Schools for X Ray Techs Birmingham MI 48009 Archives - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find a Radiologic Technician School near Birmingham Michigan

Birmingham MI x-ray tech internship program Congratulations regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Birmingham MI in order to train to be a radiologic technologist. But now that you have chosen to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you undertake picking the ideal school and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you might need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you assess each of the colleges you are considering in order to evaluate each program. Most potential students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and usually settle on the most affordable cost. But while expense and location need to be taken into consideration, there are other important qualifications as well. For example, you should find out 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 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 available.

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Radiology Tech Work Summary

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the same principal job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some opt to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, such as mammography. They may practice in Birmingham MI 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 care for their equipment and routinely assess its functionality and safety. They are also required to keep in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Birmingham MI health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Technician Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Birmingham MI The primary 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 technicians, usually takes 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to finish and is more extensive in scope. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be acceptable also. One thing to keep in mind is that Birmingham MI radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can frequently be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing mandates in Michigan or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiographer Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might need to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites vary so contact your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but many offer other options for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, many Birmingham MI 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 approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technologist Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Birmingham 48009 As a component of any 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 colleges. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a significant portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is typically conducted in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Birmingham MI residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online approach to education is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are generally cheaper than traditional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be lessened also. But just make certain that the online school you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online school may be the best choice for you.

What to Ask Radiology Tech Schools

When you have selected the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can start the process of searching for and assessing Birmingham MI x-ray tech schools. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or drive to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the school will be important. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a determining variable as well. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you look at when evaluating schools? Well, you need to find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details prior to making your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are considering.

Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? The majority of radiology technician schools have obtained some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to make sure that the school and program 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 receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed examination of their teachers and educational materials. If the college is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Birmingham MI employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level positions.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask if the Michigan xray tech colleges you are assessing have associations with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great manner to receive practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Birmingham MI healthcare community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the radiographer schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Birmingham MI healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For many students, the college they decide on will have to be within commuting distance of their Birmingham MI residence. Those who have decided to attend online classes naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. 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 might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally 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 person that prefers to sit far in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Birmingham MI schools you are reviewing what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program also.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the radiographer college you ultimately pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Birmingham MI, check that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Be an Xray Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to reflect on questions you could be asked. One of the questions that interviewers frequently ask radiographer prospects is "What drove you to decide on radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not only the personal reasons you might have for being a radiology technician, but additionally what characteristics and skills you have that make you good at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, as well as a significant number of general interview questions, so you must ready a number of ideas about how you would like to respond to them. Considering there are several factors that go into choosing 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 appeals to you along with the abilities you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but take down some concepts and talking points that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can help you to prepare your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.

Choose the Ideal X-Ray Tech School near Birmingham MI

Picking the best radiology technician college is an important first step toward beginning a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs regularly stand for the majority of the day and position and in some cases lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and furnish the best possible care to patients. As has been discussed in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each program you are assessing before making your ultimate selection. This is just as true whether you opt for an online program or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each college so you can narrow down your options and make your final choice. And with the right education and your motivation to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiographer in Birmingham MI.

Some Background on Birmingham Michigan

Birmingham, Michigan

Birmingham is a city on the north side of Metro Detroit in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the population was 20,103.[8]

The area comprising what is now the city of Birmingham was part of land ceded by Native American tribes to the United States government by the 1807 Treaty of Detroit.[9] However, settlement was delayed first by the War of 1812 and subsequently by an unfavorable report by the Surveyor-General of the United States, Edward Tiffin, regarding the placement of Military Bounty Lands for veterans of the War of 1812.[10][11] Tiffin's report claimed that "There would not be an acre out of a hundred, if there would be one out of a thousand that would, in any case, admit cultivation." In 1818, Territorial Governor Lewis Cass led a group of men along the Indian Trail. The governor's party discovered that the swamp was not as extensive as Tiffin had supposed. Not long after Cass issued a more encouraging report about the land, interest quickened in its suitability for settlement.

The earliest land entry was made on January 28, 1819, by Colonel Benjamin Kendrick Pierce (brother of future U.S. President Franklin Pierce) for the northwest quarter of section 36. Colonel Pierce visited his land several times, but never settled on it.[12] In March 1818, John W. Hunter and his brother Daniel left Auburn, New York, by sleigh and traveled to Michigan by way of Upper Canada. They waited in Detroit for their father and other family members who arrived by schooner over Lake Erie in July. The family remained in Detroit until spring 1819 when John W. made an entry for the northeast quarter of section 36, now in the southeast section of current-day Birmingham. Lacking a proper land survey, John W. mistakenly built his log house on a tract later purchased by Elijah Willets. That house was later occupied by William Hall, a son-in-law of Elisha Hunter, while John W. Hunter built another log house a short distance to the southeast. On September 25, 1821, Elijah Willets made a land entry for the southwest quarter of section 25. Two days later, Major John Hamilton made an entry for the southeast quarter of section 25. Each of these initial land entries met at what is now the intersection of Maple Road and Pierce Street.

For a time, all three men, John W. Hunter, Major Hamilton, and Elijah Willets, operated hotels and taverns from their houses within a short distance from each other. While Hunter did not continue for very long, Hamilton and Willets continued a rivalry for many years, competing with each other for business from travelers on Woodward Avenue[13] between Detroit and Pontiac. The growing settlement was known variously as "Hamilton's", "Hunter's", or "Willets'"; it was later known as "Piety Hill". The settlement's original plat was surveyed and recorded on August 25, 1836, in the northwest quarter of section 36 then owned by Rosewell T. Merrill who also ran the town foundry and the thrashing machine factory. Merrill named his plat "Birmingham" after Birmingham, England, in the hope that the new settlement would similarly become a great industrial center.[14] Elijah Willets recorded a plat on his property on December 20, 1837. John W. Hunter followed suit with two plats on his property on January 31, 1840, and June 21, 1842, while Major Hamilton laid out a plat on October 7, 1846. Several other properties were subsequently platted as additions. The plats made in 1836 and 1837 were in anticipation of completion of the Detroit and Pontiac Railroad.

Now known as "Birmingham", the village first received mail through the "Bloomfield" post office. Birmingham established its own post office on April 5, 1838. The settlement incorporated as a village in 1864, comprising the northern half of section 36 and the southern half of section 25 with a total land area of one square mile. The first village elections were held March 1, 1864, and it was soon governed by a seven-man board of trustees who appointed a marshal and a treasurer. Birmingham re-incorporated as a city in 1933. Prior to this the area just north of 14 Mile along Woodward was known as 'Eco City.[15]