Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Montevallo AL 35115 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose an Xray Technician Program near Montevallo Alabama

Montevallo AL x-ray tech internship program Congratulations regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Montevallo AL in order to learn to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have chosen to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you go about picking the right school and program to ensure that you will get the proper training to become a qualified professional? And because the majority of states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you may need training to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you assess each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. Many prospective students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and frequently gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while cost and location must be taken into consideration, there are other important qualifiers also. For example, you should find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the colleges you are considering are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and training options that are offered.

Radiology Tech Career Description

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, they all have the identical principal job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some elect to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for example mammography. They may practice in Montevallo 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 frequently analyze its functionality and safety. They are additionally required to keep complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Montevallo AL health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Tech Degree Options

x-ray machine in Montevallo AL The standard prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech school is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, normally requires 18 months to two years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to finish and is more comprehensive in nature. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are appropriate also. Something to consider is that Montevallo AL radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may frequently be satisfied 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 comply with any certification or licensing mandates in Alabama or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiographer Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an Radiologist program, depending on the state where you will be employed you might need to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria differ so contact your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many offer additional options for testing as well. Several states also require certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, many Montevallo AL employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it could enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technologist Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Montevallo 35115 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 programs. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is often performed in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online portion of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Montevallo AL residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree often discover that the online style of learning is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are generally more affordable than conventional options. Along with lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials may be reduced also. But just make sure that the online school you choose 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 ideal choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs

Once you have chosen the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of looking for and evaluating Montevallo AL x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be relevant. The price of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a material factor also. But along with cost and location, what else should you factor in when comparing schools? Well, you should find out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are reviewing.

Are the Radiology Technician Colleges Accredited? A large number of xray technician colleges have obtained some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still important to confirm that the program and school are accredited. One of 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 undergone an extensive review of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Montevallo AL health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Inquire if the Alabama xray tech schools you are evaluating have partnerships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent way to get hands on training in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist graduates and students form professional relationships in the Montevallo AL medical community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Montevallo AL healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the college they pick will need to be within commuting distance of their Montevallo AL home. Students who have chosen to attend online classes naturally will not have to trouble 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 program 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 commonly charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit far in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Montevallo AL colleges you are considering what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to converse with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program as well.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the radiographer program you finally select can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Montevallo AL, verify that they are offered. 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 have to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss due to work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Want to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to consider questions you may be asked. Among the things that hiring managers often ask radiographer prospects is "What made you choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not only the personal reasons you may have for being an Xray technician, but also what characteristics and skills you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, in addition to a significant number of typical interview questions, so you should prepare a number of strategies about how you would like to address them. Given that there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the talents you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but jot down several concepts and topics that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can help you to prepare your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Pick the Best Radiology Technician School near Montevallo AL

Picking the best x-ray technician school is an important first step toward launching a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs typically stand for the greater part of the day and move and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best available care to patients. As has been covered in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are looking at before making your final selection. This is similarly true whether you opt for an online program or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each program so you can focus your choices and make your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your motivation to succeed, you can realize your goal to work as a radiology tech in Montevallo AL.

Some Background on Montevallo Alabama

Montevallo, Alabama

Montevallo is a city in Shelby County, Alabama, United States. A college town, it is the home of the University of Montevallo, a public liberal arts university with approximately 3,000 students. As of the 2010 census, the population of the city of Montevallo is 6,323. Hollie Campbell Cost, a professor in the College of Education at the University of Montevallo, serves as Mayor.

Montevallo is located at 33°6′18″N 86°51′46″W / 33.10500°N 86.86278°W / 33.10500; -86.86278 (33.1049, -86.8628).[3] A plaque on Reynolds Cemetery Road, just off highway 25, in the eastern corner of the town, marks the geographic center of the state of Alabama. Middle Street, formerly known as Main Street, had its name changed in 1899 for this reason, upon the completion of a new state survey.[4]

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.7 square miles (20 km2), of which 7.6 square miles (20 km2) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.26 km2) (0.66%) is water.

The area where Montevallo is now was once controlled by the Creek Indians. After being acquired in 1814 Jesse Wilson claimed a small hill on the northern bank of the Shoal Creek and created a homestead there, making it the oldest settlement in Shelby County. Wilson's friends and family followed afterwards and also settled in the area, and a settlement known as Wilson's Hill developed on the site. The settlement's location at almost the exact center of Alabama meant it was considered one of the potential sites for the University of Alabama. In an attempt to encourage the university to choose the site the settlement changed its name to Montevallo, which is Italian for the hill in the valley.

Montevallo was used by local farmers as a market town where they could sell and package their produce. It was incorporated as a city in 1848. In 1853 a railway was built between Montevallo and Selma which allowed further economic growth to Montevallo and in 1856 a coal mine was created nearby leading to further growth.