How to Become a Radiology Technician Redmond WA 98052 Archives

How to Choose an X-Ray Technician Degree Program near Redmond Washington

Redmond WA x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Redmond WA so you can learn to be a radiology technician. But now that you have made a decision to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about choosing the ideal college and program to ensure that you will receive the proper training to become a qualified professional? And because the majority of states do require that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you may need preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you research each of the schools you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Many students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and frequently settle on the lowest cost. But while expense and location must be considered, there are other important qualifiers also. For example, you need to ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are evaluating are provided later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and education options that are available.

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Radiology Technician Occupation Description

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, each has the identical major job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many choose to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for example mammography. They can practice in Redmond WA hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician might utilize include:

Traditional and specialized X-Rays
Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Sonography or ultrasound
Fluoroscopy

Radiographers must maintain their equipment and also routinely assess its performance and safety. They are also required to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Redmond WA medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Redmond WA The basic requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have attained 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 techs, generally requires 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to finish and is more comprehensive in nature. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be acceptable also. One thing to keep in mind is that Redmond WA radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which many colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification mandates in Washington or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, based on the state where you will be working you might have to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria vary so contact your state. Currently, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but several provide additional alternatives for testing as well. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, numerous Redmond WA employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it could increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technician Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Redmond 98052 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree programs. So while you can still earn your online degree, a significant portion of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is often performed in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online portion of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Redmond WA residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically discover that the online approach to education is much more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are generally less expensive than conventional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting can be lessened as well. But just be sure that the online program you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online degree may be the best choice for you.

What to Ask Radiology Tech Colleges

When you have decided on the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the process of searching for and assessing Redmond WA x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to determine if you prefer 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 cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be an important variable also. But along with location and cost, what else should you factor in when reviewing schools? Well, you should ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details prior to making your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? A large number of xray tech colleges have received some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to verify that the program and school 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). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive review of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. 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 premium education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Redmond WA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level jobs.

Are Internships Provided? Find out if the Washington radiology technician programs you are interested in have relationships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific way to obtain practical experience in a clinical environment, 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 relationships in the Redmond WA health care community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Redmond WA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the school they pick will need to be within driving distance of their Redmond WA residence. Students who have opted to attend classes online 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 bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or even 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 for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit way in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Redmond WA colleges you are considering what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. 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.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the radiographer college you ultimately select can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you decide to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Redmond WA, make certain that they are offered. 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 need to enroll in. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Desire to Become an Xray Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to consider questions you might be asked. Among the things that recruiters typically ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to decide on radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not merely the private reasons you may have for becoming an Xray technician, but additionally what attributes and talents you possess that make you good at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, as well as a significant number of standard interview questions, so you must prepare several approaches about how you would like to respond to them. Since there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the strengths you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but take down several ideas and talking points that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.

Choose the Best X-Ray Tech Program near Redmond WA

Choosing the ideal x-ray tech degree program is an important first step toward beginning a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the greater part of the workday and move and at times lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best possible patient care. As has been addressed in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each college you are reviewing before making your final decision. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online school or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each program so you can narrow down your choices before making your decision. And with the appropriate education and your commitment to be successful, you can realize your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Redmond WA.

Some Background on Redmond Washington

Redmond, Washington

Redmond is a city in King County, Washington, United States, located 16 miles (26 km) east of Seattle. The population was 64,291 in a 2017 census estimate. Redmond is commonly recognized as the home of Microsoft and Nintendo of America. With an annual bike race on city streets and the state's only velodrome, Redmond is also known as the "Bicycle Capital of the Northwest".[4][5]

Native Americans have lived in the Redmond area for over 10,000 years, based on artifacts discovered at the Redmond Town Center archaeological site and Marymoor Prehistoric Indian Site.[6][7] The first European settlers arrived in the 1870s. Luke McRedmond filed a Homestead Act claim for land next to the Sammamish Slough on September 9, 1870, and the following year Warren Perrigo took up land adjacent to him. The rivers and streams had so many salmon that the settlement was initially named Salmonberg. More settlers came, and with the establishment of the first post office in 1881, the name of the community was changed to Melrose. The new name was derived from the Perrigos' successful inn, Melrose House, which upset McRedmond. After becoming postmaster, he successfully petitioned to have the name changed to Redmond in 1883.[8]

The abundant forests and fish of Redmond provided jobs for loggers and fishermen and with those jobs came demand for goods and services, bringing in merchants. The logging industry expanded significantly in 1889 when Seattle Lake Shore & Eastern Railway built a station in the center of town. The first plat for Redmond was filed on May 11, 1891, encompassing much of the area now known as downtown. After reaching the necessary population of 300, Redmond was incorporated on December 31, 1912.[8]

Redmond experienced an economic downturn in the 1920s. Prohibition forced saloons to close, cutting off a large portion of the city's tax base. The forests were declining after heavy logging, causing lumber mills to shut down. Fortunately, the deforested land was suitable for farming. Agriculture became Redmond's primary business, keeping residents fed during the Great Depression. When the U.S. entered World War II, shipyard jobs and other wartime work came to Redmond.[citation needed]

After the war, Redmond's expansion began in earnest. The city expanded over thirty times larger in area through annexations between 1951 and 1967. From 1956 to 1965, Redmond was bordered by the town of East Redmond, which was formed by rural homeowners and later dissolved by the Washington Supreme Court. The completion of the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge across Lake Washington in 1963 allowed Redmond to flourish as a suburb of Seattle. In 1978, the U.S. Census Bureau proclaimed Redmond the fastest growing city in the state. Many technology companies made the city their home, and the increasing population demanded more retail shops. Redmond underwent a commercial boom during the 1990s, culminating in 1997 with the opening of Redmond Town Center, a major regional shopping center on the site of a long-defunct golf course.[9] In recent years the city has been experiencing growing pains as a result of its rapid expansion, particularly in the areas of urban sprawl and traffic congestion. During rush hour it can take upwards of 2 hours to travel from the beginning of SR-520 at Avondale Road to Downtown Seattle, a mere 18 miles (29 km) away. These problems are being mitigated by the expansion of SR-520 and the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge, as well as the planned light rail service via the East Link Extension from Seattle to Redmond to open in 2023.[10]