How to Become a Radiology Technician Troy MI 48007 Archives - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select an Xray Tech Degree Program near Troy Michigan

Troy MI x-ray tech internship program Congratulations on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Troy MI in order to become a radiologic technologist. But now that you have made a decision to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you go about picking the right school and program so that you will receive the proper training to become a skilled professional? And because most states do require that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you may need training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you assess each of the colleges you are considering so that you can compare each program. A number of potential students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and usually gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location must be taken into consideration, there are additional critical qualifiers also. For example, you must ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you should 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 training options that are available.

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Radiology Technician Occupation Description

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the same primary job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some opt to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They can work in Troy MI clinics, hospitals, 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 take care of their equipment and routinely analyze its performance and safety. They are also required to keep detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Troy MI health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degree Options

x-ray machine in Troy MI The basic requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, generally takes 18 months to two years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to finish and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are appropriate as well. One thing to keep in mind is that Troy MI radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can frequently be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which many colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Michigan or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an Radiologist school, depending on the state where you will be employed you may need to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their requirements differ 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 a number offer additional alternatives for testing as well. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. However, numerous Troy MI employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it might increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technician Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Troy 48007 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree colleges. So although you can still earn your degree online, a large portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is typically performed in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online section of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Troy MI home. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically discover that the online style of education is far more practical with their active schedules. Plus online schools are frequently cheaper than conventional options. In addition to lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting may be reduced also. But just be sure that the online college you enroll in 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 online classes may be the right choice for you.

Questions to Ask Radiologic Tech Schools

After you have selected the type of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of finding and evaluating Troy MI x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a local 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 material factor also. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you look at when evaluating 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 crucial details before you make your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are reviewing.

Are the Radiology Technician Schools Accredited? Most xray tech schools have earned some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still important to make sure that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting organizations 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 examination of their instructors and educational materials. If the program is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Troy MI health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level positions.

Are Internships Offered? Find out if the Michigan xray technician schools you are evaluating have relationships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent manner to get practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Troy MI healthcare community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Troy MI healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For many students, the school they choose will need to be within driving distance of their Troy MI residence. Students who have chosen to attend online classes naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally 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 far in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Troy MI colleges you are reviewing what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with some of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program as well.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the x-ray tech school you ultimately pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Troy MI, verify that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Radiologic Technologist?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you could be asked. One of the questions that interviewers frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What made you decide on radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not merely the personal reasons you may have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what attributes and talents you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, along with a certain number of typical interview questions, so you need to organize a number of strategies about how you want to respond to them. Given that there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you in addition to the strengths you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the best choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but take down a few ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.

Pick the Best Radiology Technician College near Troy MI

Choosing the appropriate x-ray tech degree program is a critical first step toward launching a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the greater part of the workday and move and in some cases lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best possible patient care. As has been covered in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are looking at prior to making your final decision. This is equally true whether you opt for an online program or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each college so you can focus your choices before making your decision. And with the proper education and your motivation to be successful, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Troy MI.

Some Background on Troy Michigan

Troy, Michigan

Troy is a city located in Metropolitan Detroit's northern suburbs in Oakland County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 80,980 at the 2010 census, making it the 11th-largest city in Michigan by population, and the largest city in Oakland County. Troy has become a business and shopping destination in the Metro Detroit area, with numerous office centers and the upscale Somerset Collection mall.

In 2011, Troy was ranked the safest city in Michigan, as well as the 19th safest city in the nation. In 2008, Troy was ranked 22nd on a list of "Best Places to Live" in the United States[5] by CNN Money, using criteria including housing, quality of education, economic strength, and recreational opportunities. In 2008, Troy ranked as the fourth most affordable U.S. city with a median household income of approximately $79,000.[6][7]

The earliest recorded purchases of land in what was known as Troy Township occurred in 1819. A couple of years later a settlement known as Troy Corners was established due to Johnson Niles buying 160 acres in the region. The area is currently the north-central area of Troy. In 1827 Troy Township was established. In 1955 Troy was officially incorporated primarily as a strategy for preventing border cities from taking more land.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 33.64 square miles (87.13 km2), of which 33.47 square miles (86.69 km2) is land and 0.17 square miles (0.44 km2) is water.[1] The latitude of Troy is 42.605 N, and the longitude is 83.15 W. The mean elevation is 748 ft (228 m).

The Troy Historic Village is a fully interactive historical museum chronicling the different stages of Troy's progression from its first settlers to the city it has become today. Located at the corners of Livernois Road and Wattles Road, the village is located behind the old city hall building. Open year-round, the village has ten original, complete structures which patrons may enter and observe how they functioned in the past and how they were decorated, as all buildings are full of artifacts from that period. Each structure is original and was painstakingly moved from its original location to the museum intact. Starting with a log and mud structure used by the first settlers, there is also an 18th-century schoolhouse and estate, a general store, a blacksmith's shop, a church along with the pastor's home, and the old city hall, which acts as a general museum. There is a gazebo in the center of the square which will host parties and period bands during annual festivities. Many schools from around the area plan field trips to the museum, and the church is also available for weddings.[9]