How to Select an Xray Technician Program near Prescott Valley Arizona
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Prescott Valley AZ so you can learn to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have chosen to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you undertake selecting the ideal college and program to ensure that you will receive the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you may require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the schools you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. A number of potential students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and usually gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while location and cost need to be taken into account, there are additional critical qualifiers also. 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 schools you are considering are provided later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and training options that are available.
X-Ray Tech Career Description
There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, they all have the identical primary job function, which is to utilize 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 elect to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They can practice in Prescott Valley AZ clinics, hospitals, family 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 routinely assess its functionality and safety. They are also required to retain complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Prescott Valley AZ medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
Radiology Tech Degree Options
The basic prerequisite for attending a radiology tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, usually takes 18 months to two years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to finish and is more comprehensive in nature. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be appropriate also. Something to keep in mind is that Prescott Valley AZ radiographer colleges 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 hospitals and clinics in their region. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Arizona or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification
Once you have graduated from an Radiologist college, based on the state where you will be practicing you may need to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites differ so get in touch with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many provide other options for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is optional. Having said that, many Prescott Valley AZ employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it could enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Technician Schools
As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools 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 obtain your degree online, a large amount of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is often provided in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Prescott Valley AZ residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online approach to education is far more practical with their active schedules. Plus online programs are frequently less expensive than conventional options. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting can be reduced also. But just be sure that the online program you choose is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online school may be the best option for you.
Points to Ask Radiology Tech Colleges
Once you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can initiate the process of locating and assessing Prescott Valley AZ x-ray tech schools. You will also need to decide if you want to attend online classes or travel to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be important. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be an important factor as well. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you factor in when reviewing colleges? Well, you should find out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are considering.
Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? The majority of radiology technician colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to verify that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed examination of their teachers and educational materials. If the program is online it might also earn 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. Along with guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Prescott Valley AZ employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level jobs.
Are Internships Offered? Find out if the Arizona radiology technician colleges you are evaluating have relationships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent means to obtain practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist graduates and students establish professional connections in the Prescott Valley AZ health care community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the radiographer schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Prescott Valley AZ healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the college they choose will have to be within travelling distance of their Prescott Valley AZ residence. Those who have decided to attend online classes naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local 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 might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit far in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Prescott Valley AZ schools you are researching what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program also.
Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the radiographer school you ultimately choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Prescott Valley AZ, verify that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Why Did You Want to Become a Radiology Technician?
When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to consider questions you might be asked. One of the things that recruiters often ask radiographer prospects is "What drove you to pick radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not merely the private reasons you might have for being an Xray technician, but also what attributes and talents you possess that make you good at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, along with a certain number of typical interview questions, so you should organize a number of approaches about how you would like to address them. Given that there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the strengths you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but write down some concepts and topics that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can assist you to prepare your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.Choose the Best X-Ray Tech College near Prescott Valley AZ
Selecting the ideal x-ray tech school is a crucial first step toward beginning a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs regularly stand for the greater part of the working day and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. As has been discussed in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each college you are assessing before making your final decision. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each college so you can narrow down your options and make your decision. And with the right education and your commitment to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Prescott Valley AZ.
Some Background on Prescott Valley Arizona
Prescott Valley, Arizona
Prescott Valley is a town with a current population (October 2016) of about 45,500 residents located in Yavapai County, Arizona, United States, and a suburb of Prescott (although Prescott Valley is larger). Prescott Valley was the seventh fastest-growing place among all cities and towns in Arizona between 1990 and 2000.
Prescott Valley (locally, PV) is located in central Arizona approximately 85 miles (137 km) north of Phoenix at 5,100 feet (1,600 m). elevation. PV has good access to Arizona State Route 89, SR-89A and SR-69, connecting to Interstates 17 and 40. Air service is available at Ernest A. Love Field, about 8 miles (13 km) northwest.
One of PV’s landmarks, Glassford Hill (elevation 6,177 feet (1,883 m)) was once an active volcano between 10 and 14 million years ago.[4] Colonel William A. Glassford traveled the area in the 1880s and helped build a system of 27 heliograph stations to monitor the movements of Apache Indians, U.S. military troops and civilians. Glassford Hill was a part of that early communications system.[citation needed]
Prescott Valley’s Fitzmaurice Ruins contain artifacts from the early Mountain Patayan people who inhabited the area some 1,400 years ago.
The Walker party discovered gold along Lynx Creek[5] in 1863. The Lynx Creek placers went on to produce a recorded 29,000 troy ounces (900 kg) of gold. Estimates of actual production range up to 80,000 troy ounces (2,500 kg), which would be worth about $85 million at 2011 prices.[6]
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