How to Become an X Ray Technician Newkirk OK 74647 Archives - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select a Radiologic Technician School near Newkirk Oklahoma

Newkirk OK x-ray tech internship program Congratulations on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Newkirk OK so you can learn to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have decided to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you go about selecting the ideal college and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that most states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you may require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can compare each program. Many prospective students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and frequently settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location should be considered, there are additional significant qualifications also. For instance, you need to ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are evaluating are provided later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology technician does and the credentials and education options that are offered.

Radiology Tech Career Summary

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the identical fundamental job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many elect to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They can practice in Newkirk OK clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician might 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 maintain their equipment plus regularly evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally required to keep in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Newkirk OK health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Tech Degree Options

x-ray machine in Newkirk OK The basic requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, normally takes 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to complete and is more comprehensive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be appropriate as well. One thing to keep in mind is that Newkirk OK radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may frequently be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from one 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.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an Radiologist program, based on the state where you will be employed you might have to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but several approve other options for testing also. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Newkirk OK employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may increase 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 2 years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technician Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Newkirk 74647 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 while 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 usually conducted in local 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 Newkirk OK home. Students who keep working while earning their degree often discover that the online approach to learning is far more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online programs are generally less costly than traditional options. Along with reduced tuition, costs for study materials and commuting may be reduced also. But just be sure that the online school you enroll in 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 an online school may be the right choice for you.

Subjects to Ask X Ray Tech Schools

When you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of looking for and assessing Newkirk OK x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to determine if you want to attend classes online or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the college will be relevant. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a determining factor as well. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you look at when evaluating schools? Well, you need to check out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are considering.

Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? Most radiology tech schools have received some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to verify 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 obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive assessment of their instructors and educational materials. If the program is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also help in securing financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Newkirk OK employers will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry-level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Inquire if the Oklahoma radiology technician schools you are assessing have partnerships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent manner to receive practical training in a clinical environment, they are also a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist graduates and students develop professional connections in the Newkirk OK health care community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Newkirk OK healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the college they pick will need to be within commuting distance of their Newkirk OK home. Those who have decided to attend classes online naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. One thing to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Newkirk OK colleges you are researching what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. 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 a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the radiographer college you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Newkirk OK, confirm 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 procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to review questions you could be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers typically ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not just the personal reasons you might have for becoming an Xray technician, but also what attributes and abilities you possess that make you good at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, in addition to a significant number of typical interview questions, so you must ready some ideas about how you would like to answer them. Considering there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the strengths you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but write down a few ideas and anecdotes that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.

Pick the Best Radiology Technician Program near Newkirk OK

Enrolling in the best x-ray technician degree program is an important first step toward initiating a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs often stand for the greater part of the day and position and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best available care to patients. As has been addressed in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are looking at before making your final selection. This is just as true whether you enroll in an online school or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each program so you can narrow down your options and make your decision. And with the appropriate training and your motivation to be successful, you can reach your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Newkirk OK.

Some Background on Newkirk Oklahoma

Newkirk, Oklahoma

Newkirk is a city and county seat of Kay County, Oklahoma, United States.[3] The population was 2,317 at the 2010 census.

Newkirk is located on land known as the Cherokee Strip which belonged to the Cherokee Indians. In 1893, the Cherokee sold the land, then part of Oklahoma Territory to the United States government. The land was opened to White settlement by means of the Cherokee Strip Land Run on September 16, 1893. More than 100,000 people raced to claim plots of land.

The town of Newkirk had been laid out before the run by the government as the county seat of “K” county. It was named Lamoreaux after Silas W. Lamoreaux, who was commissioner of the General Land Office.[4] Two miles north of Lamoreaux was Kirk, a Santa Fe Railroad cattle-shipping station.[5]

That first day of the land run, 5,000 people staked claims in and near Lamoreaux. Claimants were allowed two town lots: one for a home and one for a business. In designated rural areas, claimants could select 160 acres. The population quickly dropped to about 2,100 as disappointed land seekers left. A town government was organized and among the first items of business was to change the name of the town from Lamoreaux to Santa Fe. The railroad, however, did not approve the name as several other places were named Santa Fe. Meanwhile, the railroad station at Kirk had been closed, so the name Newkirk was chosen on November 8, 1893.[6]

In 1901, Newkirk suffered a major reversal when nearly a whole block of its thriving downtown burned. The wood buildings that burned were mostly replaced with stone buildings from the distinctive yellow limestone quarried four miles east of Newkirk. “Imposing stone buildings began to give dignity and permanence to the dusty streets, while wood-frame homes gradually replaced the “proving-up” homes of the Run. Young Elms, Cottonwoods, shrubs, and flowers began to change the once treeless prairies into shaded garden spots.”[7] Newkirk’s business district was placed on the National Register as a historic district in 1984.[8]