Accredited Radiology Technician Programs Griffith IN 46319 Archives

How to Find a Radiologic Tech Degree Program near Griffith Indiana

Griffith IN x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Griffith IN so you can train to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have decided to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you tackle picking the right school and program so that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified professional? And considering that most states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you may require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you research each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. A number of students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and frequently settle on the lowest cost. But while location and cost need to be considered, there are other important qualifiers also. For example, you must ask if 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 provided later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray tech does and the degrees and training options that are offered.

X-Ray Tech Career Description

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, each has the same principal job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for example mammography. They can practice in Griffith IN clinics, hospitals, family 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 must take care of their equipment plus frequently assess its functionality and safety. They are additionally required to keep complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Griffith IN health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Technician Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Griffith IN The basic requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech school is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, usually requires 18 months to two years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to finish and is more comprehensive in nature. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be appropriate as well. One thing to consider is that Griffith IN radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can typically be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which many colleges sponsor 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 requirements in Indiana or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an Radiologist program, based on the state where you will be employed you may have to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria differ so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but several provide additional options for testing also. Several states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, many Griffith IN employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Tech Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Griffith 46319 As a component 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 large portion of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is typically provided in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online section of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Griffith IN home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically discover that the online approach to education is far more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are generally more affordable than traditional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be reduced also. But just make certain that the online program you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then online classes may be the right option for you.

Points to Ask Radiology Tech Schools

As soon as you have chosen the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of locating and evaluating Griffith IN x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to determine if you want to attend online classes or drive to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a determining factor as well. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you consider when reviewing colleges? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these important details prior to making your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? A large number of radiology tech colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still imperative to confirm that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous review of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Griffith IN health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry level positions.

Are Internships Sponsored? Ask if the Indiana xray technician colleges you are evaluating have associations with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent way to get hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist students and graduates develop professional connections in the Griffith IN medical community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Griffith IN healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For many students, the college they pick will have to be within travelling distance of their Griffith IN residence. Students who have chosen to attend online classes obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. One thing to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit way in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Griffith IN schools you are reviewing 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 ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the x-ray tech college you ultimately pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Griffith IN, verify that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to consider questions you could be asked. One of the things that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer prospects is "What made you pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not merely the private reasons you might have for being a radiology technician, but also what qualities and abilities you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, as well as a certain number of typical interview questions, so you need to organize some ideas about how you would like to address them. Because there are several factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the talents you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the best choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but take down several ideas and talking points that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can help you to develop your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.

Choose the Ideal X-Ray Tech College near Griffith IN

Picking the appropriate radiology technician degree program is a crucial first step toward launching a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs often stand for the majority of the day and position and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best available care to patients. As has been addressed in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each program you are considering before making your final decision. This is just as true whether you participate in an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can focus your options and make your decision. And with the proper education and your commitment to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Griffith IN.