How to Pick a Radiology Tech School near Lineville Alabama
Congrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Lineville AL so you can become a radiologic technologist. And now that you have chosen to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about choosing the ideal college and program to ensure that you will get the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you might need preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you research each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can compare each program. Most potential students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and usually gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location need to be considered, there are other critical qualifications also. For instance, you should find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are considering are provided later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray technician does and the degrees and education choices that are available.
Radiology Technician Job Description
There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, they all have the same major job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some choose to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They may practice in Lineville AL hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech might 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 and also regularly evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also expected to retain complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Lineville AL medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
Radiology Tech Degrees Available
The primary requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, usually takes 18 months to 2 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 expansive in nature. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are acceptable as well. Something to consider is that Lineville AL radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can frequently be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics 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.
Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing
When you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, based on the state where you will be employed you might have to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many provide additional options for testing also. Some states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. However, numerous Lineville AL employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Tech Colleges
As a component 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 colleges. So although you can still earn your degree online, a considerable amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is typically performed in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online portion of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Lineville AL residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree often find that the online approach to learning is far more practical with their active schedules. Plus online schools are generally cheaper than on-campus options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be reduced as well. But just confirm that the online program you select is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then online classes may be the ideal option for you.
Topics to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs
As soon as you have chosen the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of looking for and assessing Lineville AL x-ray technician schools. You will also have to determine if you want to attend online classes or travel to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be critical. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a material factor as well. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you look at when evaluating schools? Well, you need to find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are considering.
Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? The majority of xray technician colleges have acquired some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still imperative to verify that the program and school 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). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed review of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Lineville AL employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level positions.
Are Internships Sponsored? Ask if the Alabama xray tech schools you are interested in have relationships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great means to obtain practical training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Lineville AL healthcare community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, 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 assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Lineville AL healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the college they choose will have to be within travelling distance of their Lineville AL residence. Individuals who have decided to attend online classes obviously will not have to trouble 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 choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the kind of student that prefers to sit way in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Lineville AL schools you are looking at what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to converse with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.
Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the radiographer program you ultimately select can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Lineville AL, make sure that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Why Did You Choose 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. One of the questions that interviewers often ask radiographer prospects is "What made you decide on radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not merely the private reasons you might have for becoming an Xray technician, but additionally what attributes and skills you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, in addition to a certain number of standard interview questions, so you need to ready some ideas about how you want to answer them. Because there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the strengths you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but write down some concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can help you to develop your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.Pick the Ideal X-Ray Technician School near Lineville AL
Choosing the best radiology tech school is a crucial first step toward starting a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs often stand for the greater part of the workday and move and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best available patient care. As we have addressed in this report, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each program you are assessing prior to making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each program so you can narrow down your options before making your final choice. And with the right education and your motivation to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Lineville AL.
Some Background on Lineville Alabama
Lineville, Alabama
Lineville is a city in Clay County, Alabama, United States. At the 2010 census the population was 2,395.[3]
Native Americans were the first to inhabit the area now known as Lineville. The Creek Indian War of 1813, however, resulted in their removal. The first white settlers in the area were William and Thomas Lundie. Their settlement became known as Lundie's Cross Roads after a trading post opened in the 1830s to serve pioneers and miners searching for gold. In 1856, Lundie's Cross Roads became known as County Line, probably for the Baptist Church, founded in 1848 and located on what was then the boundary line between Talladega and Randolph counties. Also in 1856, a post office was established in County Line, schools were consolidated and corn and cotton became cash crops.[4]
The Town of (Crooked Creek) Lineville was built on what was at that time the dividing line between Talladega and Randolph Counties, hence the name, Lineville. John H. Ingram, Sr. of Lineville, Alabama furnishes the following early history: “Crooked Creek Baptist Church, later Lineville, was organized in 1839 and built one and one quarter miles west of the town of Lineville about 200 yards northwest of the home of Frank Pittard; and the first literary school of the community was nearby. Some years later the church was moved a short distance and a house was built on the left side of the public road near the residence of the late Thomas H. Harris. In about 1863 the church was moved into the town of Lineville and a house built just west of the present grammar school building; the name was changed to Lineville Baptist Church in 1881 and legally incorporated in 1912; the first Circuit Court that was held in the new County of Clay, was held in the Lineville Baptist Church in 1867, with John Henderson of Talladega, Alabama, as a judge. The present new brick building was built in 1915 and 1916, with the first service held on March 1st, 1916, with prayer and thanksgiving service conducted by J.H. Ingram, Sr., and C.N. James, pastor.”[5]
One of the newest attractions in Clay County in the 1920s, was the chicken business. Millions of chickens and eggs and long chicken houses In or about 1921, Reverend Secelar Claxton Ray took one hundred, day-old chicks to the Clay County Fair and put them under an oil burning brooder and called attention to the advantage of using chickens on the farm to supplement the ‘all cotton’ cash crop. This was something new, but it did gradually got the attention of the local farmers. He was now fully in the poultry business, and named it Goodwill Poultry Farm and Hatchery. He bought houses then idle at the local graphite mines in Clay County and hired neighbors in their spare time and built the hatchery and chicken houses and an extra tenant house on the farm, southeast of Ashland, Alabama whose population of close to one thousand had grown considerably from two hundred in 1881.[6]
The Civil War saw some 56 area men interred in the Old Lineville Cemetery. By the end of the war, Confederate money had become useless and the area suffered hardships. Clay County formed in 1866. The town's name was officially changed to Lineville in 1870 when it became the temporary seat of government for Clay County.[4]
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