Tag Archives: Accredited X Ray Technician Schools Headland AL 36345

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Headland AL 36345

How to Find an X-Ray Tech Degree Program near Headland Alabama

Headland AL x-ray tech internship programCongrats regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Headland AL in order to train to be a radiology technician. But now that you have chosen to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about picking the right school and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a skilled professional? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you might require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you research each of the schools you are looking at so that you can compare each program. Many potential students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and usually gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location should be considered, there are other significant qualifiers also. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the colleges you are examining are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiology tech does and the degrees and training choices that are available.

X-Ray Technician Career Summary

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, they all have the identical fundamental job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some opt to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They can work in Headland AL hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist 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 maintain their equipment and routinely assess its functionality and safety. They are also expected to keep detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Headland AL health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degrees

x-ray machine in Headland ALThe standard requirement for attending a radiology tech program is to have received 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 techs, usually requires 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to complete and is more comprehensive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be acceptable also. Something to bear in mind is that Headland AL radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can frequently be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which many colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Alabama or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiographer Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might need to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so check with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but a number approve additional alternatives for testing also. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. However, many Headland AL employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it might increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Tech Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Headland 36345As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree colleges. So even though you can still obtain your online degree, a significant amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is usually performed in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Headland AL residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically discover that the online style of learning is much more practical with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently less costly than on-campus alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials may be decreased as well. But just make certain that the online college you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online school may be the right option for you.

What to Ask Radiology Tech Colleges

Once you have chosen the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of searching for and evaluating Headland AL x-ray tech schools. You will also have to determine if you prefer 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 cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be an important factor also. But along with cost and location, what more should you look at when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are looking at.

Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? A large number of radiology tech schools have received some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still imperative to make sure 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). Schools earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous examination of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Headland AL employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Ask if the Alabama xray technician schools you are reviewing have associations with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to obtain hands on training in a clinical environment, they are also a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Headland AL healthcare community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the radiographer programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Headland AL healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For many students, the college they choose will need to be within driving distance of their Headland AL residence. Those who have opted to attend classes online obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit way in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Headland AL colleges you are reviewing 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 final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program also.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the x-ray tech  school you ultimately select can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Headland AL, make sure that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an alternative 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 because of illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's a good idea to consider questions you may be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers typically ask radiographer candidates is "What drove you to select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not only the private reasons you might have for becoming an Xray technician, but additionally what qualities and abilities you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, along with a certain number of standard interview questions, so you need to organize several ideas about how you would like to address them. Because there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the talents you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but take down several ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can assist you to prepare your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.

Pick the Right X-Ray Tech Program near Headland AL

Enrolling in the best radiology tech college is a crucial first step toward beginning a fulfilling new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the greater part of the working day and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. As has been covered in this report, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are assessing prior to making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you decide on an online program or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices and make your final choice. And with the right education and your commitment to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as a radiology tech in Headland AL.

Some Background on Headland Alabama

Headland, Alabama

Headland is the largest city in Henry County, Alabama, United States. It is part of the Dothan, Alabama metropolitan area. At the 2010 census the population was 4,510,[3] up from 3,523 at the 2000 census. Ray Marler is the current mayor.

James Joshua Head (1839–1927) founded Headland in 1871 as "Head's Land". He patented land, plotted the town and built his home. The post office opened, as "Headland", on October 10, 1871.

The Headland Public Square was laid off in 1871 by J.J. Head with a vision for a branch courthouse. Henry County voters decided in the 1879 and 1885 courthouse site elections not to locate a courthouse on the public square. Henry has been Alabama's only county with three courthouses at the same time.

J.J. Head sold Headland to Hosey C. Powell in 1879, who sold to Dr. Wyatt S. Oates in 1880. J.J. Head moved to Tampa, Florida, in 1883 and later established Lake Magdalene, Florida.

Headland incorporated in 1884 with 26 white and 4 black petitioners. The railroad was built in 1893 along with the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad Depot. The depot was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 4, 1980. It has since been disassembled.

 

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