How to Become an X Ray Technician Niles MI 49120 Archives - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Pick an X-Ray Tech Degree Program near Niles Michigan

Niles MI x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Niles MI so you can train to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have made a decision to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about selecting the ideal school and program so that you will receive the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And considering that the majority of states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you might require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you investigate each of the schools you are considering so that you can compare each program. A number of students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and usually settle on the most affordable cost. But while expense and location should be taken into account, there are additional important qualifiers as well. For instance, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are reviewing are provided later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and training choices that are available.

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X-Ray Tech Career Summary

There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, they all have the identical fundamental job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some elect to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They may work in Niles MI clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may utilize include:

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

Radiographers have to take care of their equipment plus routinely analyze its performance and safety. They are also expected to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Niles MI medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Niles MI The standard prerequisite for attending a radiology tech school is to have attained 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 common among technicians, usually takes 18 months to two years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to finish and is more expansive in scope. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be appropriate also. Something to bear in mind is that Niles MI radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can frequently be fulfilled by taking part in an externship program which many colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Michigan or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an Radiologist program, based on the state where you will be practicing you may have to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria differ so check 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 a number provide additional options for testing also. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is optional. However, numerous Niles MI employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it could 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 exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technologist Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Niles 49120 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree colleges. So although you can still earn your online degree, a substantial amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is usually provided in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Niles MI home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree usually discover that the online approach to education is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are often more affordable than traditional options. Along with lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials can be lessened also. But just make certain that the online college you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then online classes may be the best option for you.

Points to Ask Radiologic Tech Schools

When you have decided on the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of finding and evaluating Niles MI x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to decide if you want to attend classes online or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be critical. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be an important factor also. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you factor in when comparing schools? Well, you should check out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? The majority of xray technician schools have obtained some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still important to verify that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed assessment of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Niles MI employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level positions.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Inquire if the Michigan xray technician schools you are interested in have relationships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent means to get practical training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help graduates and students establish professional connections in the Niles MI medical community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the radiographer schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Niles MI 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 need to be within travelling distance of their Niles MI home. Individuals who have opted to attend classes online obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit far in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Niles MI schools you are reviewing 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 ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with a few of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program also.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the radiographer college you finally select can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Niles MI, verify that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Be an X-Ray Tech?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's a good idea to review questions you could be asked. Among the questions that recruiters often ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not only the private reasons you might have for becoming a radiology technician, but additionally what qualities and talents you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, as well as a significant number of routine interview questions, so you should organize several strategies about how you would like to address them. Since there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you in addition to the abilities you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but take down a few concepts and talking points that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can help you to develop your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.

Enroll in the Ideal X-Ray Technician Program near Niles MI

Selecting the appropriate x-ray technician degree program is an important first step toward beginning a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs frequently stand for the greater part of the working day and move 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 guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and provide the best available patient care. As has been covered in this report, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are reviewing before making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you opt for an online school or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each school so you can narrow down your choices and make your decision. And with the appropriate education and your commitment to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Niles MI.

Some Background on Niles Michigan

Niles, Michigan

Niles is a city in Berrien and Cass counties in the U.S. state of Michigan, near South Bend, Indiana. In 2010, the population was 11,600 according to the 2010 census. It is the larger, by population, of the two principal cities in the Niles-Benton Harbor Metropolitan Statistical Area, an area with 156,813 people.[6]

Niles lies on the banks of the St. Joseph River, at the site of the French Fort St. Joseph, first built in 1697 to protect the Jesuit Mission established in 1691. After 1761, it was held by the British and was captured on May 25, 1763, by Native Americans during Pontiac's Rebellion. The British retook the fort but it was not re-garrisoned and served as a trading post. During the American Revolutionary War, the fort was held for a short time by a Spanish force. The occupation of the fort by the four nations of France, Britain, Spain, and the United States has earned Niles the nickname City of Four Flags.[7]

The town was named after Hezekiah Niles, editor of the Niles Register, a Baltimore newspaper. The town of Niles as it exists today was settled in 1827. Between 1820 and 1865, Niles was an integral part of the Underground Railroad, helping slaves escape from as far south as New Orleans through the Heartland, and eventually into Canada.[8][9][10]

The city is situated on the St. Joseph River and is mostly surrounded by Niles Township. Glacial deposits of large boulders and smooth stones mingle with heavy sedimentary deposits, producing rolling hills and steep river banks. The soil is rich and fertile. Crinoida and related fossils are easily found south of the city.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.95 square miles (15.41 km2), of which 5.79 square miles (15.00 km2) is land and 0.16 square miles (0.41 km2) is water.[1]