How to Select a Radiologic Technician School near Laverne Oklahoma
Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Laverne OK in order to learn to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have chosen to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you undertake picking the ideal college and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And because the majority of states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you might need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the schools you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Many students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and often settle on the most affordable cost. But while location and cost should be taken into consideration, there are other critical qualifications also. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are evaluating are provided later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and training choices that are offered.
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X-Ray Tech Work Summary
There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the identical principal job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some choose to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They can practice in Laverne OK hospitals, clinics, 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 must care for their equipment and frequently analyze its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to keep complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Laverne OK health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
X-Ray Technician Degree Options
The primary requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech college is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, normally requires 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to complete and is more expansive in scope. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable also. One thing to keep in mind is that Laverne OK radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which many colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Oklahoma or the state you will be working as applicable.
X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing
Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, depending on the state where you will be employed you might need to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so check with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but a number provide other alternatives for testing also. Several states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, many Laverne OK employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it may enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Technician Classes
As a part of every 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 even though you can still earn your degree online, a considerable amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is typically conducted in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online section of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Laverne OK home. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually discover that the online style of education is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are often more affordable than conventional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be lessened as well. But just be sure that the online program you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online school may be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask X Ray Tech Programs
After you have selected the type of degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of looking for and evaluating Laverne OK x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the school will be important. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be an important variable as well. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you look at when comparing colleges? Well, you need to check out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship 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 should ask the colleges you are reviewing.
Are the Radiology Tech Programs Accredited? Most xray tech colleges have earned some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still important to confirm that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly respected 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 undergone a rigorous assessment of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. 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 superior education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Laverne OK employers will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry-level openings.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Inquire if the Oklahoma radiology technician schools you are assessing have partnerships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific means to get practical experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist graduates and students develop professional connections in the Laverne OK medical community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Laverne OK healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the college they pick will have to be within commuting distance of their Laverne OK home. Students who have decided to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry 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 program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
What Size 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 probably prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Laverne OK schools you are reviewing what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to converse with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program as well.
Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the radiographer program you ultimately pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Laverne OK, verify that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of illness, work or family obligations.
Why Did You Want to Be a Radiology Technician?
When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to review questions you might be asked. Among the questions that interviewers frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What made you choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not only the personal reasons you may have for becoming a radiology technician, but also what qualities and talents you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, in addition to a certain number of routine interview questions, so you should organize some approaches about how you would like to respond to them. Given that there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the abilities you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down some concepts and anecdotes that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can help you to develop your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.Choose the Best X-Ray Technician College near Laverne OK
Enrolling in the best x-ray tech degree program is a critical first step toward launching a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs typically stand for the greater part of the workday and move and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to observe 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 must in order to have a pleasant work environment and furnish the best available care to patients. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each program you are considering before making your final selection. This is equally true whether you decide on an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each school so you can narrow down your options and make your final choice. And with the appropriate education and your dedication to succeed, you can realize your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Laverne OK.
Some Background on Laverne Oklahoma
Laverne & Shirley
Laverne & Shirley (originally Laverne DeFazio & Shirley Feeney[1]) is an American sitcom that ran on ABC from January 27, 1976, to May 10, 1983. It starred Penny Marshall as Laverne DeFazio and Cindy Williams as Shirley Feeney, single roommates in Milwaukee who work as bottlecappers in the fictitious Shotz Brewery. Among others, the series was known for Marshall and Williams' physical comedy.[2][3]
The show was a spin-off from Happy Days, as the two lead characters were originally introduced on that series as acquaintances of Fonzie (Henry Winkler). Set in roughly the same time period, the timeline started in approximately 1958, when the series began, through 1967, when the series ended. As with Happy Days, it was made by Paramount Television, created by Garry Marshall (along with Lowell Ganz and Mark Rothman) and executive produced by Garry Marshall, Edward K. Milkis, and Thomas L. Miller from Miller-Boyett Productions.
Cindy Williams had refused to do the tv series, so it was recast with Liberty Williams (no relation). A seven minute test scene was shot. According to Michael Eisner, "it was ok, but it wasn't magic." Between that afternoon shoot and the evening, Cindy Williams was eventually talked into doing the role and the scene was reshot that night with what would become the iconic lead actors. Executives wanted to see both versions, but Eisner hid the first reel of film in a closet of the building and said at the screening that the film from the first shoot had gotten lost, so they only watched the performance of Cindy Williams with Penny Marshall.[4]
At the start of each episode, Laverne and Shirley are skipping down a Milwaukee street, arm in arm, reciting a Yiddish-American hopscotch chant: "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Schlemiel! Schlimazel! Hasenpfeffer Incorporated," which then leads into the series' theme song titled "Making Our Dreams Come True," performed by Cyndi Grecco. The hopscotch chant is from Penny Marshall's childhood.[5] In seasons six and seven (set in 1960s Southern California), the intro features Laverne and Shirley exiting their apartment building, but still reciting their original chant, and then a re-recorded version of the theme song is played. During the final season (after Cindy Williams left the show), it opens with a group of schoolchildren performing the chant and marching toward an amused Laverne before the theme song begins.
For the first five seasons, from 1976 to 1980, the show was set in Milwaukee (executive producer Thomas L. Miller's home town), taking place from roughly 1958–59 through the early 1960s. Shotz Brewery bottle cappers and best friends, Laverne DeFazio and Shirley Feeney, live in a basement apartment, where they communicate with upstairs neighbors Lenny and Squiggy by screaming up the dumbwaiter shaft connecting their apartments. Also included in the show are Laverne's father, Frank DeFazio, proprietor of the Pizza Bowl, and Edna Babish, the apartment building's landlady, who would later marry Frank. Shirley maintained an off-again on-again romance with dancer/singer/boxer Carmine Ragusa. During this period, characters from Happy Days and Laverne & Shirley would make occasional guest appearances on each other's shows. During the fifth season, the girls went into the Army, and they contended with a tough-as-nails drill sergeant named Alvinia T. Plout (Vicki Lawrence).
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