Schools for Radiologic Technologists Killeen TX 76540 Archives

How to Pick a Radiology Technician School near Killeen Texas

Killeen TX x-ray tech internship program Congratulations regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Killeen TX so you can become a radiology technologist. And now that you have decided to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle choosing the ideal college and program so that you will get the proper training to become a qualified professional? And considering that most states do require that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you may need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you assess each of the colleges you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. A number of potential students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and usually gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while cost and location should be taken into consideration, there are additional important qualifications also. For example, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are considering are presented later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and education choices that are offered.

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X-Ray Tech Work Description

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, they all have the same major job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some opt to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for example mammography. They can work in Killeen TX hospitals, clinics, private 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 analyze its functionality and safety. They are additionally required to keep in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Killeen TX medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Tech Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Killeen TX The standard prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, usually takes 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to complete and is more extensive in nature. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be appropriate also. One thing to bear in mind is that Killeen TX radiographer programs have a clinical 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 a large number of schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Texas or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, depending on the state where you will be practicing you may have to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites vary so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but several accept other options for testing also. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is optional. However, numerous Killeen TX employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it might increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Tech Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Killeen 76540 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree colleges. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a large portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is often provided in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online segment of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Killeen TX residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree often find that the online approach to education is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are generally more affordable than traditional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be decreased also. But just confirm that the online program you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online degree may be the right choice for you.

Questions to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges

When you have chosen the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of searching for and evaluating Killeen TX x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to decide if you want to attend online classes or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a material variable also. But along with location and cost, what else should you look at when evaluating schools? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details prior to making your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Technician Colleges Accredited? A large number of xray tech schools have obtained some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still important to make sure 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 undergone a rigorous evaluation of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Killeen TX health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level positions.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Inquire if the Texas radiology tech schools you are interested in have relationships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great manner to get practical experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist students and graduates form professional relationships in the Killeen TX health care community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Killeen TX healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they pick will need to be within travelling distance of their Killeen TX residence. Individuals who have chosen to attend classes online obviously will not have to concern 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 perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that likes to sit far in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Killeen TX schools you are looking at what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with some of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program as well.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the radiographer school you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Killeen TX, verify that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to review questions you could be asked. Among the things that recruiters often ask radiographer prospects is "What made you decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not merely the personal reasons you may have for becoming an Xray technician, but additionally what qualities and abilities you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, in addition to a certain number of routine interview questions, so you must prepare several ideas about how you want to address them. Because there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the best choice for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but take down some concepts and talking points that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can help you to develop your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Pick the Ideal Radiology Tech School near Killeen TX

Selecting the appropriate radiology tech degree program is a crucial first step toward initiating a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs typically stand for the greater part of the working day and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians 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 patient care. As we have addressed in this report, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are looking at prior to making your final decision. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each school so you can narrow down your options before making your final choice. And with the proper training and your motivation to be successful, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Killeen TX.

Some Background on Killeen Texas

Killeen, Texas

Killeen is a city in Bell County, Texas, United States. According to the 2010 census, its population was 127,921,[3] making it the 21st-most populous city in Texas. It is the principal city of the Killeen–Temple–Fort Hood Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Killeen is directly adjacent to the main cantonment of Fort Hood. Its economy depends on the activities of the post, and the soldiers and their families stationed there. It is known as a military “boom town” because of its rapid growth and high influx of soldiers.

In 1881, the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway extended its tracks through central Texas, buying 360 acres (1.5 km2) a few miles southwest of a small farming community known as Palo Alto, which had existed since about 1872. The railroad platted a 70-block town on its land and named it after Frank P. Killeen, the assistant general manager of the railroad. By the next year, the town included a railroad depot, a saloon, several stores, and a school. Many of the residents of the surrounding smaller communities in the area moved to Killeen. By 1884 the town had grown to include about 350 people, served by five general stores, two gristmills, two cotton gins, two saloons, a lumberyard, a blacksmith shop, and a hotel.

Killeen expanded as it became an important shipping point for cotton, wool, and grain in western Bell and eastern Coryell counties. By 1900 its population was about 780. Around 1905, local politicians and businessmen convinced the Texas legislature to build bridges over Cowhouse Creek and other streams, doubling Killeen's trade area. A public water system began operation in 1914 and its population had increased to 1,300 residents.[citation needed]

Until the 1940s Killeen remained a relatively small and isolated farm trade center. The buildup associated with World War II changed that dramatically. In 1942 Camp Hood (re-commissioned as Fort Hood in 1950) was created as a military training post to meet war demands. Laborers, construction workers, contractors, soldiers, and their families moved into the area by the thousands, and Killeen became a military boomtown. The opening of Camp Hood radically altered the nature of the local economy, since the sprawling new military post covered almost half of Killeen's farming trade area.