Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Shannon AL 35142

How to Select a Radiologic Technician College near Shannon Alabama

Shannon AL x-ray tech internship programBest wishes on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Shannon AL so you can train to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have decided to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about picking the ideal college and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified professional? And since most states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you may need training to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you assess each of the schools you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. Most prospective students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and frequently gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location should be considered, there are additional important qualifiers also. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are evaluating are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiology tech does and the credentials and education choices that are offered.

X-Ray Tech Job Summary

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, each has the same fundamental job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They may work in Shannon AL hospitals, clinics, 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 and frequently analyze its functionality and safety. They are additionally required to retain detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Shannon AL health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Shannon ALThe standard prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, usually requires 18 months to two years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to finish and is more expansive in nature. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be appropriate as well. One thing to consider is that Shannon AL radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may frequently be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which many colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Alabama or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiographer Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an Radiologist college, depending on the state where you will be employed you may have to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so contact your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but several provide additional alternatives for testing as well. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. However, numerous Shannon AL employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it might increase 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 comprehensive 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 Radiology Technologist Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Shannon 35142As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree colleges. So while you can still earn your online degree, a large amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is often conducted in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online portion of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Shannon AL home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree often find that the online approach to learning is far more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online programs are frequently less costly than on-campus options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials may be decreased also. But just make certain that the online program you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online degree may be the ideal option for you.

What to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges

After you have selected the type of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of looking for and evaluating Shannon AL x-ray tech schools. You will also need to decide if you want to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be important. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a determining variable as well. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you consider when evaluating schools? Well, you need to find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are reviewing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? Most radiology tech schools have earned some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still imperative to verify 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 gone through a rigorous review of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Shannon AL employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level openings.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask if the Alabama radiology technician colleges you are evaluating have relationships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific means to get practical training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist students and graduates develop professional connections in the Shannon AL healthcare community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably wish 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 reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Shannon AL healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the school they decide on will have to be within commuting distance of their Shannon AL residence. Those who have opted 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 importance. Something 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 have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit far in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Shannon AL colleges you are researching what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the radiographer  school you ultimately pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Shannon AL, verify that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to consider questions you may be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers typically ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to pick radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not just the personal reasons you might have for being an Xray technician, but also what characteristics and talents you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will likely be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, as well as a certain number of general interview questions, so you should ready a number of strategies about how you would like to address them. Because there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but jot down a few concepts and talking points that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.

Pick the Best Radiology Technician College near Shannon AL

Picking the appropriate radiology technician school is a crucial first step toward initiating a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs frequently stand for the majority of the working day and move and sometimes lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. As we have discussed in this report, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are considering prior to making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you participate in an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each program so you can narrow down your choices and make your final choice. And with the right education and your dedication to succeed, you can realize your goal to work as a radiology tech in Shannon AL.

Some Background on Shannon Alabama

Randy Shannon

Randy Leonard Shannon (born February 24, 1966) is an American football coach and former player. He is currently the interim head coach at the University of Florida. Previously, Shannon was the head football coach at the University of Miami from 2007 to 2010, and has served as an assistant coach or defensive coordinator for the National Football League's Miami Dolphins and for several college teams, including at the University of Miami, where he won the Frank Broyles Award as the nation's top assistant coach in 2001.[1]

As a player, Shannon was a linebacker for the Miami Hurricanes from 1985 to 1988 and played two seasons professionally for the Dallas Cowboys, both under head coach Jimmy Johnson.

Shannon was born in Miami, Florida, and grew up in the Liberty City neighborhood.[2] When he was 3 years old, his father was murdered. His older twin brothers, who became addicted to crack cocaine when Shannon was 10, both died of AIDS, as did his older sister.[3]

Shannon attended Miami Norland High School, where he earned All-state honors playing football as a defensive back in his senior year. He also excelled at basketball, averaging 19 points a game, and was a member of the track and field team.[4]

Shannon received a football scholarship to attend the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, where he played for head coach Jimmy Johnson's Miami Hurricanes football team from 1985 to 1988.

 

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