Schools for Radiology Techs Summertown TN 38483 Archives - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select an X-Ray Technician Program near Summertown Tennessee

Summertown TN x-ray tech internship program Congratulations regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Summertown TN so you can learn to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have made a decision to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle choosing the right school and program so that you will get the proper training to become a qualified professional? And considering that most states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you may need training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you investigate each of the colleges you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Most students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and often settle on the lowest cost. But while location and cost must be considered, there are additional significant qualifications as well. For instance, you must ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are reviewing are provided later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and training options that are available.

Radiology Tech Work Summary

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, they all have the same primary job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They can practice in Summertown TN hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech 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 and also frequently assess its performance and safety. They are additionally required to keep in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Summertown TN health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Summertown TN The basic requirement for attending a radiology tech college is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, normally takes 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to complete and is more extensive in scope. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are acceptable as well. Something to consider is that Summertown TN radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can frequently be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Tennessee or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, based on the state where you will be practicing you might need to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so check with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but many provide additional alternatives for testing as well. Several states also require certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, many Summertown TN employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it might increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Tech Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Summertown 38483 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree schools. So although you can still obtain your online degree, a substantial portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is often performed in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Summertown TN residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree typically discover that the online style of learning is much more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are often less costly than conventional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be decreased also. But just make sure that the online college you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online degree may be the right choice for you.

Points to Ask Radiographer Schools

When you have chosen the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the process of locating and assessing Summertown TN x-ray tech schools. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or travel to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the college will be important. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a material factor as well. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you look at when reviewing colleges? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these important details before you make your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are reviewing.

Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? The majority of xray technician colleges have received some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still important to verify 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 gone through a rigorous examination of their instructors and educational materials. If the program is online it might also obtain 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. Besides ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in securing financial aid and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Summertown TN health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level openings.

Are Internships Provided? Find out if the Tennessee radiology tech colleges you are interested in have partnerships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great means to receive practical training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Summertown TN health care community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the radiographer programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Summertown TN 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 have to be within driving distance of their Summertown TN residence. Individuals who have opted to attend online classes obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. One thing to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Summertown TN schools you are looking at what the average 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 speak with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the radiographer school you finally choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you decide to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Summertown TN, verify that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Desire to Become a Radiology Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to consider questions you could be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What made you pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not just the personal reasons you might have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but additionally what characteristics and abilities you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, in addition to a certain number of standard interview questions, so you must ready a number of ideas about how you would like to address them. Considering there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the talents you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but jot down some ideas and talking points that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can help you to prepare your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Enroll in the Ideal X-Ray Tech Program near Summertown TN

Picking the appropriate radiology technician degree program is a crucial first step toward launching a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs regularly stand for the greater part of the day and move and at times lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to follow 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 pleasant work environment and provide the best available patient care. As we have addressed in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each college you are reviewing before making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you participate in an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can focus your options and make your decision. And with the proper education and your motivation to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as a radiographer in Summertown TN.

Some Background on Summertown Tennessee

Stephen Gaskin

Stephen Gaskin (February 16, 1935 – July 1, 2014) was an American counterculture Hippie icon best known for his presence in the Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco in the 1960s and for co-founding "The Farm", a famous spiritual intentional community in Summertown, Tennessee.[1] He was a Green Party presidential primary candidate in 2000 on a platform which included campaign finance reform, universal health care, and decriminalization of marijuana.[2] He was the author of over a dozen books, political activist, a philanthropic organizer and a self-proclaimed professional Hippie.

Gaskin was born in Denver, Colorado and served in the US Marine Corps from 1952 to 1955. In the 1960s, he moved to San Francisco and taught English, creative writing, and general semantics at San Francisco State College, where he was a student of S. I. Hayakawa.[3][4]

Stephen Gaskin's writing class evolved into an open discussion group known as Monday Night Class, which involved up to 1500 students. The Monday Night Class was held in "The Family Dog", an auditorium on the Great Highway on the land side of Ocean Beach on the shore of the Pacific Ocean in the Outer Richmond neighborhood of San Francisco. Stephen Gaskin spoke about his experiences with psychedelic drugs and paranormal experiences, as well as lecturing on the importance of ecological awareness. This popular weekly gathering was attended by hippies from all over the San Francisco Bay Area during the years 1969 and 1970. Stephen became known as San Francisco's acid guru.

In 1970, Gaskin was part of a caravan of 60 vehicles that crossed the United States to settle 60 miles south-west of Nashville, Tennessee, forming a community called "The Farm", which the Wall Street Journal came to call "the General Motors of American Communes".[3] This community was "a platform from which to launch efforts to improve the lot of poor and indigenous peoples, whales, and old growth trees"[3] For example, raising 1,200 earthquake-resistant homes in Guatemala as well as several public buildings and water lines to 5 villages, sending independent dosimetry teams after the Three Mile Island accident and the Chernobyl disaster, or giving the Rainbow Warrior equipment to escape from a Spanish harbor.[3]

He went to prison in 1974 for marijuana possession, as members of the community had, against his recommendation, planted several marijuana plants on the property.[2] He served one year of a three-year sentence.[2] Following his release, his voting rights were rescinded. He brought a lawsuit challenging the legality of mass retroactive disenfranchisement under the Tennessee Constitution, Gaskin v. Collins. After winning in lower courts, the case went to the Tennessee Supreme Court and in 1981 returned voting rights to more than a quarter of a million convicts.[2][5]