How to Become an X Ray Technician Dayton OH 45401 Archives - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find a Radiologic Technician Degree Program near Dayton Ohio

Dayton OH x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Dayton OH in order to learn to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have made a decision to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you set about selecting the right college and program to ensure that you will get the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you might need training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the colleges you are considering so that you can 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 expense and location need to be taken into account, there are other significant qualifiers as well. For example, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are reviewing are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology tech does and the credentials and training choices that are offered.

X-Ray Tech Work Summary

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, each has the same primary job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They can practice in Dayton OH clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist may work with include:

Traditional and specialized X-Rays
Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Sonography or ultrasound
Fluoroscopy

Radiographers must care for their equipment and regularly assess its functionality and safety. They are also expected to retain in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Dayton OH health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Tech Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Dayton OH The primary prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech college is to have received a high school diploma or GED. 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, usually requires 18 months to two years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to complete and is more extensive in scope. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be acceptable also. Something to consider is that Dayton OH radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can often be fulfilled by taking part in an externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Ohio or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiographer Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, depending on the state where you will be employed you might need to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria vary so check with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number accept additional options for testing also. Several states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is optional. Having said that, numerous Dayton OH employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technologist Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Dayton 45401 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 colleges. So although you can still earn your degree online, a considerable amount of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is usually carried out in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Dayton OH home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree often find that the online style of learning is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are generally more affordable than on-campus alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, costs for study materials and commuting can be lessened also. But just be sure 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 type of training, then online classes may be the right choice for you.

Questions to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs

As soon as you have chosen the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can initiate the process of finding and assessing Dayton OH x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a determining variable as well. But along with cost and location, what more should you look at when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details prior to making your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are reviewing.

Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? The majority of xray technician schools have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still imperative to confirm that the program and school are accredited. One of 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 a detailed review of their instructors and educational materials. If the program is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Dayton OH employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level openings.

Are Internships Provided? Inquire if the Ohio radiology tech schools you are evaluating have relationships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific way to receive practical training in a clinical environment, they are also a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help students and graduates form professional connections in the Dayton OH healthcare community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Dayton OH healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For many students, the college they choose will need to be within travelling distance of their Dayton OH residence. Students who have chosen to attend online classes obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit far in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Dayton OH colleges you are reviewing what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with some of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the x-ray tech program you finally choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Dayton OH, verify that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Be an Xray Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to review questions you may be asked. One of the things that recruiters frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not just the private reasons you may have for being an X-Ray tech, but additionally what characteristics and skills you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, in addition to a certain number of standard interview questions, so you need to prepare a number of strategies about how you would like to address them. Since there are numerous factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you along with the talents you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but write down some ideas and anecdotes that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can help you to develop your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Pick the Right Radiology Technician Program near Dayton OH

Selecting the ideal radiology technician degree program is an important first step toward beginning a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs often stand for the greater part of the workday and move and at times lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements 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. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best available care to patients. As we have discussed in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are considering before making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each school so you can focus your options and make your decision. And with the right education and your motivation to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Dayton OH.

Some Background on Dayton Ohio

Dayton, Ohio

Dayton (/ˈdeɪtən/) is the sixth-largest city in the state of Ohio and is the county seat of Montgomery County.[5] A small portion of the city extends into Greene County.[6] In the 2010 census, the population was 141,759, and the Dayton metropolitan area had 799,232 residents, making it Ohio's fourth-largest metropolitan area, after Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus and the 63rd-largest in the United States.[7] The Dayton-Springfield-Greenville Combined Statistical Area had a population of 1,080,044 in 2010, making it the 43rd-largest in the United States.[8] Dayton is within Ohio's Miami Valley region, just north of the Cincinnati–Northern Kentucky metropolitan area.

Ohio's borders are within 500 miles (800 km) of roughly 60 percent of the country's population and manufacturing infrastructure, making the Dayton area a logistical centroid for manufacturers, suppliers, and shippers.[9][10] Dayton also hosts significant research and development in fields like industrial, aeronautical, and astronautical engineering that have led to many technological innovations. Much of this innovation is due in part to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and its place within the community. With the decline of heavy manufacturing, Dayton's businesses have diversified into a service economy that includes insurance and legal sectors as well as healthcare and government sectors.

Other than defense and aerospace, healthcare accounts for much of the Dayton area's economy. Hospitals in the Greater Dayton area have an estimated combined employment of nearly 32,000 and a yearly economic impact of $6.8 billion.[11] It is estimated that Premier Health Partners, a hospital network, contributes more than $2 billion a year to the region through operating, employment, and capital expenditures.[12] In 2011, Dayton was rated the #3 city in the nation by HealthGrades for excellence in healthcare.[13][14] Many hospitals in the Dayton area are consistently ranked by Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, and HealthGrades for clinical excellence.[citation needed]

Dayton is also noted for its association with aviation; the city is home to the National Museum of the United States Air Force and is the birthplace of Orville Wright. Other well-known individuals born in the city include poet Paul Laurence Dunbar and entrepreneur John H. Patterson. Dayton is also known for its many patents, inventions, and inventors that have come from the area,[15] most notably the Wright brothers' invention of powered flight.[16] In 2008, 2009, and 2010, Site Selection magazine ranked Dayton the #1 mid-sized metropolitan area in the nation for economic development.[17][18][19] Also in 2010, Dayton was named one of the best places in the United States for college graduates to find a job.[20][21]

Dayton was founded on April 1, 1796, by 12 settlers known as the Thompson Party. They traveled in March from Cincinnati up the Great Miami River by pirogue and landed at what is now St. Clair Street, where they found two small camps of Native Americans. Among the Thompson Party was Benjamin Van Cleve,[22] whose memoirs provide insights into the Ohio Valley's history. Two other groups traveling overland arrived several days later.[23]