How to Select a Radiologic Technician College near Geneva Alabama
Congrats on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Geneva AL so you can learn to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have made a decision to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you set about choosing the right college and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And since most states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you may need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you assess each of the schools you are considering in order to evaluate each program. A number of prospective students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and typically settle on the lowest cost. But while expense and location should be considered, there are other critical qualifiers as well. For instance, you should find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are examining are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic technician does and the degrees and education options that are offered.
Radiology Tech Occupation Description
There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, each has the identical primary job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many choose to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for example mammography. They may work in Geneva AL clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech may work with 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 frequently analyze its performance and safety. They are also expected to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Geneva AL medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
Radiology Technician Degrees Offered
The primary requirement for attending a radiology tech school is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, normally requires 18 months to two years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to complete and is more extensive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be acceptable as well. One thing to keep in mind is that Geneva AL radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can often be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Alabama or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing
Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, depending on the state where you will be working you might have to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria vary so check with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many approve additional options for testing also. Several states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. However, numerous Geneva AL employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it may improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Technologist Colleges
As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree schools. So even though you can still obtain your online degree, a significant amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is usually conducted in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online portion of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Geneva AL residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically discover that the online style of education is much more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are generally cheaper than on-campus alternatives. Along with lower tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be reduced also. But just make certain that the online program you choose is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then online classes may be the best choice for you.
Subjects to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges
Once you have chosen the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of searching for and assessing Geneva AL x-ray technician schools. You will also have to decide if you want to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be critical. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a material factor also. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you look at when reviewing schools? Well, you need to ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are reviewing.
Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? A large number of xray technician colleges have earned some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still imperative to confirm 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 earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed review of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Geneva AL health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level jobs.
Are Internship Programs Offered? Ask if the Alabama radiology technician schools you are interested in have relationships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent way to obtain practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist graduates and students form professional relationships in the Geneva AL medical community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Geneva AL healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they choose will need to be within commuting distance of their Geneva AL residence. Those who have decided to attend classes online obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit way in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Geneva AL colleges you are researching what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with some of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program also.
Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the x-ray tech school you ultimately pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Geneva AL, make certain that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Why Did You Choose to Be an Xray Technician?
When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you might be asked. Among the things that recruiters often ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not only the personal reasons you might have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what characteristics and abilities you possess that make you good at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, along with a significant number of typical interview questions, so you should prepare some strategies about how you want to respond to them. Because there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the abilities you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the best choice for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but write down some ideas and talking points that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can help you to develop your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.Choose the Best X-Ray Tech College near Geneva AL
Selecting the best radiology technician college is a critical first step toward initiating a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs often stand for the majority of the working day and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and furnish the best available care to patients. As we have covered in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are considering before making your final decision. This is just as true whether you enroll in an online program or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each college so you can focus your choices and make your decision. And with the proper education and your motivation to succeed, you can reach your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Geneva AL.
Some Background on Geneva Alabama
Geneva County, Alabama
Geneva County is a county of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2010 census, the population was 26,790.[1] Its county seat is Geneva.[2] The county was named after its county seat, which in turn was named after Geneva, New York which was named after Geneva, Switzerland, by Walter H. Yonge, an early town resident and Swiss native.[3] Geneva County is a dry county in certain areas. Beer and wine are sold in Geneva, Samson, and Slocomb, but it isn't sold in any capacity in Hartford.
Geneva County is part of the Dothan, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Geneva County was established on December 26, 1868.
The county was declared a disaster area in September 1979 due to damage from Hurricane Frederic.
On March 10, 2009, a gunman, identified as Michael McLendon, went on a shooting spree at nine locations in Geneva County from the town of Samson to the city of Geneva, killing ten people and wounding six others. McLendon entered his former place of employment, Reliable Metal Products on the northeastern side of Geneva, where he took his own life.
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