How to Pick an Xray Tech Degree Program near Enterprise Alabama
Best wishes regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Enterprise AL in order to train to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have made a decision to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you tackle selecting the ideal college and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And since the majority of states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you might need preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you investigate each of the schools you are considering in order to compare each program. A number of prospective students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and often settle on the most affordable cost. But while expense and location need to be taken into consideration, there are additional significant qualifiers also. For example, you must find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are evaluating are provided later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology tech does and the credentials and education options that are available.
X-Ray Tech Career Summary
There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have the identical fundamental job function, which is to utilize 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. Many elect to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They may practice in Enterprise AL hospitals, clinics, private 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 take care of their equipment plus routinely analyze its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to retain in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Enterprise AL medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
X-Ray Tech Degrees Available
The basic requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech college is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, normally takes 18 months to two years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to finish and is more comprehensive in nature. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be acceptable also. Something to keep in mind is that Enterprise AL radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may typically be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which many colleges offer 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 working as applicable.
X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification
After you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, depending on the state where you will be practicing you may have to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites differ so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number provide additional options for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is optional. Having said that, numerous Enterprise AL employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it might improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.
Online Radiology Technician Classes
As a component of every 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 schools. So although you can still earn your degree online, a significant portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is often conducted in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Enterprise AL residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online approach to learning is far more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are often less expensive than conventional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be reduced also. But just make sure that the online program you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online degree may be the right option for you.
Topics to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs
Once you have chosen the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of searching for and evaluating Enterprise AL x-ray technician schools. You will also need to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or travel to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be important. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be an important factor also. But along with location and cost, what more should you consider when evaluating schools? Well, you need to find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are reviewing.
Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? The majority of radiology technician schools have received some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still important to make sure that the program and school 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 earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive review of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also help in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Enterprise AL employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level positions.
Are Internships Provided? Ask if the Alabama radiology technician colleges you are interested in have relationships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great way to receive practical training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Enterprise AL health care community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the radiographer schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Enterprise AL healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the school they decide on will need to be within travelling distance of their Enterprise AL home. Students 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 concern. Something to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that prefers to sit far in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Enterprise AL schools you are considering what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. 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 opinions regarding the radiology technician program as well.
Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the x-ray tech program you finally choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Enterprise AL, make sure that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss due to work, illness or family obligations.
Why Did You Want to Become an Xray Technician?
When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to consider questions you may be asked. One of the things that recruiters typically ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not only the personal reasons you might have for becoming a radiology technician, but also what attributes and abilities you possess that make you good at your profession. You will likely be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, as well as a certain number of routine interview questions, so you must prepare some ideas about how you would like to answer them. Since there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the strengths you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but take down some ideas and topics that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.Choose the Ideal X-Ray Tech College near Enterprise AL
Choosing the ideal radiology tech school is an important first step toward initiating a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the greater part of the day and move and at times lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability 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 doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and furnish the best available patient care. As we have covered in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are looking at prior to making your final decision. This is equally true whether you opt for an online program or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each school so you can narrow down your options and make your decision. And with the proper education and your motivation to be successful, you can realize your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Enterprise AL.
Some Background on Enterprise Alabama
Enterprise, Alabama
Enterprise is a city in the southeastern part of Coffee County near the southwestern part of Dale County in the southeastern part of Alabama in the Southern United States. The population was 26,562 at the 2010 census.[2] Enterprise is the primary city of the Enterprise Micropolitan Statistical Area (with the portion of the city located in Dale County part of the Ozark Micropolitan Statistical Area), and is also part of the Dothan-Enterprise-Ozark Combined Statistical Area.
Enterprise is famous for the Boll Weevil Monument, a large monument of a woman holding a boll weevil, which is located in the middle of Main Street. The city erected the statue because the destruction of the cotton crop by the boll weevil had led to agricultural diversity, starting with peanuts and more prosperity than had ever come from cotton alone. It is said to be the only statue to an insect pest in the world. Enterprise is right outside of Fort Rucker, an Army base which is the home of Army Aviation.
Enterprise is home to Enterprise State Community College.
The founder of Enterprise, John Henry Carmichael, first settled there in 1881. Carmichael opened a store, which attracted more settlers to the area, and by the next year a post office was relocated from the settlement of Drake Eye to the north to Enterprise. In 1896, with 250 people having settled there, the city of Enterprise incorporated. Soon afterward, the Alabama Midland Railway came to Enterprise, bringing with it opportunities for commerce and growth. By 1906, ten years after the city incorporated, its population had grown to 3,750.[4]
The way of life in Enterprise came under threat in 1915. An infestation of boll weevils had found its way into the region's cotton crops, resulting in the destruction of most of the cotton in Coffee County. Facing economic ruin, the nearly bankrupt area farmers were forced to diversify, planting peanuts and other crops in an effort to lessen the damage and recoup some of the losses inflicted upon them by the invading insect.[4]
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