How to Become a Radiologic Technologist Athens OH 45701 Archives

How to Find a Radiologic Technician Program near Athens Ohio

Athens OH x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Athens OH in order to learn to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have decided to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about selecting the right college and program to ensure that you will get the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And considering that most states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you might require preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you assess each of the schools you are looking at so that you can compare each program. Most students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and often settle on the lowest cost. But while location and cost must be taken into consideration, there are other critical qualifications as well. For example, you must 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 schools you are examining are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray tech does and the degrees and education options that are offered.

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X-Ray Technician Career Summary

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, they all have the identical principal job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many opt to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They can practice in Athens OH hospitals, clinics, 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 have to take care of their equipment and also regularly analyze its functionality and safety. They are also required to retain in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Athens OH medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degree Options

x-ray machine in Athens OH The basic prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech college 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 typical among techs, usually requires 18 months to two years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to finish and is more extensive in scope. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be appropriate also. One thing to bear in mind is that Athens OH radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Ohio or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an Radiologist school, based on the state where you will be employed you might have to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so contact your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but several offer other alternatives for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, many Athens OH employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it could 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 comprehensive exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technologist Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Athens 45701 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree colleges. So although you can still earn your degree online, a significant amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is typically carried out in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online portion of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Athens OH home. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically discover that the online approach to learning is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are often less expensive than on-campus options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be decreased as well. But just confirm that the online program you enroll in 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 ideal option for you.

Subjects to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges

After you have chosen the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of searching for and assessing Athens OH x-ray technician schools. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a determining variable also. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you look at when reviewing schools? Well, you should find out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details before you make your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Technician Colleges Accredited? The majority of xray tech colleges have earned some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still imperative to make sure that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting agencies 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 assessment of their teachers and educational materials. If the college is online it may also earn 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. In addition to ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also help in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Athens OH employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level openings.

Are Internships Offered? Find out if the Ohio xray tech programs you are assessing have relationships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific way to get hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist students and graduates form professional connections in the Athens OH medical community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the radiographer programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Athens OH healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the college they decide on will have to be within commuting distance of their Athens OH home. Students who have opted to attend online classes obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit way in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Athens OH schools you are considering what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program also.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the radiographer program you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Athens OH, check that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Want to Be an Xray Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to consider questions you might be asked. One of the things that interviewers frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What made you decide on radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not only the personal reasons you might have for being a radiology technician, but additionally what characteristics and abilities you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, as well as a significant number of routine interview questions, so you need to organize a number of approaches about how you want to answer them. Given that there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the strengths you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but jot down a few ideas and topics that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can assist you to develop your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Choose the Right X-Ray Tech Program near Athens OH

Choosing the appropriate x-ray tech college is an important first step toward starting a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs often stand for the majority of the workday and position and at times lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements developed 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 necessity in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. As we have discussed in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are assessing before making your final decision. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online program or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each program so you can narrow down your options before making your final choice. And with the proper training and your motivation to succeed, you can realize your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Athens OH.

Some Background on Athens Ohio

Athens, Ohio

Athens is a city in and the county seat of Athens County, Ohio, United States. It is located along the Hocking River in the southeastern part of Ohio. A historic college town, Athens is home to Ohio University, and is the principal city of the Athens, Ohio Micropolitan Statistical Area. The official population of Athens in the 2010 U.S. Census was 23,832.[6]

Athens is a qualified Tree City USA as recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation.[7]

Athens is located in what was once the eastern region of two major Native American mound-building groups, the Adena culture from c. 1000 BC to 200 AD and the Ohio Hopewell tradition, c. 300 BC to 700 AD.[8][9] By the middle of the eighteenth century, the Shawnee, an Algonquian tribe, were the primary tribe of Native Americans living in what would become Athens County. According to a 1794 map by Thomas Kitchin, no settlement existed in the Athens area during the time immediately prior to the founding of the city.[10]

The first permanent European settlers arrived in Athens in 1797, more than a decade after the United States victory in the American Revolutionary War. In 1800, the town site was first surveyed and plotted, but it was not incorporated as a village until 1811. In the meantime, Ohio had become a state in 1803. Ohio University was chartered in 1804, the first public institution of higher learning in the Northwest Territory. Previously part of Washington County, Ohio, Athens County was formed in 1805, named for the ancient center of learning, Athens, Greece. Ohio University in Athens was established with the first federal endowment of an educational institution in the United States. In July 1787, the Congress of the Confederation gave to the Ohio Company of Associates "two townships of good land for the support of a literary institution" in the newly created Northwest Territory.[11] During The First Session of the Second Territorial General Assembly, held in Chillicothe from November 23, 1801 to January 23, 1802, the General Assembly passed an act establishing the "American Western University" at Athens. The act was approved by Arthur St. Clair, Governor of the Northwest Territory on January 9, 1802.[12] However, no university with the name of American Western University would be established. Ohio became a state in 1803 and on February 18, 1804, the state legislature passed an act establishing the "Ohio University" in the town of Athens.[13] Athens received city status in 1912, following the 1910 census showing the population had passed 5,000 residents, the requirement for city status in Ohio.

Originally, large tracts of land in Athens and Alexander Townships were set aside through a contract between the Congress (under the Articles of Confederation) and the Ohio Company of Associates, a group of American Revolutionary War veterans. These lands were given to Ohio University by the Federal government. This was the first federal land grant for a university, pre-dating the Morrill Act by more than 70 years. At first, lands were mostly leased out, but the failure of many lessors to pay their rents resulted in most of the land being sold. The sale of these lands funded the growth of Ohio University. Today it is one of the largest institutions of higher learning in Ohio, with an enrollment of over 19,000 on the Athens campus and over 28,000 for all campuses.