Schools with Radiology Technician Programs Norman OK 73019 Archives

How to Choose a Radiologic Tech Program near Norman Oklahoma

Norman OK x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Norman OK so you can learn to be a radiologic technologist. But now that you have chosen to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you set about selecting the ideal college and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified professional? And considering that most states do require that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you might require preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you research each of the schools you are considering in order to evaluate each program. A number of prospective students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and typically settle on the lowest cost. But while expense and location must be taken into consideration, there are other significant qualifiers also. For example, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are evaluating are provided later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and training options that are offered.

Radiology Technician Occupation Description

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the same major job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many elect to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for example mammography. They can practice in Norman OK clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist may work with 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 evaluate its functionality and safety. They are additionally required to retain complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Norman OK health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Norman OK The primary prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, generally takes 18 months to two years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to finish and is more extensive in scope. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable also. One thing to keep in mind is that Norman OK radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which a large number of schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Oklahoma or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, based on the state where you will be employed you may have to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their criteria vary so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but several provide additional options for testing as well. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, numerous Norman OK employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it may improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technologist Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Norman 73019 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree colleges. So while you can still obtain your online degree, a considerable portion of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is often conducted in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online section of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Norman OK residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically discover that the online approach to learning is far more practical with their active schedules. Plus online programs are often less expensive than traditional options. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be lessened as well. But just make sure that the online program you choose is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then online classes may be the best option for you.

What to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges

When you have chosen the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can initiate the process of searching for and evaluating Norman OK x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to determine if you want to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be an important variable also. But along with location and cost, what more should you look at when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? A large number of xray tech colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still important to confirm that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting organizations 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 an extensive review of their teachers and educational materials. If the program is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged 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 getting financial assistance and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Norman OK health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level openings.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Find out if the Oklahoma xray technician colleges you are evaluating have relationships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great manner to obtain practical training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help graduates and students form professional connections in the Norman OK medical community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Norman OK healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the school they choose will need to be within driving distance of their Norman OK home. Individuals who have chosen to attend classes online naturally 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 school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit way in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Norman OK colleges you are considering what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with a few of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program also.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the x-ray tech college you finally choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Norman OK, verify that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify 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 because of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Want to Become an Xray Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's a good idea to review questions you might be asked. One of the things that recruiters often ask radiographer applicants is "What made you choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not merely the private reasons you might have for being an Xray technician, but additionally what characteristics and abilities you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, as well as a certain number of typical interview questions, so you must prepare a number of approaches about how you would like to address them. Considering there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the talents you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but take down some ideas and talking points that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can help you to develop your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Choose the Right Radiology Technician School near Norman OK

Picking the best radiology technician degree program is a critical first step toward starting a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs typically stand for the majority of the working day and move and in some cases lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing social skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best available 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 ultimate decision. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each school so you can narrow down your options before making your decision. And with the proper education and your commitment to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Norman OK.

Some Background on Norman Oklahoma

Norman, Oklahoma

Norman /ˈnɔːrmən/ is a city in the U.S. state of Oklahoma 20 miles (30 km) south of downtown Oklahoma City in its metropolitan area. The population was 110,925 at the 2010 census.[1] Norman's estimated population of 120,284 in 2015 makes it the third-largest city in Oklahoma, and the city serves as the county seat of Cleveland County.

Norman was settled during the Land Run of 1889, which opened the former Unassigned Lands of Indian Territory to American pioneer settlement. The city was named in honor of Abner Norman, the area's initial land surveyor, and was formally incorporated on May 13, 1891. Economically the city has prominent higher education and related research industries, as it is the home to the University of Oklahoma, the largest university in the state, with approximately 30,000 students enrolled. The university is well known for its sporting events by teams under the banner of the nickname "Sooners," with over 80,000 people routinely attending football games. The university is home to several museums, including the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, which contains the largest collection of French Impressionist art ever given to an American university, as well as the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History.

The National Weather Center, located in Norman, houses a unique collection of university, state, federal, and private sector organizations that work together to improve the understanding of events related to the Earth's atmosphere. Norman lies within Tornado Alley, a geographic region where tornadic activity is particularly frequent and intense. The Oklahoma City metropolitan area, including Norman, is the most tornado-prone area in the world. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC), a branch of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is located at the NWC. SPC forecasts severe storm and tornado outbreaks nationwide. Additionally, research is conducted at the co-located National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL), which includes field research and operates various experimental weather radars.

The Oklahoma region became part of the United States with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Prior to the American Civil War the United States government began relocating the Five Civilized Tribes – the five Native American tribes that the United States officially recognized via treaty – to Oklahoma. Treaties of 1832 and 1833 assigned the area known today as Norman to the Creek Nation.[5]

Following the Civil War, the Creeks were accused of aiding the Confederacy and as a result they ceded the region back to the United States in 1866.[5] In the early 1870s, the federal government undertook a survey of these unassigned lands. Abner Ernest Norman, a 23-year-old surveyor from Kentucky, was hired to oversee part of this project.[5] Norman's work crew set up camp near what is today the corner of Classen and Lindsey streets; it was there that the men, perhaps jokingly, carved a sign on an elm tree that read "Norman's Camp," in honor of their young boss.[5][6] In 1887, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway began service to the area,[5] which was later opened to settlement as part of the Land Run of 1889;[5][7] early settlers decided to keep the name "Norman".[5][6]