How to Pick a Radiologic Technician School near Saginaw Alabama
Congratulations on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Saginaw AL in order to learn to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have chosen to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about selecting the right school and program to ensure that you will get the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do require that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you may require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you research each of the colleges you are considering in order to compare each program. A number of potential students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and frequently gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location should be taken into consideration, there are additional significant qualifiers also. For instance, you need to find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are examining are provided later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology technician does and the credentials and training options that are available.
Radiology Technician Job Description
There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the same fundamental job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some elect to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They may work in Saginaw AL clinics, hospitals, private 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 care for their equipment and regularly evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also required to retain in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Saginaw AL health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
X-Ray Technician Degree Options
The standard prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. 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, generally takes 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer 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 as well. Something to consider is that Saginaw AL radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may often be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which many schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Alabama or the state you will be working as applicable.
X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing
Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their prerequisites differ so get in touch with your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many approve other alternatives for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is optional. Having said that, numerous Saginaw AL employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it might increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Tech Schools
As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree schools. So while you can still obtain your online degree, a large portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is often conducted in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online portion of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Saginaw AL home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree usually discover that the online style of education is far more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are generally more affordable than traditional options. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be decreased as well. But just be sure that the online school you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then online classes may be the right option for you.
Subjects to Ask Radiology Tech Schools
When you have chosen the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can start the process of locating and evaluating Saginaw AL x-ray technician schools. You will also need to determine if you want to attend classes online or drive to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a determining variable also. But along with cost and location, what else should you consider when reviewing colleges? Well, you need to find out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are assessing.
Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? Most radiology technician schools have acquired some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still crucial to make sure 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). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous review of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Saginaw AL health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level openings.
Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Inquire if the Alabama radiology tech programs you are assessing have relationships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific manner to receive hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Saginaw AL health care community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Saginaw 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 have to be within commuting distance of their Saginaw 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 area internships will be of concern. Something to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally 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.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Saginaw AL colleges you are looking at 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 ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with some of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program also.
Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the x-ray tech college you ultimately choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Saginaw AL, check 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 have to carry. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Why Did You Decide to Become an Xray Technician?
When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you may be asked. One of the things that hiring managers typically ask radiographer prospects is "What drove you to select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not merely the private reasons you might have for becoming a radiology technician, but also what attributes and skills you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, as well as a certain number of general interview questions, so you should prepare a number of strategies about how you would like to answer them. Since there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the abilities you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but take down several concepts and topics that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can help you to develop your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.Enroll in the Best X-Ray Tech College near Saginaw AL
Enrolling in the right x-ray tech college is a crucial first step toward launching a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs frequently stand for the greater part of the day and move and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay close 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 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 addressed in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are looking at prior to making your ultimate selection. This is just as true whether you participate in an online program or drive to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each school so you can narrow down your options before making your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your dedication to be successful, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Saginaw AL.
Some Background on Saginaw Alabama
Saginaw Valley State University
Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) (commonly referred to as SVSU, SV, or Saginaw Valley) is a public university located in University Center, Michigan. It was founded in 1963 as Saginaw Valley College. It is located on 748 acres approximately 6 miles from downtown Saginaw in Kochville Township, Saginaw County. It is also only 8.5 miles from Bay City and 20 miles from Midland.
It is the youngest of Michigan's 15 public colleges and universities. SVSU offers over 100 academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels with approximately 10,000 students at its main campus in University Center. SVSU offers strong programs of study in its five colleges. Among the more popular are teaching, nursing, engineering, business, the health professions, and traditional liberal arts programs like the performing and visual arts, as well as degree programs like criminal justice, psychology and professional technical writing.
Higher education in the Saginaw Valley region dates back to the founding of Bay City Junior College in 1922. Though the junior college was replaced by Delta College in 1961, the area still lacked a four-year baccalaureate institution. Saginaw Valley College was founded as a private institution in November 1963, and became a state-supported institution in 1965.[4][5] The name changed to Saginaw Valley State College in 1974 and again to Saginaw Valley State University in 1987.
In 1955, civic leaders in the Saginaw Valley region met to discuss prospects for a local institution of higher education. The next year, a committee of 300 recommended a two-year community college which would expand to a four-year college. The two-year college, Delta, was approved by voters in 1958 and opened in 1961.
Articles of incorporation for what would become Saginaw Valley College (originally called Delta Senior University) were drawn up in 1963, and the state granted a charter to SVC as a private, four-year liberal arts institution. Dr. Samuel D. Marble, the president of Delta College, was appointed president of SVC in 1964. After holding both presidencies for four months, he resigned from Delta. The first class of 119 students completed two years at Delta and transferred to SVC. The first commencement ceremony was held in 1966 at a Midland church for a graduating class of ten. A site for a permanent SVC campus (the college was operating out of Delta's basement) was chosen in Kochville Township in 1966 and classes were moved to a building on that site the next year. Ground was broken for what would become Wickes Hall in the late summer. Saginaw Valley College received full accreditation by the North Central Association in April 1970. The college's athletic teams were named the Redbirds, shortly thereafter changed to Cardinals after two coaches spotted a kitchen decoration with a cardinal on it at a golf tournament in Kentucky. In 1972, the Cardinals became a charter member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, and in 1974 Frank "Muddy" Waters was hired as the college's first football coach.
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