is equally true whether you opt for an online school or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each school so you can focus your options and make your final choice. And with the appropriate education and your commitment to be successful, you can realize your goal to work as a radiology tech in Battle Creek MI.

Some Background on Battle Creek Michigan

Battle Creek, Michigan

Battle Creek is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan, in northwest Calhoun County, at the confluence of the Kalamazoo and Battle Creek rivers. It is the principal city of the Battle Creek, Michigan Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which encompasses all of Calhoun County. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 52,347, while the MSA's population was 136,146.

Battle Creek was named for a minor encounter on March 14, 1824, between a federal government land survey party led by Colonel John Mullett and two Potawatomi Indians, who had approached the survey camp asking for food. They were hungry because the Army was late in delivering the supplies promised them by the treaty of 1820. After a protracted discussion, the Native Americans allegedly tried to steal food. One of the surveyors grabbed his rifle and shot one of the Potawatomies, seriously wounding him. Following the encounter, the surveyors retreated to Detroit.[10]

Surveyors would not return to the area until June 1825, after Governor Lewis Cass had settled the issues with the Native Americans. Early white settlers called the nearby stream the Battle Creek River, and the town took its name from that.[11][12][13][14][15]

Native Americans had called the river Waupakisco, to which some attribute a folk etymology. By this account, the name Waupakisco or Waupokisco was a reference to an earlier battle fought between Native American tribes before the arrival of white settlers. However, Virgil J. Vogel establishes that this native term had "nothing to do with blood or battle".[11][16]

Following removal of the Potawatomi to a reservation, the first permanent white settlements in Battle Creek Township began about 1831. Migration had increased to Michigan from New York and New England following the completion of the Erie Canal in New York in 1824. Most settlers chose to locate on the Goguac prairie, which was fertile and easily cultivated. A post office was opened in Battle Creek in 1832 under Postmaster Pollodore Hudson.[17] The first school was taught in a small log house about 1833 or 1834. Asa Langley built the first sawmill in 1837. A brick manufacturing plant, called the oldest enterprise in the township, was established in 1840 by Simon Carr, and operated until 1903. The township was established by act of the legislature in 1839.[18]