How to Become a Radiologic Technologist Enid OK 73701 Archives

How to Find an X-Ray Tech Degree Program near Enid Oklahoma

Enid OK x-ray tech internship program Best wishes regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Enid OK so you can learn to be a radiologic technologist. But now that you have made a decision to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you go about choosing the ideal college and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And since the majority of states do require that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you might require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. Many prospective students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and often settle on the most affordable cost. But while location and cost must be taken into account, there are other significant qualifications as well. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are reviewing are provided later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and education options that are available.

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X-Ray Technician Job Description

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, each has the identical primary job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many opt to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for instance mammography. They may work in Enid OK hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist might 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 routinely assess its performance and safety. They are additionally required to retain complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Enid OK medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Enid OK The standard prerequisite for attending a radiology tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical 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 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 related majors that are appropriate as well. Something to consider is that Enid OK radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Oklahoma or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an Radiologist school, depending on the state where you will be working you might need to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements differ so get in touch with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but several provide additional options for testing also. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, numerous Enid OK employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it might enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Tech Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Enid 73701 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree schools. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a substantial amount of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is typically provided in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online portion of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Enid OK residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree usually discover that the online approach to learning is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are frequently less expensive than on-campus alternatives. Along with lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting can be lessened also. But just make certain that the online college you select 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 ideal choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiology Tech Schools

Once you have decided on the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of locating and assessing Enid OK x-ray technician schools. You will also need to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or travel to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be an important factor as well. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you consider when reviewing schools? Well, you need to check out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are considering.

Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? A large number of radiology tech colleges have obtained some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still important to confirm that the school and program 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). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive review of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it may also receive 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 quality education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Enid OK employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out if the Oklahoma xray technician colleges you are assessing have relationships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great way to obtain hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help students and graduates form professional relationships in the Enid OK medical community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Enid OK healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the school they choose will need to be within driving distance of their Enid OK home. Students 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. Something to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that likes to sit far in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Enid OK colleges you are considering what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program also.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the radiographer college you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Enid OK, verify that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Want to Be a Radiology Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to consider questions you could be asked. One of the questions that interviewers typically ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not just the personal reasons you might have for being a radiology technician, but also what qualities and talents you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, in addition to a significant number of typical interview questions, so you must ready several ideas about how you want to respond to them. Given that there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the abilities you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the best choice for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but take down several ideas and anecdotes that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.

Pick the Right Radiology Tech School near Enid OK

Picking the appropriate radiology technician school is a critical first step toward beginning a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs typically stand for the majority of the workday and position and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. As has been addressed in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each college you are reviewing before making your final decision. This is just as true whether you enroll in an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each college so you can focus your options and make your decision. And with the proper education and your dedication to be successful, you can realize your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Enid OK.

Some Background on Enid Oklahoma

Enid, Oklahoma

Enid (ē'nĭd) is a city in Garfield County, Oklahoma, United States. As of the 2010 census, the population was 49,379, making it the ninth-largest city in Oklahoma. It is the county seat of Garfield County.[7] Enid was founded during the opening of the Cherokee Outlet in the Land Run of 1893, and is named after Enid, a character in Alfred, Lord Tennyson's Idylls of the King. In 1991, the Oklahoma state legislature designated Enid the "purple martin capital of Oklahoma."[8] Enid holds the nickname of "Queen Wheat City" and "Wheat Capital" of Oklahoma and the United States for its immense grain storage capacity, and has the third-largest grain storage capacity in the world.[1]

In summer 1889, M.A. Low, a Rock Island official, visited the local railroad station then under construction, and inquired about its name. At that time, it was called Skeleton. Disliking the original name, he renamed the station Enid after a character in Alfred Lord Tennyson's Idylls of the King.[9] However, a more fanciful story of how the town received its name is popular. According to that tale, in the days following the land run, some enterprising settlers decided to set up a chuckwagon and cook for their fellow pioneers, hanging a sign that read "DINE". Some other, more free-spirited settlers, turned that sign backward to read, of course, "ENID". The name stuck.

During the opening of the Cherokee Outlet in the Land Run of 1893, Enid was the location of a land office which is now preserved in its Humphrey Heritage Village, part of the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center. Enid, the rail station, (now North Enid, Oklahoma) was the original town site endorsed by the government.[10] It was platted by the surveyor W. D. Twichell, then of Amarillo, Texas.[11]

The Enid-Pond Creek Railroad War ensued when the Department of the Interior moved the government site 3 mi (5 km) south of the station prior to the land run, which was then called South Enid.[10] During the run, due to the Rock Island's refusal to stop, people leaped from the trains to stake their claim in the government-endorsed site.[12] By the afternoon of the run, Enid's population was estimated at 12,000 people located in the Enid's 80-acre (320,000 m2) town plat.[13] Enid's original plat in 1893 was 6 blocks wide by 11 blocks long consisting of the town square on the northwest end, West Hill (Jefferson) school on the southwest end, Government Springs Park in the middle southern section, and East Hill (Garfield) school on the far northeast corner.[14] A year later, the population was estimated at 4,410, growing to 10,087 by 1907, the year of Oklahoma statehood.[15]

The town's early history was captured in Cherokee Strip: A Tale of an Oklahoma Boyhood by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Marquis James, who recounts his boyhood in Enid.[16]