How to Pick an X-Ray Technician Program near Grayling Michigan
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Grayling MI so you can train to be a radiology technician. And now that you have made a decision to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you undertake picking the right college and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And considering that most states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you might require training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you assess each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. Many prospective students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and usually gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while cost and location should be considered, there are additional significant qualifiers as well. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are considering are presented later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology technician does and the degrees and education options that are offered.
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Radiology Technician Occupation Description
There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the same principal job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some opt to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They can work in Grayling MI 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 must care for their equipment and also regularly evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also expected to retain detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Grayling MI medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
X-Ray Tech Degrees Offered
The primary prerequisite for attending a radiology tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, usually requires 18 months to two years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to finish and is more comprehensive in scope. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be acceptable as well. Something to consider is that Grayling MI radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can typically be fulfilled by taking part in an externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Michigan or the state you will be working as applicable.
X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification
When you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, based on the state where you will be practicing you might need to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria differ so contact your state. Currently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but a number approve additional options for testing also. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. However, many Grayling MI employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it could improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Technician Colleges
As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree programs. So although you can still earn your online degree, a large portion of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is often performed in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online section of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Grayling MI residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online style of learning is much more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are often less expensive than traditional alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, costs for study materials and commuting can be decreased as well. But just make certain that the online school you select 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 an online degree may be the best option for you.
Subjects to Ask Radiology Tech Colleges
Once you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of looking for and assessing Grayling MI x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to decide if you want to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be important. The price of tuition and secondary expenses will be an important variable also. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you consider when comparing schools? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are assessing.
Are the Radiology Technician Schools Accredited? The majority of radiology tech schools have obtained some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still crucial to make sure that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly respected 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 undergone a detailed review of their teachers and course materials. If the college is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Grayling MI health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level jobs.
Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out if the Michigan xray tech schools you are interested in have partnerships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great means to receive hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Grayling MI healthcare community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Grayling MI healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the college they choose will need to be within travelling distance of their Grayling MI home. Individuals who have decided to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Grayling MI colleges you are looking at what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to converse with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program as well.
Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the x-ray tech school you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Grayling MI, confirm 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 carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.
Why Did You Choose to Be an X-Ray Tech?
When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to consider questions you might be asked. One of the questions that interviewers often ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not merely the personal reasons you might have for becoming a radiology technician, but also what qualities and talents you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, in addition to a significant number of typical interview questions, so you need to organize several approaches about how you want to answer them. Because there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the strengths you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but take down some ideas and topics that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.Select the Right Radiology Technician School near Grayling MI
Selecting the ideal radiology technician degree program is a critical first step toward beginning a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the majority of the workday and move and in some cases lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements 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 good work environment and provide the best available care to patients. As we have addressed in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are looking at prior to making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you participate in an online school or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each college so you can focus your options before making your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your commitment to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Grayling MI.
Some Background on Grayling Michigan
Grayling, Michigan
Grayling /ˈɡreɪlɪŋ/ is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan and the county seat of Crawford County.[6] The population was 1,884 at the 2010 census.
Grayling is surrounded by Grayling Township. It is located in the middle of Northern Michigan. The highways (I-75, US 127,M-72, and M-93) make it the natural 'gateway' to much of "up north," as it is known to locals and many visitors. Grayling is perhaps most famous for hosting the Au Sable River Canoe Marathon in July of every year since 1947. The city is named after the grayling species of fish once abundant in the Au Sable River, although the species has long since been extinct in the area [7]
Michael Sloat Hartwick was Grayling's first settler. On the west side of the railroad tracks, he built a log hotel. The railroad platted out 40 acres (where Grayling now stands), naming it "Crawford". Fish swimming in the river were identified as grayling, and it is said that the residents preferred the name "Grayling" to the name "Crawford," and renamed the area after the fish.[8]
Grayling's access to two major rivers (Au Sable River and Manistee River), and the presence of the vast forest around it, made it important in the lumber era. Logs were floated down the rivers to the lakes.[9]
Grayling had other names through the years. It was called "AuSable", "Forest", "Crawford Station", and during the lumbering era "Milltown".[10]
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