How to Become a Radiologic Technologist Driftwood TX 78619 Archives

How to Choose an X-Ray Tech Program near Driftwood Texas

Driftwood TX x-ray tech internship program Congratulations regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Driftwood TX in order to learn to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have made a decision to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle picking the right college and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And since the majority of states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you might need training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. A number of prospective students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location must be taken into account, there are additional important qualifiers as well. For example, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are considering are presented later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and training options that are offered.

[campusexplorer header_text=”Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools!” aos=”75346615″ concentration=”8671ABD2″ tracking=”XRAY-CW”]

X-Ray Tech Job Summary

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the identical major job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They may work in Driftwood TX clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician 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 care for their equipment plus routinely assess its functionality and safety. They are also expected to retain complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Driftwood TX medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Driftwood TX The primary requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech school is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, usually takes 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on 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 nature. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are appropriate as well. Something to consider is that Driftwood TX radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may often be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which many colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Texas or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, depending on the state where you will be working you may need to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria differ so get in touch with your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but several accept additional options for testing also. Several states also require certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is optional. However, numerous Driftwood TX employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might enhance 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 examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technician Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Driftwood 78619 As a component of any 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 schools. So although you can still earn your degree online, a considerable portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is typically performed in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online segment of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Driftwood TX residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online style of learning is much more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are generally cheaper than conventional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be decreased also. But just make certain that the online program 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 degree may be the right option for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiographer Colleges

After you have decided on the type of degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of searching for and assessing Driftwood TX x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to decide if you want to attend online classes or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the school will be critical. The price of tuition and secondary expenses will be a material factor also. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you look at when reviewing schools? Well, you should check out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these important details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? The majority of radiology tech schools have obtained some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still important to verify that the school and program 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). Programs earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive review of their teachers and course materials. If the college is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets 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 quality education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Driftwood TX health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level openings.

Are Internships Sponsored? Inquire if the Texas radiology technician schools you are evaluating have associations with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific manner to obtain hands on training in a clinical setting, they are also a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help graduates and students develop professional connections in the Driftwood TX medical community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Driftwood TX healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For many students, the college they pick will have to be within travelling distance of their Driftwood TX home. Individuals who have opted to attend online classes naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a school 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 commonly charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit way in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Driftwood TX colleges you are reviewing what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with a few of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program as well.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the radiographer program you ultimately choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Driftwood TX, confirm that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Radiology Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you might be asked. Among the things that hiring managers often ask radiographer candidates is "What drove you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not only the personal reasons you might have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but additionally what attributes and abilities you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will likely be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, as well as a certain number of routine interview questions, so you must organize several approaches about how you would like to address them. Given that there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the talents you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down a few ideas and topics that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can assist you to prepare your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.

Enroll in the Ideal X-Ray Technician Program near Driftwood TX

Enrolling in the ideal radiology technician school is a crucial first step toward initiating a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs often stand for the majority of the day and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and provide the best available patient care. As we have covered in this report, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are looking at before making your final decision. This is just as true whether you decide on an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices and make your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your dedication to be successful, you can reach your goal to work as a radiographer in Driftwood TX.

Some Background on Driftwood Texas

Driftwood (horse)

Driftwood (1932–1960) was originally known as Speedy while he was a rodeo horse.[1] Driftwood was known for siring rodeo and ranch horses.[2]

Driftwood was registered as number 2833 with the American Quarter Horse Association (or AQHA). His stud book entry lists him as a bay horse (meaning stallion in this situation) foaled in 1932, and bred by Mr. Childress of Silverton, Texas. His owners at the time of registration were Catherine A and Chaning Peake of Lompoc, California.[3] His breeding was mostly unknown, with only two lines traceable past the grandparents. Both of those lines traced to Lock's Rondo, however.[4] His second dam was a Thoroughbred mare from Kentucky, although her exact breeding was unknown. His paternal grandsire, the Hobart Horse, is of unknown breeding.[4]

Driftwood made a name for himself in the late 1930s as a rodeo horse, when he was known as '"Speedy".[1] He was owned by a man named Asbury Schell, who calf roped, team tied, steer roped and bulldogged off the stallion he called Speedy, as well as occasionally stock saddle races. In 1941, the Peake's tried to buy Speedy, but since Schell earned his living as a rodeo cowboy, they were only able to talk Schell into letting them breed seven mares to the stallion that spring. The next year, with World War II rationing curtailing rodeos, Schell finally sold Speedy to the Peakes for $1500. There was some confusion about the stallion's pedigree, and it took three years before the Peakes were able to track down the previous owners before Schell and find out enough of the horse's breeding to register the stallion with the AQHA, and by that time the name "Speedy" had already been registered, so the horse was registered as Driftwood instead.[2]

Driftwood sired two horses that earned their AQHA Race Register of Merit, as well as nine daughters that produced Race Register of Merits.[5] He sired nineteen foals that earned a Performance Register of Merit from the AQHA, and one foal earned a year end High Point Award.[6] Many of his offspring competed on the professional rodeo circuit, where Driftwood made a name for himself by siring more top rodeo horses than any other sire of his time. Among the outstanding rodeo horses he sired were Driftwood Ike and Firewood.[7] Others included Poker Chip Peake and Henny Penny Peake, who won the 1953 and 1954 Pacific Coast Hackamore Championship.[2] He died in 1960.[1]

Driftwood died in 1960 and in 2006[8] he was inducted into the AQHA Hall of Fame.[9] In 2007 Western Horseman magazine chose Driftwood as number five on their list of top ten ranch horse bloodlines.[10]