How to Choose a Radiology Technician School near Lexington Kentucky
Best wishes regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Lexington KY in order to become a radiologic technologist. And now that you have chosen to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle choosing the ideal college and program to ensure that you will receive the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And since the majority of states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you may require preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you investigate each of the schools you are looking at in order to compare each program. Many students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and typically gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while location and cost need to be taken into account, there are additional significant qualifiers as well. For instance, you must find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are considering are provided later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and training options that are available.
[campusexplorer header_text=”Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools!” aos=”75346615″ concentration=”8671ABD2″ tracking=”XRAY-CW”]
X-Ray Technician Occupation Summary
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. Irrespective of the name, they all have the identical principal job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some choose to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They may practice in Lexington KY clinics, hospitals, 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 and also regularly assess its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to retain detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Lexington KY medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
X-Ray Technician Degrees Offered
The basic prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, generally requires 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to complete and is more expansive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are appropriate as well. Something to keep in mind is that Lexington KY radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may typically be fulfilled by taking part in an externship program which many colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Kentucky or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing
Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, depending on the state where you will be working you might have to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites differ so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but many provide additional options for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. However, many Lexington KY employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it might enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Tech Programs
As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree colleges. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a significant portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is usually performed in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online portion of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Lexington KY home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online style of learning is much more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are frequently less expensive than traditional alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, costs for commuting and study materials may be reduced also. But just make certain that the online program you choose is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online degree may be the right choice for you.
Subjects to Ask Radiologic Tech Schools
Once you have selected the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of finding and evaluating Lexington KY x-ray technician schools. You will also have to decide if you want to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be important. The price of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a determining variable also. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you look at when evaluating schools? Well, you should find out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are considering.
Are the Radiology Technician Schools Accredited? Most xray tech schools have acquired some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still crucial to make sure that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous assessment of their teachers and course materials. If the college is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting organizations 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 assistance and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Lexington KY employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level positions.
Are Internships Sponsored? Find out if the Kentucky xray technician colleges you are interested in have associations with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific manner to get practical experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can help graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Lexington KY medical community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the radiographer schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Lexington KY healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the College Located? For many students, the school they pick will have to be within travelling distance of their Lexington KY residence. Those who have decided 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. Something to bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit far in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Lexington KY colleges you are reviewing what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to converse with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.
Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the x-ray tech college you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Lexington KY, make certain that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of work, illness or family obligations.
Why Did You Decide to Become a Radiology Technician?
When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to review questions you may be asked. One of the things that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer prospects is "What drove you to choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not only the personal reasons you may have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but additionally what qualities and abilities you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will likely be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, as well as a significant number of routine interview questions, so you should prepare a number of ideas about how you would like to respond to them. Because there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the talents you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but take down several concepts and talking points that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.Choose the Right X-Ray Tech College near Lexington KY
Enrolling in the appropriate radiology technician degree program is a crucial first step toward beginning a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the greater part of the workday and position and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs 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 pleasant work environment and deliver the best available care to patients. As we have discussed in this report, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate decision. This is similarly 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 college so you can narrow down your options before making your decision. And with the appropriate education and your motivation to succeed, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Lexington KY.
Some Background on Lexington Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
Lexington, consolidated with Fayette County and often denoted as Lexington-Fayette, is the second-largest city in Kentucky and the 60th-largest city in the United States. By land area, Lexington is the 28th largest city in the United States. Known as the "Horse Capital of the World," it is the heart of the state's Bluegrass region. With a mayor-alderman form of government, it is one of two cities in Kentucky designated by the state as first-class; the other is the state's largest city of Louisville.[a] In the 2017 U.S. Census Estimate, the city's population was 325,813 anchoring a metropolitan area of 506,751 people and a combined statistical area of 723,849 people.[4] Due to constant increases in population, Lexington suffers some of the worst traffic congestion in Kentucky, because two interstates bypass the city to the north and east, resulting in a lack of highways (besides partial highway New Circle Road) going through the most populated areas of the city.[5]
Lexington ranks 10th among US cities in college education rate, with 39.5% of residents having at least a bachelor's degree.[6] It is the location of the Kentucky Horse Park, The Red Mile, and Keeneland race courses, Rupp Arena, the world's largest basketball-specific arena, Transylvania University, the University of Kentucky, and Bluegrass Community and Technical College.
This area of fertile soil and abundant wildlife was long occupied by varying tribes of Native Americans. European explorers began to trade with them, but settlers did not come in large numbers until the late 18th century.
Lexington was founded by European Americans in June 1775, in what was then considered Fincastle County, Virginia, 17 years before Kentucky became a state. A party of frontiersmen, led by William McConnell, camped on the Middle Fork of Elkhorn Creek (now known as Town Branch and rerouted under Vine Street) at the site of the present-day McConnell Springs. Upon hearing of the colonists' victory in the Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, they named their campsite Lexington. It was the first of many American places to be named after the Massachusetts town.[7] The risk of Indian attacks delayed permanent settlement for four years.
In 1779, during the American Revolutionary War, Col. Robert Patterson and 25 companions came from Fort Harrod and erected a blockhouse. They built cabins and a stockade, establishing a settlement known as Bryan's Station. In 1780, Lexington was made the seat of Virginia's newly organized Fayette County. Colonists defended it against a British and allied Shawnee attack in 1782, during the last part of the American Revolutionary War.
More Cities of Interest in Kentucky
Business Results 1 - 10 of 9
0 Reviews 
3 Reviews 0 Reviews 0 Reviews 0 Reviews 0 Reviews 0 Reviews 0 Reviews 0 Reviews 