How to Find an X-Ray Technician Degree Program near Bay Shore Michigan
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Bay Shore MI in order to become a radiologic technologist. And now that you have made a decision to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about picking the right college and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you might need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you research each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. Most students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and typically settle on the lowest cost. But while location and cost need to be taken into consideration, there are additional significant qualifications also. For example, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are considering are provided later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic technician does and the degrees and education choices that are offered.
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X-Ray Tech Work Summary
There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have the same fundamental job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many elect to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for instance mammography. They may work in Bay Shore MI hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech 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 plus frequently evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally required to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Bay Shore MI health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
Radiology Tech Degrees Offered
The primary requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, normally requires 18 months to two years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to complete and is more expansive in scope. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable also. Something to bear in mind is that Bay Shore MI radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can frequently be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which many schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Michigan or the state you will be working as applicable.
X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing
When you have graduated from an Radiologist school, depending on the state where you will be working you may have to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites vary so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but several provide other alternatives for testing as well. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. However, many Bay Shore MI employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it might enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.
Online Radiology Technician Programs
As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree schools. So although you can still obtain your online degree, a substantial amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is usually 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 Bay Shore MI home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically discover that the online style of education is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are generally less expensive than traditional options. Along with lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials may be lessened also. But just confirm that the online college you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online degree may be the best choice for you.
Topics to Ask Radiology Tech Schools
As soon as you have selected the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of searching for and assessing Bay Shore MI x-ray technician schools. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be critical. The price of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a material factor also. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you factor in when evaluating colleges? Well, you should ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these important details before you make your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are considering.
Are the X-Ray Tech Schools Accredited? Most radiology technician colleges have received some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still imperative to confirm that the program and school 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 earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed review of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Bay Shore MI employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level jobs.
Are Internships Sponsored? Find out if the Michigan radiology tech schools you are reviewing have partnerships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent means to get hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Bay Shore MI health care community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the radiographer programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Bay Shore MI healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the college they choose will need to be within driving distance of their Bay Shore MI residence. Individuals who have chosen to attend online classes obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing 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 may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit far in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Bay Shore MI colleges you are reviewing what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. 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 a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.
Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the radiographer program you ultimately pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Bay Shore MI, confirm that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Why Did You Decide to Become an Xray Technician?
When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to reflect on questions you may be asked. One of the questions that interviewers typically ask radiographer candidates is "What drove you to choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not merely the personal reasons you may have for being a radiology technician, but additionally what attributes and skills you have that make you good at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, in addition to a certain number of general interview questions, so you should prepare some strategies about how you would like to respond to them. Considering there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the abilities you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but write down several concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to prepare your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.Pick the Best X-Ray Tech College near Bay Shore MI
Picking the ideal radiology technician college is an important first step toward launching a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs often stand for the greater part of the workday and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. As we have covered in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are assessing prior to making your final selection. This is similarly true whether you decide on an online program or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each school so you can focus your options and make your final choice. And with the proper education and your commitment to be successful, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Bay Shore MI.
Some Background on Bay Shore Michigan
Bay Shore, Michigan
Bay Shore is an unincorporated community and census-designated place located on the boundary between Charlevoix and Emmet counties in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2010 census it had a population of 754.[3]
Bay Shore is situated on a ridge overlooking Little Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan. US 31 passes through the community, connecting with US 131 at Petoskey 7 miles (11 km) to the east and with M-66 at Charlevoix 10 miles (16 km) to the west. Boyne City is 12 miles (19 km) to the south by county roads.
Bay Shore is primarily within Hayes Township in Charlevoix County and extends partially into Resort Township in Emmet County. The Bay Shore post office, with ZIP code 49711, provides P.O. box service.[4]
The land was owned by Eugene R. Sly and Nancy Stauffer. A portion to the north was known as Bayside, but came to be known as Bay Shore. It was a station on the Chicago and West Michigan Railway (later part of the Pere Marquette Railway) by 1892. A post office was established on July 15, 1892, which operated until September 30, 1964. It was surveyed and platted in 1896.[5]
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