Tag Archives: Schools for Radiologic Technologists Litchfield Park AZ 85340

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Litchfield Park AZ 85340

How to Pick an X-Ray Tech Degree Program near Litchfield Park Arizona

Litchfield Park AZ x-ray tech internship programCongratulations on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Litchfield Park AZ so you can become a radiologic technologist. And now that you have made a decision to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you tackle selecting the ideal school and program so that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified professional? And because the majority of states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you might require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you research each of the colleges you are considering in order to compare each program. Many prospective students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and usually gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location need to be taken into account, there are additional important qualifiers also. For instance, you should find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are examining are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray tech does and the degrees and education options that are offered.

Radiology Technician Career Description

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the identical major job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, such as mammography. They can practice in Litchfield Park AZ clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech 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 maintain their equipment plus routinely assess its performance and safety. They are additionally required to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Litchfield Park AZ health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Tech Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Litchfield Park AZThe primary prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, normally takes 18 months to two years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to finish and is more comprehensive in nature. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are appropriate as well. One thing to consider is that Litchfield Park AZ radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may typically be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Arizona or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, depending on the state where you will be working you may need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements vary so check with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number provide other alternatives for testing as well. Several states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, numerous Litchfield Park AZ employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it may enhance 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 examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technician Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Litchfield Park 85340As a component 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 schools. So even though you can still obtain your degree online, a substantial amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is typically carried out in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online section of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Litchfield Park AZ home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree usually discover that the online style of education is much more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are generally more affordable than traditional alternatives. Along with lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials can be lessened as well. But just make certain that the online school you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online degree may be the right choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs

As soon as you have selected the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of finding and assessing Litchfield Park AZ x-ray technician schools. You will also need to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be critical. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a material variable as well. But along with location and cost, what more should you consider when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details before you make your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are reviewing.

Are the Radiology Technician Colleges Accredited? The majority of radiology technician schools have acquired some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still imperative to verify that the program and school 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 an extensive evaluation of their teachers and educational materials. If the program is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Litchfield Park AZ health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level positions.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Ask if the Arizona xray tech programs you are interested in have associations with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great manner to obtain hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist graduates and students develop professional connections in the Litchfield Park AZ health care community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Litchfield Park AZ healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the school they choose will need to be within driving distance of their Litchfield Park AZ residence. Students who have decided to attend online classes naturally will not have to trouble 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 school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit way in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Litchfield Park AZ colleges you are considering what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the radiographer  college you ultimately select can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Litchfield Park AZ, confirm that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.

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

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you might be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers often ask radiographer candidates is "What made you decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not only the personal reasons you may have for being a radiology technician, but also what qualities and talents you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, along with a certain number of standard interview questions, so you need to prepare some strategies about how you would like to address them. Considering there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the abilities you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but take down a few concepts and talking points that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can help you to formulate your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Choose the Right Radiology Tech School near Litchfield Park AZ

Enrolling in the ideal x-ray tech school is a critical first step toward launching a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs frequently stand for the majority of the workday and position 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 developed 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. Possessing social 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 post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each college you are considering prior to making your ultimate selection. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online program or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each college so you can narrow down your options before making your decision. And with the proper training and your motivation to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Litchfield Park AZ.

Some Background on Litchfield Park Arizona

Litchfield Park, Arizona

Litchfield Park is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States. It is twenty miles northwest of Phoenix. According to the 2010 census, the population of the city is 5,476.[2]

The town of Litchfield Park is an affluent community outside of Phoenix named after its founder, Paul Weeks Litchfield (1875–1959). He was an executive of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company who came to the Phoenix area in 1916 in search of suitable land to farm a long-staple cotton that had previously been available only from the Sea Islands off the coast of Georgia and from Egypt. This cotton was needed to strengthen the rubber in the pneumatic tire, of which Goodyear was the world's largest producer. The east coast cotton supply had been devastated by the boll weevil and the African supply had been greatly reduced by World War I attacks from German U-boats. Litchfield went to the Phoenix area at the suggestion of the United States Department of Agriculture, but he was not successful in motivating local farmers to grow his cotton. Instead he got Goodyear to form the Southwest Cotton Company in Phoenix, with Litchfield as its president, eventually purchasing some 36,000 acres in the general Salt River Valley area including 5,000 acres around the present site of Litchfield Park, then known as Litchfield Ranch. Much of the land was bought for as little as $25 per acre. The cotton was cultivated with a workforce of mostly Mexican and Native American men. The U.S. Postal Service agreed to the name "Litchfield Park" in 1926. In 1929, the Wigwam Resort was opened to the public. In 1926, Litchfield went on to become the president of the Goodyear-Zeppelin Corporation,[4] and then Chairman of the Board in 1930. He retired from the company in 1958, and spent the final months of his life as a resident of Litchfield Park at his home on Fairway Drive.[5]

In 1964, Goodyear created Litchfield Park Land and Development Co. to expand Litchfield Park into a 90,000 resident community.[6][7]Arden E. Goodyear was the head of the company, Patrick Cusick was vice president and general manager, and Victor Gruen was hired to design some of the buildings. Emanuel Cartsonis, who had worked with Cusick became city planner. The plan called for 25,000 homes, a college, a junior college, eighteen elementary schools, ten junior high schools, and six high schools, as well as improvements to the town's golf course and harness track at an expense of at least 750 million dollars.[8] Goodyear made many mistakes during development, including selling properties right up to the curb line, which means that the city must get permission from property owners before they can put in a sidewalk. They abandoned their plans for expanding Litchfield Park before they were completed and sold whatever land they could.[9]

Litchfield Park is located at 33°29′36″N 112°21′30″W / 33.49333°N 112.35833°W / 33.49333; -112.35833 (33.493410, −112.358210).[10]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.1 square miles (8.0 km2), all of it dry land with the exception of a man made lake.

 

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