Accredited Radiology Technician Schools Lawton OK 73501 Archives

How to Pick a Radiology Technician Degree Program near Lawton Oklahoma

Lawton OK x-ray tech internship program Best wishes on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Lawton OK so you can train to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have chosen to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle selecting the right college and program to ensure that you will receive the proper training to become a qualified professional? And considering that most states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you might need training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the colleges you are looking at in order to compare each program. A number of students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and often settle on the lowest cost. But while expense and location must be considered, there are other important qualifiers also. For instance, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, 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 explore what a x-ray tech does and the degrees and training choices that are offered.

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Radiology Tech Occupation Summary

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the identical major job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They may practice in Lawton OK clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician might utilize 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 assess its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Lawton OK medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degree Options

x-ray machine in Lawton OK The primary prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech program 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 prevalent among technicians, normally takes 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to complete and is more expansive in scope. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be acceptable also. One thing to keep in mind is that Lawton OK radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which many schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Oklahoma or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an Radiologist college, depending on the state where you will be practicing you may have to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria differ so get in touch with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but a number offer other alternatives for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, numerous Lawton OK employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technologist Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Lawton 73501 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 no different for online degree colleges. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a large amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is usually carried out in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Lawton OK home. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually discover that the online approach to education is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are generally less expensive than traditional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be reduced also. But just make sure that the online program you choose is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online degree may be the best option for you.

Questions to Ask Radiologic Tech Schools

When you have chosen the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the process of looking for and assessing Lawton OK x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to decide if you want to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the college will be relevant. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a material factor as well. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you consider when evaluating schools? Well, you should ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details before you make your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are considering.

Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? A large number of xray tech colleges have received some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to make sure 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). Schools earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive examination of their teachers and educational materials. If the college is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Lawton OK employers will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry level jobs.

Are Internships Offered? Ask if the Oklahoma xray technician colleges you are assessing have associations with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent manner to obtain hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist graduates and students develop professional connections in the Lawton OK healthcare community and assist with job placement.

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

Where is the School Located? For many students, the college they pick will need to be within commuting distance of their Lawton OK home. Individuals who have opted to attend online classes naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually 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.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that likes to sit way in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Lawton OK schools you are researching what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the x-ray tech program you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Lawton OK, verify that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Radiology Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to consider questions you may be asked. Among the things that recruiters frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not merely the private reasons you might have for becoming an Xray technician, but also what qualities and talents you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, in addition to a certain number of typical interview questions, so you should organize some ideas about how you want to address them. Since there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the talents you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but write down several ideas and talking points that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can help you to develop your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Pick the Best Radiology Tech Program near Lawton OK

Enrolling in the ideal radiology tech degree program is a crucial first step toward beginning a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs regularly stand for the greater part of the day and move and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and provide the best available care to patients. As has been covered in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are assessing prior to making your final decision. This is just as true whether you decide on an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each program so you can focus your options and make your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your motivation to be successful, you can realize your goal to work as a radiology tech in Lawton OK.

Some Background on Lawton Oklahoma

Lawton, Oklahoma

The city of Lawton is the county seat of Comanche County, in the State of Oklahoma.[6] Located in southwestern Oklahoma, about 87 mi (140 km) southwest of Oklahoma City,[7] it is the principal city of the Lawton, Oklahoma Metropolitan Statistical Area. According to the 2010 census, Lawton's population was 96,867, making it the fifth-largest city in the state.[8]

Built on former reservation lands of Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache Indians, Lawton was founded on August 6, 1901, and was named after Major General Henry Ware Lawton, a Civil War Medal of Honor recipient killed in action in the Philippine–American War. Lawton's landscape is typical of the Great Plains, with flat topography and gently rolling hills, while the area north of the city is marked by the Wichita Mountains.

The city's proximity to Fort Sill Military Reservation gave Lawton economic and population stability throughout the 20th century.[9] Although Lawton's economy is still largely dependent on Fort Sill, it has also grown to encompass manufacturing, higher education, health care, and retail.[10] The city's government is run by a council-manager government consisting of a city manager and a city council headed by a mayor. Interstate 44 and three major United States highways serve the city, while Lawton-Fort Sill Regional Airport connects Lawton by air. Recreation can be found at the city's many parks, lakes, museums, and festivals. Notable residents of the city include many musical and literary artists, as well as several professional athletes.

The land that is present-day Oklahoma was first settled by prehistoric American Indians including the Clovis 11500 BCE, Folsom 10600 BCE and Plainview 10000 BCE cultures. Historic indigenous peoples who inhabited the region included the Wichita and Caddo peoples. In the 16th century, Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado visited in 1541, beginning European contact. Around the 1700s, two tribes from the north, the Comanches and Kiowas, migrated to the Oklahoma and Texas region.[11]

For most of the 18th century, the Oklahoma region was under nominal French control as Louisiana. The limited interaction between the peoples was based on fur trading. In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase by Thomas Jefferson brought the area under United States control. In 1830, Congress passed the Indian Removal Act, which removed American Indian tribes from the Southeast and relocated them to Indian Territory west of the Mississippi River. The southern part of this territory was originally assigned to the Choctaw and Chickasaw. In 1867, the United States used the Medicine Lodge Treaty to allot the southwest portion of the Choctaw and Chickasaw’s lands to the Comanche, Kiowa, and Apache tribes.[11][12]