How to Become a Radiology Technician Portland OR 97201 Archives

How to Find a Radiologic Tech School near Portland Oregon

Portland OR x-ray tech internship program Congratulations on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Portland OR in order to learn to be a radiology technician. And now that you have chosen to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you tackle choosing the right college and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And considering that most states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you may require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the schools you are looking at so that you can compare each program. A number of potential students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and frequently settle on the most affordable cost. But while location and cost should be taken into consideration, there are additional critical qualifiers as well. For example, you need to find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are reviewing are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology tech does and the credentials and education choices that are offered.

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X-Ray Technician Occupation Summary

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, each has the same principal job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many choose to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They may practice in Portland OR hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist might 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 take care of their equipment and regularly evaluate its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Portland OR medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Tech Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Portland OR The basic prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, normally takes 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to finish and is more extensive in nature. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable also. Something to bear in mind is that Portland OR radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may typically be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which many colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Oregon or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, depending on the state where you will be practicing you may need to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria differ so contact your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but several offer additional options for testing as well. Some states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. However, numerous Portland OR employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it might improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technologist Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Portland 97201 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree programs. So although you can still obtain your degree online, a considerable portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is typically carried out in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online section of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Portland OR home. Students who continue working while earning their degree often discover that the online approach to learning is much more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are often more affordable than on-campus alternatives. Along with lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials can be reduced as well. But just confirm that the online college you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then online classes may be the ideal option for you.

Questions to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs

Once you have chosen the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of looking for and assessing Portland OR x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to decide if you want to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the school will be important. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be a determining factor as well. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you look at when evaluating schools? Well, you should check out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are considering.

Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? The majority of xray tech colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still crucial to verify 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). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous assessment of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also help in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Portland OR employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level positions.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Find out if the Oregon xray technician programs you are interested in have partnerships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great means to get practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help students and graduates form professional relationships in the Portland OR medical community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the radiographer schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Portland OR healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the college they pick will have to be within driving distance of their Portland OR home. Students who have chosen to attend online classes naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Portland OR schools you are considering what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program as well.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the radiographer school you ultimately choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Portland OR, verify that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Choose to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

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 recruiters frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not just the personal reasons you might have for becoming an Xray technician, but additionally what attributes and abilities you possess that make you outstanding at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, along with a significant number of standard interview questions, so you need to prepare some strategies about how you want to address them. Considering there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you along with the talents you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but take down a few ideas and anecdotes that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Choose the Right X-Ray Tech School near Portland OR

Selecting the right x-ray tech school is an important first step toward launching a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the greater part of the workday and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best possible care to patients. As has been discussed in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are assessing prior to making your ultimate selection. This is similarly true whether you enroll in an online school or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each college so you can focus your options before making your final choice. And with the proper training and your motivation to be successful, you can realize your goal to work as a radiographer in Portland OR.

Some Background on Portland Oregon

Portland, Oregon

Portland is the largest city in the U.S. state of Oregon and the seat of Multnomah County. It is a major port in the Willamette Valley region of the Pacific Northwest, at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers. The city covers 145 square miles (380 square kilometers) and had an estimated population of 639,863 in 2016,[9] making it the 26th most populous city in the United States, and the second-most populous in the Pacific Northwest.[10] Approximately 2,424,955 people live in the Portland metropolitan statistical area (MSA), making it the 25th most populous MSA in the United States. Its Combined Statistical Area (CSA) ranks 18th with a population of 3,160,488. Roughly 60% of Oregon's population resides within the Portland metropolitan area.[11]

Named after Portland, Maine, the Oregon settlement began to be populated in the 1830s near the end of the Oregon Trail. Its water access provided convenient transportation of goods, and the timber industry was a major force in the city's early economy. At the turn of the 20th century, the city had a reputation as one of the most dangerous port cities in the world, a hub for organized crime and racketeering. After the city's economy experienced an industrial boom during World War II, its hard-edged reputation began to dissipate. Beginning in the 1960s,[12] Portland became noted for its growing liberal political values, and the city has earned a reputation as a bastion of counterculture, which proceeded into the 21st century.[13]

The city operates with a commission-based government guided by a mayor and four commissioners as well as Metro, the only directly elected metropolitan planning organization in the United States.[14] The city government is notable for its land-use planning and investment in public transportation.[15] Portland is frequently recognized as one of the world's most environmentally conscious cities because of its high walkability, large community of bicyclists, farm-to-table dining, expansive network of public transportation options, and over 10,000 acres (4,000 hectares) of public parks.[16] Its climate is marked by warm, dry summers and cool, rainy winters. This climate is ideal for growing roses, and Portland has been called the "City of Roses" for over a century.[17][18] "Keep Portland Weird" is an unofficial slogan for the city.[19]

During the prehistoric period, the land that would become Portland was flooded after the collapse of glacial dams from Lake Missoula, located in what would later become Montana. These massive floods occurred during the last ice age and filled the Willamette Valley with 300 to 400 feet (91 to 122 m) of water.[20]

Before American pioneers began arriving in the 1800s, the land that eventually became Portland and surrounding Multnomah County was inhabited for many centuries by two bands of indigenous Chinook people— the Multnomah and the Clackamas peoples.[21] The Chinook people occupying the land which would become Portland were first documented by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark in 1805.[22] Before its European settlement, the Portland Basin of the lower Columbia River and Willamette River valleys had been one of the most densely populated regions on the Pacific Coast.[22]