How to Choose a Radiologic Technician College near Mangum Oklahoma
Best wishes on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Mangum OK so you can train to be a radiology technician. But now that you have decided to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about choosing the ideal school and program to ensure that you will get the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you might need preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you assess each of the colleges you are looking at in order to compare each program. Many prospective students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and often settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location must be taken into consideration, there are other significant qualifiers as well. For example, you should ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are examining are provided later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and education options that are available.
Radiology Tech Job Description
There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, they all have the same major job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They may work in Mangum OK hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician 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 maintain their equipment and also frequently evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Mangum OK health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
X-Ray Tech Degree Options
The standard requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech school is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, usually takes 18 months to two years to complete depending on 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. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be appropriate also. Something to consider is that Mangum OK radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may frequently be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which many colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Oklahoma or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing
When you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, depending on the state where you will be employed you might need to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements vary so check with your state. At present, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but several offer additional options for testing as well. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, many Mangum OK employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might increase your career options to become certified. 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 2 years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Technologist Degrees
As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree programs. So while you can still obtain your degree online, a substantial amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is typically conducted in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Mangum OK residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online approach to education is much more practical with their active schedules. Plus online schools are frequently less costly than conventional alternatives. Along with lower tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting can be decreased as well. But just be sure that the online college you choose is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online degree may be the best choice for you.
What to Ask Radiology Tech Colleges
Once you have chosen the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the process of finding and evaluating Mangum OK x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be important. The price of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a determining variable also. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you factor in when comparing colleges? Well, you need to check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are reviewing.
Are the Radiology Tech Programs Accredited? Most xray tech schools have acquired some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still important to confirm that the school and program 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). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive evaluation of their teachers and course materials. If the college is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance 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 assist in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Mangum OK employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level openings.
Are Internships Provided? Find out if the Oklahoma radiology technician programs you are interested in have relationships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific manner to receive hands on training 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 students and graduates develop professional relationships in the Mangum OK healthcare community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the radiographer programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Mangum OK healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? For many students, the school they select will have to be within driving distance of their Mangum OK residence. Individuals who have opted to attend classes online 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 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 need 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.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit far in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Mangum OK schools you are considering what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with a few of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program also.
Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the radiographer program you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Mangum OK, verify that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family obligations.
Why Did You Want to Become a Radiologic Technologist?
When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to consider questions you may be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What made you choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not merely the personal reasons you may have for being a radiology technician, but also what characteristics and skills you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, along with a certain number of standard interview questions, so you should prepare several approaches about how you want to address them. Considering there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the talents you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but jot down some concepts and topics that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can help you to develop your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.Pick the Ideal X-Ray Tech Program near Mangum OK
Picking the appropriate radiology tech school is a crucial first step toward starting a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs often stand for the majority of the day and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best possible care to patients. As has been addressed in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are considering before making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online program or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each college so you can focus your options and make your final choice. And with the proper education and your dedication to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Mangum OK.
Some Background on Mangum Oklahoma
Mangum, Oklahoma
Mangum is a city in and county seat of Greer County, Oklahoma, United States.[3] The population was 3,010 at the 2010 census. It was originally part of Old Greer County in the Texas panhandle. The community was named for A. S. Mangum, who owned the land on which the town was founded in 1882.[a] It became part of Oklahoma Territory in 1896, and thus part of the state of Oklahoma on November 16, 1907.[5]
Beginning in 1876, the nearby Western Trail was used to drive cattle north from Texas to market. The community of Mangum began in 1882 when Henry Clay Sweet established it on land granted to A. S. Mangum by the state of Texas. The Mangum post office was established April 15, 1886. This part of Texas (old Greer County) was given to Oklahoma in 1896.[5] During Mangum's early days, the community's economy largely depended on very large cattle ranches owned or leased by land companies such as the Day Land and Cattle Company of Texas and the Franklyn Land and Cattle Company, an English syndicate.[5] During those very early days, the local cowboys called Magnum "Tin City" because so many tin cans were unrolled and nailed over the wooden planks that served as sidewalks.[4]
The Kiser Salt Works, named for owner Ben Kiser and located on the Elm Fork of the Red River was one of the earliest production operations in what would become western Oklahoma.[5][b]
Other early businesses in or around Magnum included the Oklahoma Granite Company, which opened in 1904, the Mangum Star newspaper, first published in 1887, and the Mangum Brick Plant, established in 1903 by D. J. Doyle. The newspaper still publishes in the 21st Century. The brick plant, now owned by Jewett Scott, also still operates and has greatly expanded production.[5]
By statehood, Mangum had a population of 2,672. It had two school buildings, an opera house and a county courthouse, listed in the National Register of Historical Places, NR 85000682. By 1930, the population had expanded to 4,806 (the highest recorded in the U.S. census. Agriculture had largely displaced the old cattle ranches, so the city could also boast of seven cotton gins, one cotton oil mill, one cotton compress, and one flour mill.[5]
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