Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Eielson Afb AK 99702

How to Find a Radiologic Technician Program near Eielson Afb Alaska

Eielson Afb AK x-ray tech internship programBest wishes on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Eielson Afb AK in order to train to be a radiology technician. But now that you have chosen to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle selecting the ideal school and program to ensure that you will receive the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And because the majority of states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you might need training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the schools you are considering so that you can compare each program. A number of potential students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and frequently settle on the lowest cost. But while expense and location should be taken into account, there are additional significant qualifications also. For example, you must find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the schools you are reviewing are provided later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray tech does and the degrees and education choices that are available.

Radiology Tech Occupation Summary

There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. 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. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many choose to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They can practice in Eielson Afb AK hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician might work with include:

  • Traditional and specialized X-Rays
  • Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Sonography or ultrasound
  • Fluoroscopy

Radiographers must take care of their equipment and frequently assess its functionality and safety. They are also required to retain in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Eielson Afb AK medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Tech Degrees

x-ray machine in Eielson Afb AKThe standard prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, normally takes 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon 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. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be appropriate as well. Something to consider is that Eielson Afb AK radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can typically be fulfilled by taking part 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 any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Alaska or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an Radiologist school, depending on the state where you will be employed you may need to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites vary so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but several accept additional options for testing also. Some states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, many Eielson Afb AK employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it may improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technician Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Eielson Afb 99702As 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 programs. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a large portion of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is often conducted in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Eielson Afb AK home. Students who continue working while earning their degree often discover that the online approach to learning is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are often less expensive than traditional options. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be lessened as well. But just be sure that the online program you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then online classes may be the best option for you.

Questions to Ask X Ray Tech Programs

After you have chosen the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of locating and assessing Eielson Afb AK x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be critical. The price of tuition and secondary expenses will be an important factor also. But along with cost and location, what more should you factor in when reviewing colleges? Well, you should check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these crucial details prior to making your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are considering.

Are the Radiology Tech Programs Accredited? The majority of radiology technician colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still crucial to verify that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive examination of their instructors and educational materials. If the program is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Eielson Afb AK health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level positions.

Are Internships Sponsored? Find out if the Alaska xray technician schools you are evaluating have relationships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent manner to obtain hands on training in a clinical environment, they are also a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can help students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Eielson Afb AK medical community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the radiographer programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Eielson Afb AK healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For many students, the school they decide on will have to be within driving distance of their Eielson Afb AK home. Students who have decided to attend classes online obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. 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 might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit far in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Eielson Afb AK colleges you are considering what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. 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 instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the radiographer  college you ultimately choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Eielson Afb AK, confirm that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Desire to Become a Radiologic Technologist?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to consider questions you could be asked. One of the things that recruiters frequently ask radiographer prospects is "What made you select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not only the private reasons you might have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but additionally what qualities and skills you have that make you good at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, in addition to a certain number of routine interview questions, so you need to prepare a number of strategies about how you would like to address them. Because there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the abilities you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down several ideas and talking points that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Choose the Ideal X-Ray Tech School near Eielson Afb AK

Selecting the right radiology technician school is a critical first step toward beginning a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs typically stand for the majority of the working day and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best available care to patients. As has been addressed in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are considering before making your ultimate decision. This is equally true whether you participate in an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each school so you can narrow down your options before making your final choice. And with the appropriate education and your dedication to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Eielson Afb AK.

Some Background on Eielson Afb Alaska

Eielson Air Force Base

Eielson Air Force Base (AFB) (IATA: EIL, ICAO: PAEI, FAA LID: EIL) is a United States Air Force base located approximately 26 miles (42 km) southeast of Fairbanks, Alaska and just southeast of Moose Creek, Alaska. It was established in 1943 as Mile 26 Satellite Field and taken off deployment in 2007. It has been a Superfund site since 1989.

Its host unit is the 354th Fighter Wing (354 FW) assigned to the Eleventh Air Force of the Pacific Air Forces. The 354 FW's primary mission is to support Red Flag – Alaska, a series of Pacific Air Forces commander–directed field training exercises for U.S. Forces, joint offensive counter-air, interdiction, close-air support, and large force employment training in a simulated combat environment.

Eielson AFB was named in honor of polar pilot Carl Ben Eielson.[3] The 354 FW is currently commanded by Colonel David A. Mineau.[4]

Until 2007, Eielson was a front line base, deploying fighter and bomber units around the world and providing for the defense of Alaska. Because of BRAC 2005 the base went off deployment status in 2007. Its primary mission is to support Red Flag-Alaska, a series of Pacific Air Forces commander-directed field training exercises for U.S. Forces, joint offensive counter-air, interdiction, close-air support, and large force employment training in a simulated combat environment. These exercises are conducted on the Joint Pacific Alaskan Range complex with air operations flown out of the two bases. Alaska's size enables the military to have the largest air-ground training complex in America.

Eielson is home to the 354th Fighter Wing which is part of the Eleventh Air Force (11 AF) of Pacific Air Forces (PACAF). The 354th Fighter Wing mission is "To train, deliver, maintain and support combat power across the globe while taking care of our people, their families and our infrastructure." To accomplish that mission, the wing implements flying operations, mission support, maintenance and medical care functions and is host to 10 tenant units.

 

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