Accredited Radiology Technician Schools Ardmore OK 73401 Archives

How to Find a Radiology Tech Program near Ardmore Oklahoma

Ardmore OK x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Ardmore OK in order to become a radiologic technologist. But now that you have chosen to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you tackle picking the ideal school and program so that you will get the proper training to become a qualified professional? And considering that most states do require that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you might need training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you investigate each of the schools you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. A number of potential students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and usually settle on the lowest cost. But while cost and location need to be taken into consideration, there are additional important qualifications also. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are evaluating are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and training options that are available.

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X-Ray Tech Job Summary

There are multiple 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 fundamental job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for example mammography. They may work in Ardmore OK clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist may 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 plus frequently evaluate its performance and safety. They are also required to keep complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Ardmore OK health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Tech Degree Options

x-ray machine in Ardmore OK The primary requirement for attending an x-ray tech college is to have received 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 common among technicians, usually takes 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 complete and is more extensive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are acceptable also. One thing to keep in mind is that Ardmore OK radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can often be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which many schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification mandates in Oklahoma or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiographer Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, based on the state where you will be practicing you might need to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria differ so contact your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but a number accept other options for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. However, numerous Ardmore OK employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technician Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Ardmore 73401 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree schools. So while you can still earn your degree online, a substantial amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is usually conducted in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Ardmore OK home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree often discover that the online style of learning is much more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are generally less costly than on-campus options. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be lessened also. But just make certain that the online school you select is accredited (more on the benefits 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.

What to Ask X Ray Tech Programs

As soon as you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of finding and evaluating Ardmore OK x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be critical. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a material factor as well. But along with cost and location, what more should you consider when evaluating schools? Well, you should check out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these crucial details before you make your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are looking at.

Are the X-Ray Tech Programs Accredited? A large number of radiology tech schools have obtained some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still imperative to confirm that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly regarded 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 gone through an extensive evaluation of their instructors and educational materials. If the school 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 recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Ardmore OK employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level openings.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Inquire if the Oklahoma xray tech schools you are evaluating have relationships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent means to receive hands on training in a clinical environment, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist students and graduates establish professional connections in the Ardmore OK health care community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Ardmore OK healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For many students, the college they pick will have to be within travelling distance of their Ardmore OK residence. Students who have chosen to attend classes online obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local 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 even out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally 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 kind of person that prefers to sit far in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely prefer a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Ardmore OK schools you are considering 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 ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with a few of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program also.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the radiographer college you finally choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Ardmore OK, check that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Want to Become a Radiology Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to reflect on questions you may be asked. Among the things that recruiters frequently ask radiographer prospects is "What compelled you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not only the private reasons you might have for being a radiology technician, but also what characteristics and abilities you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, as well as a significant number of general interview questions, so you should ready several approaches about how you want to answer them. Because there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the abilities you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but take down several concepts and talking points that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Select the Ideal X-Ray Technician College near Ardmore OK

Choosing the ideal x-ray tech degree program is a critical first step toward initiating a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs typically stand for the majority of the working day and move and sometimes lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to 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 doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and furnish the best available care to patients. As we have covered in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are assessing prior to making your final selection. This is just as true whether you participate in an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each school so you can focus your choices and make your decision. And with the right education and your motivation to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiology tech in Ardmore OK.

Some Background on Ardmore Oklahoma

Ardmore, Oklahoma

Ardmore is a business, cultural, and tourism city in and the county seat of Carter County, Oklahoma, United States.[3] As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 24,283,[4] with an estimated population of 24,950 in 2013.[5] The Ardmore micropolitan statistical area had an estimated population of 48,491 in 2013.[6] Ardmore is 90 miles (140 km) from both Oklahoma City and Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, at the junction of Interstate 35 and U.S. Highway 70, and is generally considered the hub of the ten-county region of South Central Oklahoma, also known by state tourism pamphlets as "Arbuckle Country" and "Lake and Trail Country." Ardmore is situated about 9 miles (14 km) south of the Arbuckle Mountains and is located at the eastern margin of the Healdton Basin, one of the most oil-rich regions of the United States.

Ardmore was named after the affluent Philadelphia suburb and historic Pennsylvania Main Line stop of Ardmore, Pennsylvania, which was named after Ardmore in County Waterford, Ireland, by the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1873. The name "Ardmore" is Irish for high grounds or hills. It is also a part of the Texoma region.

Ardmore, Indian Territory, began with a plowed ditch for a Main Street in the summer of 1887 in Pickens County, Chickasaw Nation. It owes much of its existence to the construction of the Santa Fe Railroad through the area during that time. It grew, as most frontier towns grew, over the years into a trading outpost for the region. In 1894, notorious outlaw William M. Dalton was gunned down by a posse as he tried to flee from his home in Ardmore. A large fire in 1895 destroyed much of the fledgling town, which forced residents to rebuild nearly the entire town.[7] In the early 1900s, Ardmore became well known for its abundance of cotton-growing fields and eventually became known as the world's largest inland cotton port.

After the fields were stripped of their fertility, however, the city found itself positioned next to one of the largest oil fields ever produced in Oklahoma, the Healdton Oil Field. After its discovery in 1913, entrepreneurs and wildcatters flooded the area, and Carter County quickly became the largest oil-producing county in Oklahoma, and has remained so ever since.[8] Ardmore has remained an energy center for the region ever since, with the region's natural wealth giving birth to such energy giants as Halliburton and the Noble Energy companies, among others. Ardmore also learned the perils of being energy-rich with yet another disaster in 1915, when a railroad car containing casing gas exploded, killing 45 people and destroying much of downtown, including areas rebuilt after the 1895 fire.[9] The disaster, which made national news, gave residents the resolve to establish the city's first fire department to ensure that such events would not recur in the future. The city has not experienced any major setbacks since the 1915 fire, save a 1995 tornado that nearly destroyed the Uniroyal Goodrich (now Michelin) tire plant in west Ardmore. Despite a shift at the plant working at the time, miraculously no one was killed as the tornado ripped through the area, due to the public being alerted by area news and tornado sirens. On April 22, 1966, Ardmore was the site of the worst plane crash in Oklahoma history, which killed 83 people.[10]

Ardmore became nationally famous in 2003 when 52 Democratic members of the Texas House of Representatives, known as the Killer Ds, left Texas for Ardmore to deny the Republican-controlled House a quorum when Republicans attempted to pass a redistricting plan for U.S. congressional districts. Redistricting of congressional seats is traditionally done following the decennial U.S. census; the 2003 plan, which had been engineered by U.S. Representative Tom DeLay (R-Texas), would have been an unprecedented second redistricting in the same decade, and was promoted as a way to increase Republican electoral success. By leaving the state to stay in an Oklahoma hotel, Democrats temporarily delayed passage of the redistricting plan the Republican-controlled House. Republicans eventually succeeded at the re-redistricting, although in 2006, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that new borders of the 25th Congressional District, a long thin chain of counties from Austin to Mexico, dubbed the "Fajita Strip", was in violation of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, since it divided up predominantly Hispanic areas into multiple districts, and a U.S. district judge ordered new boundaries favorable to incumbent Democrats Ciro Rodriguez and Lloyd Doggett to be drawn.[11]