How to Become an X Ray Technician Ashland OR 97520 Archives - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Pick an Xray Technician Degree Program near Ashland Oregon

Ashland OR x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Ashland OR in order to learn to be a radiologic technician. And now that you have made a decision to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about choosing the right school and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And considering that most states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you might need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you research each of the schools you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Many potential students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while location and cost should be considered, there are other significant qualifications as well. For example, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are evaluating are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and education options that are available.

X-Ray Technician Job Summary

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, each has the same major job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some opt to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They may work in Ashland OR clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may 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 care for their equipment and frequently analyze its performance and safety. They are also required to keep complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Ashland OR medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degrees

x-ray machine in Ashland OR The basic requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech college is to have received 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 typical among technicians, usually takes 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to complete and is more comprehensive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are appropriate also. Something to consider is that Ashland OR radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can often be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Oregon or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an Radiologist school, depending on the state where you will be working you might have to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so check with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but many offer other alternatives for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, many Ashland OR employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Tech Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Ashland 97520 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree schools. So although you can still obtain your degree online, a significant amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is typically conducted in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online portion of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Ashland OR residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually discover that the online approach to education is much more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are often less expensive than conventional alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials may be decreased also. But just make certain that the online school you choose is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then online classes may be the best choice for you.

What to Ask Radiographer Programs

After you have chosen the type of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of looking for and assessing Ashland OR x-ray technician 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 naturally the location of the college will be critical. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be an important variable also. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you consider when comparing colleges? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? The majority of xray technician colleges have obtained some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still imperative to verify that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly regarded 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 an extensive evaluation of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on 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 premium education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Ashland OR employers will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry-level positions.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Inquire if the Oregon radiology technician programs you are evaluating have relationships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent manner to obtain hands on training in a clinical environment, they are also a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help students and graduates form professional connections in the Ashland OR healthcare community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the radiographer schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Ashland OR healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the college they select will have to be within driving distance of their Ashland OR residence. Individuals who have opted to attend classes online naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. Something to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally 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 are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit far in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Ashland OR colleges you are looking at what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program also.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the x-ray tech program you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Ashland 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 carry. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Become an X-Ray Tech?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's a good idea to review questions you could be asked. One of the questions that interviewers typically ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to decide on radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not just the private reasons you might have for being a radiology technician, but also what qualities and skills you have that make you good at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, along with a certain number of typical interview questions, so you should prepare a number of approaches about how you want to address them. Since there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the strengths you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but jot down several concepts and talking points that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Choose the Ideal Radiology Technician School near Ashland OR

Picking the best x-ray technician degree program is a critical first step toward initiating a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs often stand for the majority of the working day and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines 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. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best possible patient care. As has been covered in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are reviewing before making your final decision. This is equally true whether you participate in an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each program so you can narrow down your options and make your final choice. And with the proper education and your motivation to be successful, you can achieve your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Ashland OR.

Some Background on Ashland Oregon

Ashland, Oregon

Ashland is a city in Jackson County, in the State of Oregon. It lies along Interstate 5 approximately 16 miles (26 km) north of the California border and near the south end of the Rogue Valley. As of 2015, the city's population was approaching 21,000.

The city is the home of Southern Oregon University (SOU) and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF). These are important to Ashland's economy, which also depends on restaurants, galleries, and retail stores that cater to tourists. Lithia Park along Ashland Creek, historic buildings, and a paved intercity bike trail provide additional visitor attractions.

Ashland, originally called Ashland Mills, was named after Ashland County, Ohio, the original home of founder Abel Helman, and secondarily for Ashland, Kentucky, where other founders had family connections. Ashland has a mayor-council government assisted by citizen committees. Historically, its liberal politics have differed, often sharply, with much of the rest of southwest Oregon.

Prior to the arrival of white settlers in mid-19th century, the Shasta people lived in the valley along Ashland Creek approximately where today's city is located.[7] Early Hudson's Bay Company hunters and trappers following the Siskiyou Trail passed through the site in the 1820s. In the late 1840s, mainly American settlers following the Applegate Trail began passing through the area. By the early 1850s, the Donation Land Act brought many to the Rogue Valley and into conflict with its native people. These often violent clashes, known ultimately as the Rogue River Wars, continued until 1856.[7]

In 1851, gold was discovered at Rich Gulch, a tributary of Jackson Creek, and a tent city grew on its banks, today's Jacksonville.[8] Settlers arrived in the Ashland area in January 1852, including Robert B. Hargadine, Sylvester Pease, Abel D Helman, Eber Emery, and others.[9] Helman and Hargadine filed the first donation land claims in Ashland.[9] Helman and Emery built a sawmill along what was then called Mill Creek to turn timber into lumber for settlers.[9] In 1854, they and another settler, M. B. Morris, built a second mill, Ashland Flouring Mills, to grind local wheat into flour. The community around the mill became known as Ashland Mills. A post office was established in Ashland Mills in 1855 with Helman as postmaster.[9]