How to Become an X Ray Technician Alamo TX 78516 Archives - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose an Xray Tech Program near Alamo Texas

Alamo TX x-ray tech internship program Best wishes regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Alamo TX in order to become a radiologic technician. And now that you have chosen to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about selecting the ideal college and program so that you will receive the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And since the majority of states do require that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you might require training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the schools you are considering so that you can compare each program. A number of potential students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location should be considered, there are additional critical qualifications also. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are examining are provided later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiology technician does and the degrees and training choices that are offered.

Radiology Tech Occupation Description

There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, each has the same primary job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many opt to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They may work in Alamo TX clinics, hospitals, family 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 plus regularly evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also expected to retain complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Alamo TX health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Tech Degrees

x-ray machine in Alamo TX The basic prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech school 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 prevalent among techs, generally requires 18 months to two years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to complete and is more extensive in nature. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are acceptable also. One thing to keep in mind is that Alamo TX radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may often be fulfilled by taking part in an externship program which many schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing mandates in Texas or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an Radiologist college, depending on the state where you will be working you may have to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites differ so contact your state. At present, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but several accept other alternatives for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. However, many Alamo TX employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Tech Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Alamo 78516 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree colleges. So although you can still obtain your degree online, a significant portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is often performed in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Alamo TX residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically discover that the online approach to learning is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are often more affordable than conventional options. Along with reduced tuition, costs for commuting and study materials can be reduced also. But just be sure that the online college you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then online classes may be the best option for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiographer Colleges

Once you have decided on the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of finding and evaluating Alamo TX x-ray technician schools. You will also need to decide if you want to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the college will be relevant. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be an important factor also. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you look at when comparing schools? Well, you should check out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are considering.

Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? A large number of xray technician colleges have acquired some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still imperative to verify that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting organizations 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 an extensive review of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it might also earn 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. Besides guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial aid and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Alamo TX employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Inquire if the Texas xray tech programs you are reviewing have partnerships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific way to get practical experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Alamo TX healthcare community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the radiographer programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Alamo TX healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the college they choose will need to be within driving distance of their Alamo TX residence. Students who have chosen to attend online classes obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. 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 be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly 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.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that prefers to sit way in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Alamo TX schools you are researching what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the radiographer program you ultimately select can offer 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 Alamo TX, check that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify 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 might miss as a result of illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Choose to Become a Radiologic Technologist?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to consider questions you might be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not just the personal reasons you might have for being an Xray technician, but also what attributes and talents you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, as well as a certain number of routine interview questions, so you need to prepare a number of strategies about how you would like to address them. Considering there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the talents you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the ideal candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but write down a few concepts and topics that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Enroll in the Ideal X-Ray Technician School near Alamo TX

Choosing the appropriate x-ray tech degree program is a critical first step toward launching a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the majority of the workday and move and in some cases lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology technicians 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 available patient care. As we have addressed in this report, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each program you are considering prior to making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you decide on an online program or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices and make your final choice. And with the appropriate education and your motivation to be successful, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiology tech in Alamo TX.

Some Background on Alamo Texas

Battle of the Alamo

The Battle of the Alamo (February 23 – March 6, 1836) was a pivotal event in the Texas Revolution. Following a 13-day siege, Mexican troops under President General Antonio López de Santa Anna launched an assault on the Alamo Mission near San Antonio de Béxar (modern-day San Antonio, Texas, United States), killing all of the Texian defenders. Santa Anna's cruelty during the battle inspired many Texians—both Texas settlers and adventurers from the United States—to join the Texian Army. Buoyed by a desire for revenge, the Texians defeated the Mexican Army at the Battle of San Jacinto, on April 21, 1836, ending the revolution.

Several months previously, Texians had driven all Mexican troops out of Mexican Texas. About 100 Texians were then garrisoned at the Alamo. The Texian force grew slightly with the arrival of reinforcements led by eventual Alamo co-commanders James Bowie and William B. Travis. On February 23, approximately 1,500 Mexicans marched into San Antonio de Béxar as the first step in a campaign to retake Texas. For the next 10 days, the two armies engaged in several skirmishes with minimal casualties. Aware that his garrison could not withstand an attack by such a large force, Travis wrote multiple letters pleading for more men and supplies, but the Texians were reinforced by fewer than 100 men.

In the early morning hours of March 6, the Mexican Army advanced on the Alamo. After repelling two attacks, the Texians were unable to fend off a third attack. As Mexican soldiers scaled the walls, most of the Texian soldiers withdrew into interior buildings. Defenders unable to reach these points were slain by the Mexican cavalry as they attempted to escape. Between five and seven Texians may have surrendered; if so, they were quickly executed. Most eyewitness accounts reported between 182 and 257 Texians died, while most historians of the Alamo agree that around 600 Mexicans were killed or wounded. Several noncombatants were sent to Gonzales to spread word of the Texian defeat. The news sparked both a strong rush to join the Texian army and a panic, known as "The Runaway Scrape", in which the Texian army, most settlers, and the new Republic of Texas government fled from the advancing Mexican Army.

Within Mexico, the battle has often been overshadowed by events from the Mexican–American War of 1846–48. In 19th-century Texas, the Alamo complex gradually became known as a battle site rather than a former mission. The Texas Legislature purchased the land and buildings in the early part of the 20th century and designated the Alamo chapel as an official Texas State Shrine. The Alamo is now "the most popular tourist site in Texas".[5] The Alamo has been the subject of numerous non-fiction works beginning in 1843. Most Americans, however, are more familiar with the myths and legends spread by many of the movie and television adaptations,[6] including the 1950s Disney mini-series Davy Crockett and John Wayne's 1960 film The Alamo.

Under President Antonio López de Santa Anna, the Mexican government began to shift away from a federalist model. The increasingly dictatorial policies, including the revocation of the Constitution of 1824 in early 1835, incited many federalists to revolt.[7] The border region of Mexican Texas was largely populated by immigrants from the United States. These people were accustomed to a federalist government and to extensive individual rights, and they were quite vocal in their displeasure at Mexico's shift towards centralism.[8] Already suspicious after previous American attempts to purchase Mexican Texas,[9] Mexican authorities blamed much of the Texian unrest on American immigrants, most of whom had made little effort to adapt to the Mexican culture.[10]