How to Pick an X-Ray Technician College near Grand Rapids Michigan
Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Grand Rapids MI so you can become a radiology technologist. And now that you have made a decision to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about choosing the ideal school and program so that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And because the majority of states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you may require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the schools you are considering in order to compare each program. Most potential students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and frequently settle on the most affordable cost. But while expense and location should be considered, there are additional important qualifications also. For example, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are examining 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 Occupation Description
There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, each has the identical 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 provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some elect to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They may practice in Grand Rapids MI clinics, hospitals, private 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 must take care of their equipment and also regularly assess its functionality and safety. They are also required to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Grand Rapids MI medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
Radiology Technician Degrees Offered
The primary prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech college is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, generally requires 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 four years to finish and is more expansive in nature. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are acceptable as well. Something to consider is that Grand Rapids MI radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can typically be fulfilled by taking part in an externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification requirements in Michigan or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
Radiographer Licensing and Certification
Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, depending on the state where you will be working you might need to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements vary so get in touch with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but a number approve additional alternatives for testing also. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is optional. Having said that, numerous Grand Rapids MI employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it could increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Technologist Schools
As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree schools. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a substantial portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is often provided in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online portion of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Grand Rapids MI home. Students who continue working while earning their degree typically find that the online style of learning is far more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are generally more affordable than conventional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, costs for commuting and study materials may be reduced as well. But just make sure that the online college you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online degree may be the ideal option for you.
Topics to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges
As soon as you have chosen the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of searching for and assessing Grand Rapids MI x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to decide if you want to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be important. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be an important factor as well. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you consider when comparing schools? Well, you need to ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these important details before you make your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are considering.
Are the X-Ray Tech Schools Accredited? A large number of radiology tech schools have earned some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still important to confirm that the program and school 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 obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive review of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it may also obtain 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. Besides guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Grand Rapids MI health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level jobs.
Are Internships Provided? Ask if the Michigan radiology tech colleges you are evaluating have relationships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific means to get practical experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may help students and graduates develop professional connections in the Grand Rapids MI healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the radiographer programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Grand Rapids MI healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the college they choose will need to be within driving distance of their Grand Rapids MI home. Those who have chosen 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 school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Grand Rapids MI colleges you are researching what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. 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.
Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the radiographer school you ultimately pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Grand Rapids MI, make sure that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of illness, work or family obligations.
Why Did You Want to Become an Xray Technician?
When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to review questions you could be asked. One of the things that recruiters typically ask radiographer prospects is "What compelled you to choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not just the private reasons you may have for becoming a radiology technician, but additionally what attributes and abilities you possess that make you outstanding at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, as well as a certain number of typical interview questions, so you need to ready some strategies about how you want to respond to them. Because there are several factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you as well as the abilities you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but write down a few concepts and topics that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.Pick the Best X-Ray Tech School near Grand Rapids MI
Enrolling in the best radiology tech college is a critical first step toward launching a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the majority of the working day and position and in some cases lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and provide the best possible patient care. As we have discussed in this report, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are considering before making your final selection. This is equally true whether you participate in an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each school so you can narrow down your options before making your final choice. And with the right training and your motivation to be successful, you can realize your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Grand Rapids MI.
Some Background on Grand Rapids Michigan
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids is the second-largest city in Michigan, and the largest city in West Michigan. It is on the Grand River about 30 miles (48 km) east of Lake Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 188,040. In 2010, the Grand Rapids metropolitan area had a population of 1,005,648, and the combined statistical area of Grand Rapids-Muskegon-Holland had a population of 1,321,557. Grand Rapids is the county seat of Kent County.[7]
A historic furniture-manufacturing center, Grand Rapids is home to five of the world's leading office furniture companies, and is nicknamed Furniture City. Its more common modern nickname of River City refers to the landmark river for which it was named. The city and surrounding communities are economically diverse, based in the health care, information technology, automotive, aviation, and consumer goods manufacturing industries, among others.
Grand Rapids is the hometown of U.S. President Gerald Ford, who is buried with his wife Betty on the grounds of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in the city.[8]
For thousands of years, succeeding cultures of indigenous peoples occupied the area. Over 2000 years ago, people associated with the Hopewell culture occupied the Grand River Valley.[9] Later, a tribe from the Ottawa River traveled to the Grand River valley, fighting three battles with the Prairie Indians who were established in the area.[10] The tribe later split, with the Chippewas settling in the northern lower peninsula, the Pottawatomies staying south of the Kalamazoo River and the Ottawa staying in central Michigan.[10]
By the late 1600s, the Ottawa, who occupied territory around the Great Lakes and spoke one of the numerous Algonquian languages, moved into the Grand Rapids area and founded several villages along the Grand River.[9][11] The Ottawa established on the river, which they called O-wash-ta-nong, or far-away-water due to the river's length, where they "raised corn, melons, pumpkins and beans, to which they added game of the woods and the fish from the streams".[10]
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