Schools for Radiology Techs Konawa OK 74849 Archives - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find an Xray Technician Degree Program near Konawa Oklahoma

Konawa OK x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Konawa OK so you can learn to be a radiology technician. But now that you have chosen to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you tackle picking the ideal college and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And because most states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you may need training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you research each of the schools you are considering in order to compare each program. A number of potential students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and often settle on the most affordable cost. But while location and cost should be taken into consideration, there are additional significant qualifiers as well. For instance, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you must 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 training options that are available.

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X-Ray Technician Occupation Summary

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the identical principal job function, which is to utilize 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 perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They may work in Konawa OK clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician might utilize 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 also regularly evaluate its performance and safety. They are also expected to retain in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Konawa OK health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degree Options

x-ray machine in Konawa OK The basic requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech school is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, generally requires 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to complete and is more extensive in nature. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be appropriate also. One thing to keep in mind is that Konawa OK radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Oklahoma or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an Radiologist program, depending on the state where you will be employed you may need to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so contact your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number provide other alternatives for testing also. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, many Konawa OK employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Tech Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Konawa 74849 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree schools. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is usually performed in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online portion of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Konawa OK residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online style of education is far more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are generally less costly than traditional options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials may be decreased also. But just confirm that the online program you select is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online degree may be the best choice for you.

Points to Ask Radiologic Tech Schools

When you have selected the type of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of finding and evaluating Konawa OK x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or travel to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a determining variable as well. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you consider when reviewing schools? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details before you make your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are reviewing.

Are the Radiology Tech Programs Accredited? A large number of xray technician colleges have obtained some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to make sure that the school and program are accredited. One of 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 examination of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial aid and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Konawa OK health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level openings.

Are Internships Sponsored? Ask if the Oklahoma xray technician colleges you are assessing have associations with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific means to get practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help graduates and students form professional relationships in the Konawa OK health care community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Konawa OK healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For many students, the college they choose will need to be within travelling distance of their Konawa OK home. Individuals who have decided to attend classes online naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. Something 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 may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Konawa OK schools you are researching what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. 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 converse with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program also.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the radiographer program you ultimately pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Konawa OK, make sure that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Desire to Become a Radiology Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to consider questions you might be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers often ask radiographer prospects is "What made you pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not just the personal reasons you may have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what qualities and talents you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, as well as a certain number of general interview questions, so you need to organize some ideas about how you want to respond to them. Given that there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the strengths you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the ideal candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down a few ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can help you to develop your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Choose the Ideal X-Ray Technician College near Konawa OK

Choosing the ideal x-ray tech degree program is a critical first step toward beginning a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs typically stand for the greater part of the workday and position and in some cases lift the patient to get 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 patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. As has been addressed in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each college you are looking at prior to making your final selection. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each school so you can narrow down your options before making your final choice. And with the proper education and your dedication to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Konawa OK.

Some Background on Konawa Oklahoma

Konawa, Oklahoma

Konawa is a city in Seminole County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 1,479 at the 2000 census. Konawa is a Seminole word meaning, "string of beads." [3]

Located in southwestern Seminole County, Konawa, a Seminole word meaning "string of beads," lies at the intersection of State Highways 9A and 39. On January 7, 1904, Tom West, a mixed-blood Seminole, sold George Northrup a plot of land that became the Konawa townsite. The post office was established on July 15, 1904, with Robert C. Lovelace as postmaster. Early-day establishments included the first newspaper, the Konawa Chief, hardware and drug stores, lumberyards, a blacksmith, and a bank. In 1903, the Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad (later the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railway) bypassed the nearby town of Violet Springs. Most families and businesses moved to other towns. Some moved their houses to Konawa, and many of these buildings continued to stand at the turn of the twenty-first century.[3]

Konawa served as a trade center for a surrounding agricultural region. At 1907 statehood population stood at 620. The Konawa Leader has informed the citizens since 1917. During the 1920s streets were paved, several oil wells were discovered, and a new high school was built. In November 1931 Konawa caught the attention of Charles "Pretty Boy" Floyd, who robbed the First National Bank. During World War II the Konawa National Guard Armory (National Register of Historical Places, NR 94000483), a Works Progress Administration project, housed German prisoners of war. On February 17, 1961, a tornado destroyed downtown Konawa and injured five individuals.[3]

The energy industry remained a mainstay of the local economy, with oil-field service companies still important. In May 1968 Oklahoma Gas and Electric Corporation broke ground for the Seminole Power Plant, creating the 1,350-acre Konawa Reservoir at a cost of $45 million. By 1975 the third power unit with an output of more than 1.6 million kilowatts was built. Konawa Reservoir is one of Oklahoma's top trophy lakes.[3]

In August 1963 Konawa hosted its first All-Night Gospel Singing. During its heyday an estimated twenty-five thousand people attended the annual event. The town maintains a council-city manager type of government. At the turn of the twenty-first century Konawa had 1,479 residents.[3]