Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Brownsboro AL 35741 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose an X-Ray Technician Program near Brownsboro Alabama

Brownsboro AL x-ray tech internship program Congratulations on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Brownsboro AL in order to train to be a radiologic technologist. But now that you have made a decision to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you set about selecting the right school and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And since the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you may require training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you research each of the schools you are considering in order to compare each program. A number of prospective students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and typically gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location should be considered, there are additional critical qualifiers as well. For example, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the schools you are considering are provided later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic technician does and the degrees and training choices that are offered.

Radiology Technician Career Description

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the same fundamental job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They may practice in Brownsboro AL hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist 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 maintain their equipment plus routinely evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also required to keep detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Brownsboro AL health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Brownsboro AL The basic prerequisite for attending a radiology tech program is to have earned 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 typical among techs, generally requires 18 months to two years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to complete and is more comprehensive in scope. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be appropriate as well. One thing to bear in mind is that Brownsboro AL radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may typically be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Alabama or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, based on the state where you will be working you may have to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites vary so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but a number provide other options for testing as well. A number of states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. However, many Brownsboro AL employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technologist Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Brownsboro 35741 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree schools. So although you can still obtain your degree online, a significant amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is typically provided in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online portion of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Brownsboro AL residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online approach to education is far more practical with their active schedules. Plus online schools are often more affordable than conventional options. Along with reduced tuition, costs for study materials and commuting can be reduced as well. But just make certain that the online college 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 ideal option for you.

What to Ask Radiographer Schools

As soon as you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of finding and evaluating Brownsboro AL x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to decide if you want to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a determining variable as well. But along with cost and location, what else should you factor in when comparing schools? Well, you should check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are considering.

Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? A large number of radiology tech schools have earned some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still imperative to make sure that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting agencies 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 a detailed review of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Brownsboro AL employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level jobs.

Are Internships Offered? Find out if the Alabama radiology technician colleges you are assessing have relationships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific way to obtain practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist graduates and students establish professional connections in the Brownsboro AL medical community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the radiographer schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Brownsboro AL healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

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

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit far in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Brownsboro AL colleges you are considering what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to converse with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program as well.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the radiographer program you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you decide to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Brownsboro AL, check that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to reflect on questions you may be asked. One of the things that interviewers frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What made you select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not merely the personal reasons you might have for becoming an Xray technician, but also what characteristics and talents you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, in addition to a certain number of general interview questions, so you need to organize several ideas about how you want to address them. Since there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the abilities you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but write down several concepts and talking points that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.

Choose the Right Radiology Technician School near Brownsboro AL

Enrolling in the best x-ray tech college is a critical first step toward launching a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the greater part of the day and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the correct 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. Possessing social skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best available patient care. As has been covered in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are assessing before making your final decision. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each school so you can narrow down your choices and make your decision. And with the right education and your commitment to be successful, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiographer in Brownsboro AL.

Some Background on Brownsboro Alabama

Brownsboro, Alabama

Brownsboro, also spelled Brownsborough, is an unincorporated community in Madison County, Alabama, United States. The Flint River (Alabama) passes through the town and floods periodically.[2][3][4][5][6]

Brownsboro is named after a local miller, John Brown.[7] A post office was established at Brownsboro in 1824.[8]