How to Become a Radiologic Technologist Grand Prairie TX 75050 Archives

How to Select an X-Ray Technician School near Grand Prairie Texas

Grand Prairie TX x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Grand Prairie TX so you can become a radiology technologist. And now that you have decided to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you undertake selecting the right college and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And since the majority of states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you may need training to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the schools you are looking at so that you can compare each program. Many potential students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and typically settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location need to be taken into consideration, there are other important qualifications as well. For instance, you must find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are considering are presented later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray technician does and the degrees and education options that are offered.

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

Radiology Tech Occupation Description

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, each has the same principal 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 the treatment of cancer. Many opt to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for instance mammography. They may work in Grand Prairie TX hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician 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 maintain their equipment and routinely analyze its performance and safety. They are also required to retain in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Grand Prairie TX health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Technician Degree Options

x-ray machine in Grand Prairie TX The standard requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech college is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, normally requires 18 months to two years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to complete and is more expansive in nature. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are appropriate as well. One thing to bear in mind is that Grand Prairie TX radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may typically be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Texas or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, based on the state where you will be practicing you might need to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their criteria vary so check with your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but a number provide additional options for testing also. Some states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. However, many Grand Prairie TX employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it might improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technologist Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Grand Prairie 75050 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree programs. So even though you can still obtain your degree online, a considerable amount of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is typically carried out in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online segment of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Grand Prairie TX residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree often find that the online style of learning is far more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are frequently cheaper than traditional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be decreased also. But just confirm that the online college you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online school may be the right choice for you.

Points to Ask Radiology Tech Schools

After you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can initiate the process of finding and evaluating Grand Prairie TX x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to determine if you want to attend classes online or travel to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenses will be an important factor as well. But along with location and cost, what more should you consider when evaluating schools? Well, you should check out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are looking at.

Are the X-Ray Tech Schools Accredited? A large number of xray tech schools have obtained some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to verify that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive evaluation of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on 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 guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial aid and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Grand Prairie TX health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level openings.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Inquire if the Texas xray technician schools you are reviewing have associations with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent way to get hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist graduates and students develop professional connections in the Grand Prairie TX health care community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the radiographer schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Grand Prairie TX healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the school they decide on will need to be within travelling distance of their Grand Prairie TX home. Students who have opted to attend classes online naturally 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 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 need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit way in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Grand Prairie TX schools you are researching what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. 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 speak with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the x-ray tech college you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Grand Prairie TX, make certain that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Radiology Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to reflect on questions you might be asked. Among the things that recruiters often ask radiographer prospects is "What made you decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not just the private reasons you may have for being a radiology technician, but additionally what characteristics and talents you have that make you good at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, in addition to a significant number of standard interview questions, so you must prepare some ideas about how you would like to respond to them. Considering there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the talents you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but take down several concepts and talking points that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.

Choose the Right Radiology Technician College near Grand Prairie TX

Enrolling in the appropriate x-ray technician college is a crucial first step toward launching a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs typically stand for the greater part of the workday and move and at times lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also show 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 techs work very closely with patients, other technicians 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 possible patient care. As has been discussed in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are assessing before making your ultimate selection. This is just as true whether you opt for an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each program so you can focus your choices and make your final choice. And with the right training and your commitment to be successful, you can reach your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Grand Prairie TX.

Some Background on Grand Prairie Texas

Grand Prairie, Texas

Grand Prairie is a city in Dallas County, Tarrant County, and Ellis County, Texas, in the United States.[5] It is part of the Mid-Cities region in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. It has a population of 175,396 according to the 2010 census, making it the fifteenth most populous city in the state.[6]

The city of Grand Prairie was first established as Dechman by Alexander McRae Dechman in 1863. Prior to then, he resided in Young County near Fort Belknap. The 1860 U.S. Federal Census - Slave Schedules shows an A McR Dechman as having 4 slaves, ages 50, 25, 37 and 10. Dechman, learned that he could trade his oxen and wagons for land in Dallas County. In 1863, Dechman bought 239.5 acres (96.9 ha) of land on the eastern side of the Trinity River and 100 acres (40 ha) of timber land on the west side of the river for a broken-down wagon, oxen team and US$200 in Confederate money. He tried to establish a home on the property, but ran into difficulties, so he returned to his family in Birdville before joining in the Civil War. In 1867 he filed a town plat consisting of 50 acres (20 ha) with Dallas County.

After the war, he returned to Birdville for two years before selling that farm in 1867 and moving to Houston, where yellow fever broke out, causing the family to settle in Bryan. In 1876, Dechman traded half his "prairie" property to the T&P Railroad to ensure the railroad came through the town. The railroad named the depot "Dechman", prompting its namesake to relocate his home from Bryan to Dechman. His son Alexander had been living in Dechman and operating a trading post and farm. The first church in the area was the Good Hope Cumberland Sabbath School, established in 1870 by Rev. Andrew Hayter. The church was later renamed West Fork United Presbyterian Church and remains an active church.[7]

The first U.S. post office opened in 1877 under the name "Deckman" rather than "Dechman", because the U.S. Postal Service couldn't read the writing on the form completed to open the post office. Later that same year, after the Postal Service had adopted the "Deckman" name, confusion resulted from the T&P Railroad designation "Grand Prairie". This name was based on maps drawn from around 1850 through 1858 that labeled the area between Dallas and Fort Worth "the grand prairie of Texas". In order to alleviate the confusion, the Postal Service named the post office "Grand Prairie".

The town of Grand Prairie was eventually incorporated as a city in 1909. During World War I and since, Grand Prairie has had a long history with the defense and aviation industry. While the present-day Vought plant on Jefferson Avenue is part of a small strip within the Dallas city limits, it was originally in Grand Prairie. During World War II the North American Aviation Plant B produced the Consolidated B-24 Liberator and the P-51C and K Mustang variants. After the war, Vought Aircraft took over the plant. This later became Ling Temco Vought (LTV) and then eventually returned to the Vought moniker. The plant was the production site for the F-8 Crusader and the A-7 Corsair II aircraft of the 1950–1989 time period. The LTV Missile and Space division produced missiles such as the Scout and MLRS. This division was eventually sold to Lockheed Martin, which continues to operate in Grand Prairie. Grand Prairie was also the North American headquarters for Aérospatiale Helicopter. This company eventually became Airbus Helicopters, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Airbus Helicopters.