How to Choose a Radiology Tech College near Hazen North Dakota
Congratulations on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Hazen ND in order to train to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have made a decision to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you set about selecting the right school and program so that you will receive the proper training to become a skilled professional? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you might need training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you research each of the colleges you are considering in order to evaluate each program. Most prospective students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and typically gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while location and cost should be taken into account, there are other important qualifiers also. For example, you should ask whether or not 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 talk about what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and education options that are offered.
X-Ray Technician Job Description
There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, they all have the same fundamental job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They may work in Hazen ND hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist might work with include:
- Traditional and specialized X-Rays
- Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Sonography or ultrasound
- Fluoroscopy
Radiographers must take care of their equipment and routinely analyze its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to retain complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Hazen ND health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
Radiology Tech Degrees Offered
The basic requirement for attending an x-ray tech school is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, generally takes 18 months to two 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 expansive in scope. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are appropriate as well. One thing to consider is that Hazen ND radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can frequently be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which many colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing mandates in North Dakota or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification
When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, depending on the state where you will be working you may need to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites vary so check with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but many provide additional options for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. However, many Hazen ND employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it could improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online Radiology Technician Degrees
As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree colleges. So while you can still earn your degree online, a significant portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is typically carried out in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online section of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Hazen ND residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually find that the online style of education is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online programs are frequently less expensive than traditional options. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be reduced as well. But just be sure that the online program you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online school may be the best option for you.
Questions to Ask X Ray Tech Schools
Once you have chosen the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of searching for and assessing Hazen ND x-ray tech schools. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be critical. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a determining factor as well. But along with cost and location, what else should you factor in when evaluating schools? Well, you need to check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are assessing.
Are the X-Ray Tech Programs Accredited? The majority of xray technician schools 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 regarded accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed examination of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial aid and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Hazen ND health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level positions.
Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask if the North Dakota radiology technician schools you are evaluating have partnerships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent manner to get practical experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help students and graduates develop professional relationships in the Hazen ND healthcare community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the radiographer schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Hazen ND healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they choose will have to be within driving distance of their Hazen ND residence. Individuals who have decided 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 importance. Something to bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically 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 person that likes to sit way in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Hazen ND colleges you are looking at what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to speak with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program also.
Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the x-ray tech school you finally pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Hazen ND, confirm that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family obligations.
Why Did You Choose to Be an Xray Technician?
When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's a good idea to consider questions you could be asked. One of the questions that interviewers typically ask radiographer candidates is "What drove you to decide on radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not only the personal reasons you may have for becoming a radiology technician, but also what qualities and skills you have that make you good at your profession. You will likely be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, along with a certain number of routine interview questions, so you need to prepare some ideas about how you would like to address them. Since there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you along with the abilities you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but jot down a few concepts and topics that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.Select the Best X-Ray Technician College near Hazen ND
Choosing the right radiology tech degree program is an important first step toward starting a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs regularly stand for the majority of the workday and move and at times lift the patient to obtain 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 patient and the medical team. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. As has been addressed in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are considering prior to making your ultimate decision. This is equally true whether you participate in an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each school so you can narrow down your options before making your final choice. And with the appropriate education and your motivation to succeed, you can realize your goal to work as a radiology tech in Hazen ND.
Some Background on Hazen North Dakota
Hazen–Williams equation
The Hazen–Williams equation is an empirical relationship which relates the flow of water in a pipe with the physical properties of the pipe and the pressure drop caused by friction. It is used in the design of water pipe systems[1] such as fire sprinkler systems,[2]water supply networks, and irrigation systems. It is named after Allen Hazen and Gardner Stewart Williams.
The Hazen–Williams equation has the advantage that the coefficient C is not a function of the Reynolds number, but it has the disadvantage that it is only valid for water. Also, it does not account for the temperature or viscosity of the water.[3]
Henri Pitot discovered that the velocity of a fluid was proportional to the square root of its head in the early 18th century. It takes energy to push a fluid through a pipe, and Antoine de Chézy discovered that the hydraulic head loss was proportional to the velocity squared.[4] Consequently, the Chézy formula relates hydraulic slope S (head loss per unit length) to the fluid velocity V and hydraulic radius R:
The variable C expresses the proportionality, but the value of C is not a constant. In 1838 and 1839, Gotthilf Hagen and Jean Léonard Marie Poiseuille independently determined a head loss equation for laminar flow, the Hagen–Poiseuille equation. Around 1845, Julius Weisbach and Henry Darcy developed the Darcy–Weisbach equation.[5]
The Darcy-Weisbach equation was difficult to use because the friction factor was difficult to estimate.[6] In 1906, Hazen and Williams provided an empirical formula that was easy to use. The general form of the equation relates the mean velocity of water in a pipe with the geometric properties of the pipe and slope of the energy line.
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