How to Pick a Radiology Tech School near Greenville Alabama
Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Greenville AL so you can become a radiologic technologist. But now that you have chosen to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you undertake picking the right school and program so that you will receive the proper training to become a qualified professional? And since the majority of states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you may need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you assess each of the colleges you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. Many prospective students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and often settle on the lowest cost. But while expense and location should be taken into consideration, there are additional critical qualifiers as well. For example, you must ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are examining are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and education options that are available.
X-Ray Tech Job Summary
There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, they all have the same primary job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some opt to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They may practice in Greenville AL hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech may utilize include:
- Traditional and specialized X-Rays
- Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Sonography or ultrasound
- Fluoroscopy
Radiographers must maintain their equipment and also routinely evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to retain in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Greenville AL health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
X-Ray Tech Degrees Offered
The basic requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech college is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, normally 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 extensive in scope. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are appropriate as well. One thing to consider is that Greenville AL radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which many colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After 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 working as applicable.
X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification
Once 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 vary so check with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but several provide other options for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, many Greenville AL employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it might improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Technologist Schools
As a part of every 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 colleges. So even though you can still obtain your degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is typically provided in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online segment of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Greenville AL home. Students who continue working while earning their degree often discover that the online approach to learning is far more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently cheaper than traditional options. In addition to reduced tuition, costs for study materials and commuting may be lessened also. But just be sure that the online program you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online school may be the best option for you.
Points to Ask Radiographer Schools
When you have decided on the type of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of looking for and evaluating Greenville AL x-ray technician colleges. 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 critical. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a determining variable as well. But along with location and cost, what else should you consider when evaluating colleges? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details before you make your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are assessing.
Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? The majority of xray tech colleges have obtained some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still important to confirm 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). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous assessment of their teachers and educational materials. If the program is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also help in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Greenville AL health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level positions.
Are Internships Sponsored? Find out if the Alabama xray technician colleges you are reviewing have relationships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific means to obtain hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist students and graduates develop professional connections in the Greenville AL healthcare community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Greenville AL healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the school they choose will have to be within travelling distance of their Greenville AL residence. 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 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 generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that prefers to sit far in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Greenville AL schools you are reviewing 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 final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program also.
Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the x-ray tech program you finally select can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Greenville AL, make sure that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family obligations.
Why Did You Want to Become an X-Ray Tech?
When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to review questions you might be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers typically ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not just the personal reasons you may have for being an Xray technician, but additionally what attributes and abilities you possess that make you outstanding at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, in addition to a significant number of standard interview questions, so you should ready some ideas about how you would like to answer them. Considering there are several factors 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 along with the abilities you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but write down several concepts and anecdotes that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.Choose the Right Radiology Tech School near Greenville AL
Selecting the ideal x-ray technician college is an important first step toward initiating a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs often stand for the majority of the workday and position and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best possible patient care. As we have covered in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are considering before making your final selection. This is just as true whether you participate in an online school or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each college so you can narrow down your options before making your decision. And with the right training and your dedication to succeed, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Greenville AL.
Some Background on Greenville Alabama
Greenville, Alabama
Greenville is a city in Butler County, Alabama, United States. At the 2010 census, the population was 8,135.[3] The city is the county seat of Butler County and is known as the Camellia City. The movement to change the official Alabama state flower from the goldenrod to the camellia originated in Greenville with legislative sponsors LaMont Glass and H.B. Taylor.[4]
Greenville was first settled in 1819. Its original name was Buttsville,[5] but after becoming the county seat in 1822, its name was changed to Greenville, in remembrance of the former locale in South Carolina of many of the original settlers.[6][7] The first county seat was at Fort Dale, a fortification that was named for Sam Dale, who fought to defend the area during the Creek War. The site of Fort Dale lies on the north of the city near the Fort Dale Cemetery, along what is now Alabama Highway 185.
The namesake of the county, Captain William Butler, was killed during the Creek War. He is buried in the Pioneer Cemetery, which is across from the oldest church in Butler County, the First United Methodist Church of Greenville.
During World War II, a satellite camp for German prisoners was based in Greenville.[8]
Greenville is located in southern Alabama at 31°49'52.583" North, 86°37'39.241" West (31.831273, -86.627567).[9]Interstate 65 passes to the west of the city center, with access from exits 128 and 130. U.S. Route 31 passes to the east of the city center. Montgomery, the state capital, is 44 miles (71 km) north, the closest city to Greenville with a population above 50,000.[10]Mobile is 127 miles (204 km) to the southwest on I-65.
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