Schools for Radiologic Technologists Muleshoe TX 79347 Archives

How to Find an X-Ray Technician College near Muleshoe Texas

Muleshoe TX x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Muleshoe TX so you can learn to be a radiology technician. But now that you have decided to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you undertake selecting the ideal college and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And because most states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you may require preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you investigate each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can compare each program. Most prospective students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and typically settle on the lowest cost. But while expense and location must be taken into consideration, there are additional important qualifications also. For instance, you must 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 considering are provided later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology tech does and the degrees and education choices that are available.

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Radiology Technician Job Description

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, they all have the identical primary job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for instance mammography. They may practice in Muleshoe TX 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 have to care for their equipment and also frequently evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also required to retain in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Muleshoe TX health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Muleshoe TX The primary prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have attained 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 prevalent among technicians, generally takes 18 months to two years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to complete and is more expansive in nature. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be acceptable also. One thing to consider is that Muleshoe TX radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may often be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification mandates in Texas or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, depending on the state where you will be practicing you may need to become 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 licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but many provide other alternatives for testing as well. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. However, many Muleshoe TX employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Tech Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Muleshoe 79347 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree programs. So although you can still obtain your degree online, a substantial amount of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is usually performed in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online portion of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Muleshoe TX residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically discover that the online approach to learning is far more practical with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently less expensive 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 pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online school may be the right option for you.

What to Ask Radiographer Programs

Once you have selected the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of looking for and assessing Muleshoe TX x-ray tech schools. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be important. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be an important factor as well. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you look at when evaluating schools? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are reviewing.

Are the Radiology Tech Colleges Accredited? A large number of radiology tech colleges have acquired some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still important 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). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed examination of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also help in securing financial aid and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Muleshoe TX employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Ask if the Texas radiology tech schools you are assessing have relationships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great manner to obtain practical training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help students and graduates establish professional connections in the Muleshoe TX health care community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Muleshoe TX healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For many students, the college they choose will need to be within commuting distance of their Muleshoe TX residence. Students who have opted 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 bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally 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 kind of person that likes to sit way in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely prefer a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Muleshoe TX colleges you are researching what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program also.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the radiographer college you ultimately 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 Muleshoe TX, make sure that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to consider questions you could be asked. One of the things that interviewers often ask radiographer prospects is "What made you select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not merely the personal reasons you might have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but additionally what qualities and skills you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, along with a significant number of typical interview questions, so you should organize several strategies about how you would like to respond to them. Given that there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the strengths you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the best choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but write down a few ideas and topics that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Choose the Ideal X-Ray Technician School near Muleshoe TX

Picking the best radiology technician degree program is a critical first step toward initiating a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs frequently stand for the majority of the day and move and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best possible 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 looking at before making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you decide on an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices and make your final choice. And with the proper education and your dedication to succeed, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Muleshoe TX.

Some Background on Muleshoe Texas

Muleshoe, Texas

Muleshoe is a city in Bailey County, Texas, United States. The town of Muleshoe was founded in 1913 when the Pecos and Northern Texas Railway built an 88-mile (142 km) line from Farwell, Texas to Lubbock through northern Bailey County. In 1926, Muleshoe was incorporated. The population was 5,158 at the 2010 census. The county seat of Bailey County,[3] it is home to the National Mule Memorial.

The Muleshoe Heritage Center located off the combined U.S. Routes 70 and 84 is a popular museum which commemorates the importance of ranching to West Texas. The complex has several unique buildings originally from Bailey County that display the living conditions of the area in the late-19th century and the early to mid-20th century.

The Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge is located some twenty miles (32 km) to the south on State Highway 214. Founded in 1935, the refuge is the oldest of its kind in the state of Texas. It is a 5,000-acre (20 km2) wintering area for migratory waterfowl flying from Canada to Mexico. It contains the largest number of sandhill cranes in North America.[4]

The name Muleshoe can be traced in the region to Henry Black when he registered a brand on November 12, 1860. In 1877, Black purchased three houses on a 40,000 acres (160 km2) in Stephens County, naming it Muleshoe Ranch. Later he built a large ranch house and a log schoolhouse, and established a small cemetery for family members.[5] Muleshoe Ranch was supposedly named after the owner found a mule shoe in the soil.

On April 23, 1906, the Gulf, Santa Fe and Northwestern Railway Company and the Pecos and Northern Texas Railway Company merged and were chartered to construct a railway between Lubbock, Texas and Farwell, Texas on the New Mexico border. From 1901 to 1915, communities along the future railway contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to construction.[6] Muleshoe was founded in 1913 when the Pecos and Northern Texas Railway laid rails across northern Bailey county; residents borrowed the name from the nearby Muleshoe Ranch.[6]