How to Become an X Ray Technician Bixby OK 74008 Archives - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find an X-Ray Tech Program near Bixby Oklahoma

Bixby OK x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Bixby OK in order to learn to be a radiology technician. And now that you have chosen to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about picking the ideal college and program to ensure that you will receive the proper training to become a skilled professional? And since the majority of states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you might need training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you research each of the schools you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. Most prospective students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and typically gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location need to be taken into consideration, there are other critical qualifiers as well. For example, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are considering are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and training choices that are available.

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Radiology Technician Job Summary

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the same fundamental job function, 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. Many opt to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They may practice in Bixby OK 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 have to maintain their equipment and routinely assess its performance and safety. They are also expected to keep complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Bixby OK medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Bixby OK The standard requirement for attending an x-ray tech college is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils 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 2 years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to complete and is more comprehensive in nature. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be appropriate as well. Something to keep in mind is that Bixby OK radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can typically be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Oklahoma or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiographer Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, based on the state where you will be employed you may need to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but several offer other options for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, many Bixby OK employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it might enhance 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 examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Tech Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Bixby 74008 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree programs. So while you can still earn your degree online, a large amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is typically conducted in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online portion of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Bixby OK home. Students who continue working while earning their degree often discover that the online style of learning is much more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently less costly than conventional alternatives. Along with lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials can be decreased as well. But just make sure that the online program you pick 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 an online school may be the best option for you.

Points to Ask Radiology Tech Programs

Once you have selected the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of looking for and assessing Bixby OK x-ray tech schools. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or travel to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the college will be relevant. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a material variable as well. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you consider when reviewing colleges? Well, you should check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details prior to making your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are reviewing.

Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? A large number of xray technician colleges have earned some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still crucial to make sure that the school and program are accredited. Among 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 examination of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Bixby OK health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level openings.

Are Internships Provided? Find out if the Oklahoma xray tech programs you are assessing have relationships with regional 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 fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist students and graduates develop professional relationships in the Bixby OK health care community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the radiographer schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Bixby OK healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the school they decide on will have to be within commuting distance of their Bixby OK residence. Individuals who have decided to attend online classes naturally 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 program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit far in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Bixby OK schools you are researching what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program also.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the radiographer school you ultimately pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Bixby OK, check that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.

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

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to reflect on questions you may be asked. One of the things that interviewers frequently ask radiographer prospects is "What drove you to select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not just the personal reasons you may have for becoming a radiology technician, but additionally what qualities and skills you possess that make you outstanding at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, in addition to a certain number of typical interview questions, so you must organize some strategies about how you would like to answer them. Given that there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the abilities you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down some concepts and anecdotes that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can help you to develop your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Select the Best X-Ray Tech Program near Bixby OK

Enrolling in the appropriate radiology tech school is an important first step toward starting a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the majority of the day and move and in some cases lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best possible care to patients. As we have covered in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are looking at before making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you decide on an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each school so you can focus your options before making your final choice. And with the appropriate education and your motivation to be successful, you can realize your goal to work as a radiographer in Bixby OK.

Some Background on Bixby Oklahoma

Bixby, Oklahoma

Bixby is a city in Tulsa and Wagoner counties in the U.S. state of Oklahoma, and is a suburb of Tulsa. The population was 13,336 at the 2000 census and 20,884 in the 2010 census, an increase of 56.6 percent[3] In 2010, Bixby became the 19th largest city in Oklahoma. It is nicknamed "The Garden Spot of Oklahoma" for its rich agrarian heritage. Though one of the fastest growing communities in Oklahoma, it remains a sod-growing center and a popular location for purchasing fresh vegetables. The per capita income of $36,257 is the highest in the Tulsa Metropolitan area and is more than 50 percent higher than the state average.[4] In 2009, CNN Money.com placed Bixby No. 67 on its list of 100 Best Places to Live.[5]

Alexander Posey, a member of the Muscogee (Creek) nation, and his family settled in the area now known as Bixby in the late 1800s. He founded a community that was initially known as "Posey on Posey Creek," and included two saloons, a blacksmith shop and a general store. The town became a government town site with a post office in 1895. Located in the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Indian Territory, Bixby was named in honor of Tams Bixby, a chairman of the Dawes Commission.[6] The original 80-acre (32 ha) town site plat was approved by the Dawes Commission in 1902. Many settlers were attracted to the area by the rich, though sometimes swampy river bottom land. In 1904 the Midland Valley Railroad laid tracks and built a depot about 1/2 mile north of the original town of Bixby.[7] This created factions that briefly split Bixby into two towns. The new part of town was deliberately surveyed so that the new streets did not align with the existing ones. However, businesses in the original town soon moved to the new location and built permanent brick buildings there. Bixby incorporated as an independent, self-governing town in 1906, with a population of 400 and an area of 160 acres (0.25 sq mi).[6] The first mayor, recorder and five aldermen were elected in February, 1907. In 1911, a two-story brick schoolhouse was built on Main Street. Bixby Central Elementary is now near the original site. A traffic bridge was built over the Arkansas River in 1911, and for a time was said to be the longest bridge west of the Mississippi River.

The Bixby Bulletin, the town's first newspaper, began publication in February, 1905. It continued publication until 2005. A second paper, the Bixby Journal existed only from 1907 until 1910.[6]

Bixby was impacted and enriched by the discovery of nearby natural gas deposits in 1905-1906 and oil fields in 1913, but farming remained the backbone of the community well into the 20th Century.[6] Early farmers focused on production of cotton, wheat and alfalfa in the rich river bottom. During the 1930s, truck farming of vegetables slowly replaced those crops. In 1941 Bixby became an important regional center for shipping produce by railroad. It was at that time that Bixby was christened with its nickname "The Garden Spot of Oklahoma," a designation still carried on the town seal and public vehicles. Cantaloupes, potatoes, radishes, squash, turnips, spinach and sweet corn were shipped from Bixby all over the U.S. In time, the majority of the truck farms were converted to the production of sod, typically Bermuda grass, or developed for residential and other purposes. Only a small percentage of Bixby residents now work in agriculture, but the town continues to celebrate its earthy roots with the yearly "Green Corn Festival" in June.

Another point of history commemorated by Bixby is the 1832 visit to the area by the famous American writer Washington Irving. Irving accompanied a U.S. Army exploration party on an excursion from Fort Gibson west onto the prairie and the lands occupied by the Osage and Pawnee tribes. He described his adventure in his book A Tour on the Prairies (1835). In it, he relates camping in a grove of large trees on the banks of the Arkansas River in what is present day Bixby. The town has honored his visit by the creation of Washington Irving Park and Arboretum near the location. The park contains an amphitheatre stage patterned after the front facade of Irving's home, Sunnyside, in Tarrytown, New York, as well as gates near the park entrance that are replicas of ones at Irving's estate. A bronze statue of Washington Irving sits near the stage. Bixby Middle School drama students present a popular retelling of Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow in the park each October. The park is also the location of the heavily attended "Bixby BBQ & Music Festival" each May and the Bixby "Deutschesfest" in September.