How to Become an X Ray Technician Yellow Springs OH 45387 Archives

How to Select an Xray Tech Program near Yellow Springs Ohio

Yellow Springs OH x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Yellow Springs OH in order to train to be a radiology technician. And now that you have made a decision to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you undertake choosing the right college and program so that you will get the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And because the majority of states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you may need training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you assess each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can compare each program. A number of prospective students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and usually gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while cost and location need to be considered, there are other significant qualifications as well. For example, you should ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the schools you are reviewing are provided later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and education options that are offered.

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Radiology Tech Occupation Description

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, each has the same primary job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many opt to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They can work in Yellow Springs 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 take care of their equipment and routinely evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also expected to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Yellow Springs OH medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Tech Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Yellow Springs OH The primary prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, generally requires 18 months to two years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to finish and is more extensive in scope. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are appropriate as well. One thing to keep in mind is that Yellow Springs OH radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can typically be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many schools offer 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 licensing or certification mandates in Ohio or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, depending on the state where you will be employed you may need to be licensed. The majority of 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 several provide other alternatives for testing as well. Several states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Yellow Springs OH employers favor hiring 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 comprehensive exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Tech Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Yellow Springs 45387 As a part of every 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 programs. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a substantial portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is often provided in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Yellow Springs OH residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree usually discover that the online approach to education is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are frequently more affordable than traditional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be reduced as well. But just confirm that the online school you pick is accredited (more on the advantages 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 right option for you.

Points to Ask Radiology Tech Schools

After you have selected the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of searching for and assessing Yellow Springs OH x-ray tech schools. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be relevant. The price of tuition and ancillary expenses will be an important variable as well. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you look at when reviewing schools? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details prior to making your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are reviewing.

Are the Radiology Technician Colleges Accredited? The majority of radiology tech colleges have received some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still imperative to make sure that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous evaluation of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Yellow Springs OH health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level openings.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Find out if the Ohio xray technician colleges you are evaluating have associations with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great manner to get hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Yellow Springs OH healthcare community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Yellow Springs OH healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For many students, the college they pick will need to be within commuting distance of their Yellow Springs OH residence. Students who have chosen to attend online classes obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically 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 the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Yellow Springs OH colleges you are researching what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with some of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program also.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the x-ray tech college you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Yellow Springs OH, verify that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Want to Be an Xray Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to review questions you may be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers typically ask radiographer applicants is "What made you pick radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not just the private reasons you might have for being a radiology technician, but also what qualities and talents you have that make you good at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, along with a certain number of general interview questions, so you should ready several strategies about how you want to address them. Given that there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the talents you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but jot down several ideas and talking points that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can help you to formulate your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Choose the Right Radiology Tech College near Yellow Springs OH

Enrolling in the ideal x-ray technician school is a critical first step toward launching a fulfilling new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs often stand for the majority of the working day and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology 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 pleasant work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. As has been covered in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are looking at before making your final selection. This is just as true whether you participate in an online school or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can narrow down your options before making your decision. And with the appropriate training and your dedication to be successful, you can reach your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Yellow Springs OH.

Some Background on Yellow Springs Ohio

Yellow Springs, Ohio

Yellow Springs is a village in Greene County, Ohio, United States. The population was 3,487 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Dayton Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is home of Antioch College and Antioch University Midwest.

In 1825, the village was founded by William Mills and approximately 100 families, followers of Robert Owen, who wanted to emulate the utopian community at New Harmony, Indiana. The communitarian efforts dissolved due to internal conflicts. The Little Miami Railroad was completed in 1846 and brought increased commerce, inhabitants, and tourism. The village was incorporated in 1856.[4]

Antioch College was founded in 1852 by the Christian Connection, and began operating in 1853 with the distinguished scholar Horace Mann as its first president. In 1920, Arthur E. Morgan became the innovative president of Antioch College, implementing a much-imitated work-study program for students. An engineer by training, Morgan left Antioch to become head of the Tennessee Valley Authority in Franklin D. Roosevelt's Administration. Upon his return to Yellow Springs, Morgan was a key leader of Quaker intentional community developments in Ohio and North Carolina. Antioch College was closed by Antioch University in 2008 but reopened, as an independent college, in 2011.[5]

The Conway Colony, a group of 30 freed slaves who were transported by Moncure D. Conway, the abolitionist son of their former owner, settled in the village in 1862.[6] Wheeling Gaunt, a former slave who purchased his own freedom, came to Yellow Springs in the 1860s and owned a substantial amount of land upon his death in 1894. Gaunt bequeathed to the village a large piece of land on its western side, requesting that the rent be used to buy flour for the "poor and worthy widows" of Yellow Springs. Although the land was used to create Gaunt Park, and thus does not generate rent, the village expanded the bequest to include sugar and still delivers flour and sugar to the village's widows at Christmas time, a tradition that generates annual media coverage.[7]

During the Red Scare of the 1950s, Yellow Springs and Antioch came under scrutiny for alleged sympathies to the Communist Party due to many locals' support of left-wing politics.[8] After being questioned by the Ohio House Un-American Activities Committee, Antioch president Douglas McGregor released a statement in 1952 that "Antioch upholds the American tradition of academic freedom. This means the right to hear and investigate all sides of any question, including the question of Russia and Communism".[8]