Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Whittier AK 99693

How to Select an Xray Technician School near Whittier Alaska

Whittier AK x-ray tech internship programBest wishes on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Whittier AK in order to become a radiologic technician. But now that you have made a decision to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you undertake choosing the ideal school and program so that you will get the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you may require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you research each of the schools you are considering in order to compare each program. A number of students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and usually gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while location and cost need to be taken into consideration, there are additional significant qualifiers as well. For instance, you must ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are considering are provided later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray technician does and the degrees and training options that are offered.

Radiology Tech Work Description

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, each has the same primary job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They may practice in Whittier AK clinics, hospitals, 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 and also frequently evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also required to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Whittier AK medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degrees

x-ray machine in Whittier AKThe primary prerequisite for attending a radiology tech school is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, normally requires 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to finish and is more comprehensive in scope. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be acceptable as well. One thing to bear in mind is that Whittier AK radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may typically be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which many colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Alaska or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, based on the state where you will be employed you might need to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements vary so contact your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but a number accept additional alternatives for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is optional. Having said that, many Whittier AK employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it might enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technician Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Whittier 99693As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree programs. So although you can still earn your degree online, a large portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is usually performed in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online segment of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Whittier AK residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically discover that the online approach to learning is much more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently more affordable than on-campus alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting can be decreased also. But just make certain that the online college you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online school may be the best option for you.

What to Ask Radiographer Colleges

As soon as you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of locating and assessing Whittier AK x-ray technician schools. You will also need to determine if you want to attend online classes or travel to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a material variable as well. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you look at when evaluating colleges? Well, you should check out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details before you make your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are reviewing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? The majority of radiology tech colleges have earned some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to confirm that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous evaluation of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial aid and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Whittier AK employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level openings.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask if the Alaska xray technician schools you are assessing have associations with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific manner to obtain practical experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may help students and graduates form professional connections in the Whittier AK health care community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Whittier AK healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the college they choose will need to be within driving distance of their Whittier AK residence. Students who have chosen to attend online classes 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 decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit way in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Whittier AK colleges you are considering what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program also.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the radiographer  program you ultimately select can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Whittier AK, make certain that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Become an X-Ray Tech?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to consider questions you could be asked. One of the things that interviewers typically ask radiographer prospects is "What made you decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not just the private reasons you may have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but additionally what characteristics and abilities you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, as well as a certain number of standard interview questions, so you should ready a number of ideas about how you want to answer them. Considering there are numerous factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the abilities you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but take down some ideas and talking points that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.

Select the Right Radiology Tech School near Whittier AK

Choosing the best radiology tech school is a crucial first step toward beginning a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs typically stand for the majority of the working 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 requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and furnish the best possible patient care. As has been discussed in this report, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are assessing prior to making your final selection. This is similarly true whether you enroll in an online school or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can focus your choices and make your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your commitment to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiology tech in Whittier AK.

Some Background on Whittier Alaska

Whittier, Alaska

Whittier is a city at the head of the Passage Canal in the U.S. state of Alaska, about 58 miles southeast of Anchorage.[5] The city is within the Valdez–Cordova Census Area. The 2015 population estimate was 214 people, almost all of whom live in a single building.[6] Whittier is also a port for the Alaska Marine Highway.[7]

The region now occupied by Whittier was once part of the portage route of the Chugach people native to Prince William Sound. Later, the passage was used by Russian and American explorers, and by prospecting miners during the gold rush.[5] The nearby Whittier glacier was named for American poet John Greenleaf Whittier in 1915, and the town eventually took the name as well.[8]

During World War II, the United States Army constructed a military facility, complete with port and railroad near Whittier Glacier and named the facility Camp Sullivan. The spur of the Alaska Railroad to Camp Sullivan was completed in 1943 and the port became the entrance for United States soldiers into Alaska.[9]

The two huge buildings that dominate the town were built after World War II. The 14-story Hodge Building (now Begich Towers) was completed in 1957 and contains 150 two- and three-bedroom apartments plus bachelor efficiency units. Dependent families and Civil Service employees were moved into this efficient high-rise. The new Whittier School was connected by a tunnel at the base of the west tower so students could more easily and safely access school on days with bad weather. The building was named in honor of Colonel Walter William Hodge, who was a civil engineer and the commanding officer of 93rd Engineer Regiment on the Alcan Highway.[10]

The other main structure in town, the Buckner Building, was completed in 1953, and was called the "city under one roof". The Buckner Building was eventually abandoned and remains empty today. Buckner and Begich Towers were at one time the largest buildings in Alaska. The Begich Building is now a condominium, and along with the two-story private residence known as Whittier Manor, houses a majority of the town's residents.[11]

 

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