How to Find a Radiology Technician Degree Program near Loxley Alabama
Congrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Loxley AL so you can train to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have decided to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you set about picking the ideal school and program so that you will receive the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And because most states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you might need training to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you assess each of the colleges you are considering so that you can compare each program. Most students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and typically settle on the lowest cost. But while expense and location need to be taken into account, there are additional important qualifiers also. For example, you must find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are considering are provided later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiology tech does and the credentials and training choices that are offered.
X-Ray Technician Job Summary
There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the same principal job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They can practice in Loxley AL clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician 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 take care of their equipment and regularly assess its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to retain complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Loxley AL medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
X-Ray Technician Degree Options
The primary prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech school is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, normally requires 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to complete and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are appropriate also. Something to keep in mind is that Loxley AL radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may often be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which many schools sponsor 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 requirements in Alabama or the state you will be working as applicable.
X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing
After you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, depending on the state where you will be working you might have to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites vary so contact your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number approve other options for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. However, many Loxley AL employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it could improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online Radiology Tech Colleges
As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree schools. So even though you can still obtain your online degree, a significant portion of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is often provided in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Loxley AL home. Students who continue working while earning their degree typically find that the online approach to education is far more practical with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are often more affordable than conventional alternatives. Along with lower tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials may be lessened also. But just make sure that the online school you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online school may be the best choice for you.
Topics to Ask Radiographer Schools
When you have selected the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of looking for and evaluating Loxley AL x-ray technician schools. You will also need to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or travel to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be an important variable as well. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you consider when evaluating schools? Well, you should find out if the schools 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 programs you are looking at.
Are the Radiology Tech Programs Accredited? A large number of radiology tech colleges have acquired some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still crucial to make sure that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed examination of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it can 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. In addition to guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Loxley AL employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level positions.
Are Internship Programs Offered? Inquire if the Alabama radiology tech colleges you are evaluating have associations with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to obtain practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help graduates and students form professional connections in the Loxley AL health care community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Loxley AL healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the College Located? For many students, the college they select will have to be within driving distance of their Loxley AL 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 local internships will be of importance. Something to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly 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 sort of student that likes to sit way in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Loxley AL colleges you are researching what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.
Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the x-ray tech school you ultimately select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Loxley AL, make sure that they are available. 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 have to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Why Did You Desire to Be a Radiology Technician?
When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's advantageous to consider questions you may be asked. Among the questions that interviewers frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What drove you to select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not merely the personal reasons you might have for becoming an Xray technician, but also what attributes and skills you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, in addition to a significant number of routine interview questions, so you need to organize several strategies about how you would like to respond to them. Because there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the abilities you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the best choice for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but write down several concepts and talking points that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.Select the Right Radiology Tech College near Loxley AL
Picking the ideal x-ray technician school is a crucial first step toward launching a fulfilling new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the majority of the day and move and at times lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are assessing before making your final decision. This is equally true whether you opt for an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each school so you can narrow down your choices and make your decision. And with the proper training and your commitment to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Loxley AL.
Some Background on Loxley Alabama
Loxley, Alabama
Loxley is a town in Baldwin County, Alabama, United States. As of the 2010 census, the population of the town was 1,632.[3] It is part of the Daphne-Fairhope-Foley micropolitan area. Loxley is becoming a popular location for the expansion of the suburbs from Daphne and Spanish Fort, Alabama, because it is served by an Interstate 10 exit and is almost directly between the cities of Mobile, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida.
In 1870, a man from Chicago by the name of John Loxley established a lumber camp in the area previously known as Bennet. The lumber camp included a commissary and saw mill. The men that traveled with Loxley settled in what later became the town of Loxley. John Loxley returned to Chicago when the lumber was exhausted.[4]
The train depot opened on May 5, 1906, on the Fort Morgan Line. Before that, there were only wagon roads to Bay Minette. Also in 1906, the Loxley post office was opened by Octavia Sauer. She served as the postmistress and depot agent. By 1920, the businesses in Loxley consisted of an egg store, grocery store, two general merchandise stores, train depot, drug store, telegraph office, land office, repair garage, post office, bank, hotel, butcher shop, orange packing shed, cement block plant, a blacksmith, a feed and lumber store. A grammar school was built in 1925.[4]
The Town of Loxley incorporated in March 1957.[4]
Loxley is located in south-central Baldwin County at 30°37'24.600" North, 87°45'17.035" West (30.623500, -87.754732).[5]U.S. Route 90 (Hickory Street) passes through the center of the town, leading eastbound 5 miles (8 km) to Robertsdale, Alabama, and 39 miles (63 km) to Pensacola, Florida, and westbound 11 miles (18 km) to Spanish Fort and 20 miles (32 km) to Mobile. Interstate 10 passes through the northern end of town, with access via Exit 44 (Alabama State Route 59).
More Cities of Interest in Alabama
Business Results 1 - 10 of 25
![](https://diagnosticscansedu.info/wp-content/plugins/sslocal/images/icons/yelp_logo_50x25.png)