Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Anniston AL 36201 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Pick an Xray Technician Program near Anniston Alabama

Anniston AL x-ray tech internship program Congratulations regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Anniston AL in order to learn to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have decided to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you set about picking the ideal college and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified professional? And because most states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you may need training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you research each of the schools you are considering so that you can compare each program. Most potential students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and frequently gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while cost and location should be taken into consideration, there are additional important qualifications also. For instance, you must find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the schools 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.

Radiology Technician Job Summary

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, each has the identical primary job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some choose to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They can practice in Anniston AL clinics, hospitals, family 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 take care of their equipment plus routinely assess its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to keep complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Anniston AL health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degree Options

x-ray machine in Anniston AL The primary requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech college 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 techs, generally takes 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on 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. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be appropriate as well. Something to consider is that Anniston AL radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may often be satisfied by participating in an internship or 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 comply with any certification or licensing mandates in Alabama or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, depending on the state where you will be working you might need to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements differ so check with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number offer additional alternatives for testing as well. Some states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, numerous Anniston AL employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it may increase 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 two years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technologist Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Anniston 36201 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 the same for online degree programs. So even though you can still obtain your online degree, a considerable portion of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is typically performed in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online portion of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Anniston AL home. Students who continue working while earning their degree usually find that the online style of learning is much more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are generally less costly than traditional options. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be lessened also. But just be sure that the online school you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online degree may be the ideal choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiology Tech Programs

As soon as you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of locating and assessing Anniston AL x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the school will be critical. The price of tuition and secondary expenses will be a material factor as well. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you look at when evaluating colleges? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details before you make your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are looking at.

Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? A large number of xray technician colleges have received some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still important 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). Schools earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous examination of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Anniston AL employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level openings.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out if the Alabama xray technician colleges you are assessing have relationships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific manner to get practical experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Anniston AL medical community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the radiographer schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Anniston AL 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 pick will have to be within travelling distance of their Anniston AL residence. Students who have opted to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. Something to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually 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 far in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Anniston AL colleges you are looking at what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program also.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the x-ray tech college you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Anniston AL, verify that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Radiologic Technologist?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to reflect on questions you could be asked. Among the things that recruiters often ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not merely the private reasons you might have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but additionally what qualities and talents you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, as well as a significant number of general interview questions, so you need to ready several ideas about how you want to answer them. Because there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the abilities you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the ideal candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but write down some ideas and topics that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can assist you to develop your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Enroll in the Ideal Radiology Tech College near Anniston AL

Picking the best x-ray tech degree program is a crucial first step toward beginning a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs often stand for the majority of the workday and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and provide the best available patient care. As has been addressed in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are looking at prior to making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you opt for an online program or commute to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each program so you can narrow down your choices and make your final choice. And with the right training and your commitment to be successful, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Anniston AL.

Some Background on Anniston Alabama

Anniston, Alabama

Anniston is a city in Calhoun County in the state of Alabama. As of the 2010 census, the population of the city was 23,106.[4] According to the 2013 Census Estimates, the city had a population of 22,666.[2] The city is the county seat of Calhoun County and one of two urban centers/principal cities of and included in the Anniston-Oxford Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Named "The Model City" by Atlanta newspaperman Henry W. Grady for its careful planning in the late 19th century, the city is situated on the slope of Blue Mountain.

Along with Selma, Alabama, it ranks as one of the top cities by most violent crimes in the US, according to FBI data.[5]

Though the surrounding area was settled much earlier, the mineral resources in the area of Anniston were not exploited until the Civil War. The Confederate States of America then operated an iron furnace near present-day downtown Anniston, until it was finally destroyed by raiding Union cavalry in early 1865. Later, cast iron for sewer systems became the focus of Anniston's industrial output. Cast iron pipe, also called soil pipe, was popular until the advent of plastic pipe in the 1960s.

The Union troops who destroyed the furnace wrongfully hanged one of the area's few residents, farmer Charles Lloyd, for the death of one of their number. Lloyd, who farmed land in what is now Anniston west of Noble Street, was executed on the orders of Union General John Croxton for allegedly bushwhacking a Union cavalryman. In fact, the Union horse soldier had been killed by a legitimate Confederate soldier who had been defending the furnace. As the shooting happened near Lloyd's farm, Croxton mistakenly placed the blame on Lloyd.[6]