How to Become a Radiologic Technologist Pond Creek OK 73766 Archives

How to Choose an Xray Technician Degree Program near Pond Creek Oklahoma

Pond Creek OK x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Pond Creek OK in order to become a radiology technologist. And now that you have decided to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you undertake choosing the ideal school and program so that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And since most states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you may require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you assess each of the colleges you are considering so that you can compare each program. Many students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and often gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location must be taken into account, there are additional important qualifications also. For example, you should find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the colleges you are reviewing are provided later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology technician does and the credentials and education choices that are available.

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Radiology Technician Occupation Summary

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the identical primary job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, such as mammography. They can work in Pond Creek 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 must care for their equipment and frequently assess its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to keep complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Pond Creek OK medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Tech Degrees

x-ray machine in Pond Creek OK The primary requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech school is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, normally requires 18 months to two years to complete based upon 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. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are appropriate as well. One thing to bear in mind is that Pond Creek OK radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may frequently be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Oklahoma or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, based on the state where you will be practicing you might need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so contact your state. At present, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but many offer additional options for testing also. Some states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, many Pond Creek OK employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it might enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Tech Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Pond Creek 73766 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree colleges. So although you can still earn your degree online, a considerable amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is usually performed in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online section of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Pond Creek OK residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree often discover that the online approach to learning is much more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are often less costly than conventional alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be decreased also. But just be sure that the online program you choose is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online school may be the best choice for you.

Points to Ask Radiographer Programs

As soon as you have chosen the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of looking for and evaluating Pond Creek OK x-ray tech schools. You will also need to determine if you want to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the college will be relevant. The price of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a determining factor also. But along with location and cost, what else should you consider when reviewing colleges? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these crucial details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? A large number of radiology technician schools have acquired some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still crucial to verify that the program and school are accredited. Among 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 a detailed review 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. In addition to guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Pond Creek OK health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level jobs.

Are Internships Sponsored? Find out if the Oklahoma radiology tech programs you are reviewing have associations with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent manner to receive practical experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist graduates and students establish professional connections in the Pond Creek OK medical community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Pond Creek OK healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For many students, the college they decide on will need to be within commuting distance of their Pond Creek OK home. Those who have decided to attend online classes naturally will not have to trouble 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 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 don’t reside within their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit far in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Pond Creek OK schools you are considering what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with some of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program also.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the x-ray tech school you finally choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Pond Creek OK, confirm that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Become a Radiology Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to review questions you could be asked. Among the questions that interviewers frequently ask radiographer prospects is "What made you select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not only the private reasons you might have for being an X-Ray tech, but additionally what characteristics and talents you have that make you good at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, along with a significant number of typical interview questions, so you should organize several strategies about how you want to address them. Considering there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you along with the strengths you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but take down a few ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Select the Best Radiology Tech Program near Pond Creek OK

Selecting the right radiology tech college is an important first step toward starting a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs typically stand for the majority of the working day and position and at times lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best possible care to patients. As we have discussed in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are assessing before making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you participate in an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each program so you can narrow down your options before making your final choice. And with the proper education and your commitment to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiographer in Pond Creek OK.

Some Background on Pond Creek Oklahoma

Pond Creek, Oklahoma

Pond Creek is a city in Grant County, Oklahoma, along the Salt Fork Arkansas River. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 856, a 4.5 percent decline from 896 at the 2000 census.[4]

Before people of European descent came on the scene, the region around the present town of Pond Creek was traversed by many of the nomadic Native Americans of the Great Plains. Although the land is now heavily agricultural there are still traces of campsites along the numerous creeks of the drainage of the Salt Fork of the Arkansas River. When many of the Native American groups were moved onto reservations in what is now Oklahoma, towns and trading posts were established. Eventually the present-day Oklahoma was divided into Oklahoma Territory and Indian Territory. The history of Pond Creek and the surrounding area can be easily confused with other streams called Pond Creek (see e.g.[5]). The present community of Pond Creek is located in what is called the Cherokee Strip, more properly known as the Cherokee Outlet. The land at the confluence of Osage Creek and Pond Creek was known as the Pond Creek Stockade on the original Chisholm Trail used by cattle drivers bringing herds of Texas longhorns north to the railroad head first at Abilene, Kansas then later to Wichita and Caldwell.[6][7] This location is about 4 miles north of the present town of Pond Creek near the present village of Jefferson. Two markers have been placed in this area commemorating the untimely demise of two cowboys.[8] There are two granite markers placed near Pond Creek on the old Chisholm Trail.[9]

In 1887, the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway built a branch line north-south from Caldwell, Kansas to Pond Creek in 1888.[10] By 1893, it was incrementally built to Fort Worth, Texas. It was foreclosed on in 1891 and taken over by Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway, which shut-down in 1980. The Kansas-Texas mainline was sold to a subsidiary of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad as the Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas Railroad, merging in 1988 with Missouri Pacific Railroad, which merged in 1997 with Union Pacific Railroad. Most locals still refer to this railroad as the "Rock Island."

Pond Creek was settled as a town during the Cherokee Strip Land Run in 1893.[11] According to the Chronicles of Oklahoma, "The government townsite of Pond Creek was first entered at 2:10 on the day of the run. By evening, it contained some 8,000 inhabitants, and boasted a good hotel, several restaurants, a dozen law offices, two general stores and six or seven grocery stores."[12] The settlers soon found that there was not enough water to support the new town; the government had dug wells for all of the government townsites, including Pond Creek, but all the water in Pond Creek's well was quickly used up.[12] Soldiers dug a new well but found only salt water.[12] Water from the Salt Fork River was brought to Pond Creek and sold for five cents a cup, but it was not fit for human or animal consumption.[12] Beer became a precious commodity, selling for fifty to seventy-five cents a bottle.[12] Water from stagnant creek pools was given to animals.[12] The area also experienced a violent sand storm and wildfires.[12]

In addition to these tribulations, the citizens of Pond Creek had to do battle with the powerful railroad interests, in this case the "Rock Island Line" or CRI&P railroad, to get a coveted depot. This conflict has been called the Enid-Pond Creek Railroad War. Briefly, the railroad had established a station for Pond Creek and the federal government established a different station about 4 miles south of the railroad town. The railroad refused to stop at the government Pond Creek until a combination of citizen action and congressional action forced them to change. Pond Creek legend has it that the railroad specified a mail stop at Pond Creek so to keep face they merely changed the name of railroad Pond Creek to Jefferson and made government Pond Creek the Pond Creek station. This story doesn't quite correspond with most personal histories of the controversy[13][14] but it makes a colorful tale.