How to Choose an X-Ray Tech School near Goodfellow Afb Texas
Congratulations regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Goodfellow Afb TX in order to train 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 picking the right school and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And because the majority of states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you may require preparation to pass a licensing exam. 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 searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and typically gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while location and cost must be taken into consideration, there are additional important qualifiers as well. For instance, you must find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are reviewing are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiology tech does and the credentials and training choices that are available.
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X-Ray Technician Career Description
There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). 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 fundamental job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some opt to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They can practice in Goodfellow Afb TX clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may utilize 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 routinely evaluate its performance and safety. They are also expected to keep detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Goodfellow Afb TX health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
X-Ray Technician Degrees
The primary prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech school is to have attained 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 requires 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to finish and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be acceptable as well. One thing to bear in mind is that Goodfellow Afb TX radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may typically be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which many schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Texas or the state you will be working as applicable.
Radiographer Licensing and Certification
After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, based on the state where you will be working you may have to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so contact your state. Currently, 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 accept other options for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Goodfellow Afb TX employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Technologist Colleges
As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree programs. So while you can still obtain your online degree, a significant amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is often carried out in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online segment of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Goodfellow Afb TX home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online style of learning is much more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are generally cheaper than conventional options. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be lessened as well. But just make certain that the online program you choose 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 online classes may be the ideal choice for you.
Points to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges
When you have selected the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can start the process of looking for and evaluating Goodfellow Afb TX x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or travel to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be critical. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a material factor as well. But along with location and cost, what more should you consider when comparing schools? Well, you need to find out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details before you make your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are considering.
Are the Radiology Technician Schools Accredited? The majority of xray tech colleges have received some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still crucial to confirm that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed assessment of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Goodfellow Afb TX employers will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry level jobs.
Are Internships Provided? Ask if the Texas radiology technician schools you are interested in have relationships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent means to obtain hands on training in a clinical environment, they are also a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist graduates and students develop professional connections in the Goodfellow Afb TX healthcare community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Goodfellow Afb TX healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? For many students, the school they pick will have to be within travelling distance of their Goodfellow Afb TX home. Those who have opted to attend online classes obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. One thing to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.
What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit far in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Goodfellow Afb TX schools you are reviewing what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to converse with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program also.
Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the radiographer school you ultimately select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Goodfellow Afb TX, make certain that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Why Did You Desire to Become an X-Ray Tech?
When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to consider questions you may be asked. Among the things that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What drove you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not merely the private reasons you may have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what qualities and skills you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, along with a certain number of general interview questions, so you must ready some approaches about how you would like to respond to them. Since there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the talents you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but jot down several ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can help you to develop your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.Pick the Best Radiology Technician School near Goodfellow Afb TX
Picking the best radiology tech college is a critical first step toward launching a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the majority of the working day and position and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and provide the best available care to patients. As has been covered in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are looking at prior to making your final decision. This is similarly true whether you decide on an online program or commute to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each college so you can narrow down your options and make your decision. And with the appropriate training and your dedication to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiology tech in Goodfellow Afb TX.
Some Background on Goodfellow Afb Texas
Goodfellow Air Force Base
Goodfellow Air Force Base is a nonflying United States Air Force base located in San Angelo, Texas, United States. As part of Air Education and Training Command (AETC), Goodfellow's main mission is cryptologic and intelligence training for the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Navy, and Marine Corps. Military firefighters are also trained here as part of the 312th Training Squadron. It is the home of the 17th Training Wing (17 TRW). The base is named for World War I aviator First Lieutenant John J. Goodfellow, Jr.
Goodfellow's history traces to the days before the attack on Pearl Harbor, but its name registered the valor and sacrifice of an earlier conflict. On 14 September 1918, 1st Lieutenant John J. Goodfellow, Jr., of San Angelo, Texas, boarded his Salmson 2A2 observation plane at Gondreville Airfield in France to conduct visual reconnaissance behind enemy lines. The mission was part of a larger undertaking just underway, a major American offensive intended to reduce the German salient near St. Mihiel. Unfortunately, adverse weather permitted observation only at a low altitude that exposed the lumbering Salmson to enemy pursuit. Three days later, the offensive a success, the young pilot's remains were recovered from his ruined craft and interred at the St. Mihiel American Cemetery and Memorial near Nancy, Meurthe-et-Moselle.
The peace that arrived two months later endured a mere two decades more. Constrained by neutrality legislation, but witness to the aggression across Europe, Africa, and Asia, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt began a program of preparedness which included the construction of facilities dedicated to advanced air training. Several such bases were envisioned for Texas and one, specifically, for the Fort Worth-Midland-San Angelo triangle. Civic leaders from San Angelo immediately commended their community to the U.S. War Department. A generous offer of sewage and electrical service, a railroad spur, and a 50-year lease on 640 acres (260 ha) at one dollar per year easily decided the issue.
Construction of the new San Angelo Air Corps Basic Flying School began at once. Officially established on 17 August 1940, the base was ready for occupancy by 21 January 1941, and the first classes of students soon arrived. On 11 June 1941, in dedication to a young hero and in tribute to the community that shaped him, the base was officially renamed Goodfellow Field.
In the next four years, more than 10,000 trained pilots were graduated, and many were decorated for outstanding heroism in action against Germany, Italy, and Japan.
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