How to Find a Radiology Technician School near Phoenix Arizona
Best wishes on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Phoenix AZ in order to train to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have made a decision to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you undertake picking the ideal college and program so that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified professional? And since most states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you may need training to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you assess each of the colleges you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Most potential students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and usually settle on the most affordable cost. But while expense and location need to be taken into account, there are other significant qualifications also. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are examining are provided later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiology technician does and the degrees and education choices that are offered.
X-Ray Technician Job Description
There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, each has the identical fundamental job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They may work in Phoenix AZ hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician might utilize include:
- Traditional and specialized X-Rays
- Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Sonography or ultrasound
- Fluoroscopy
Radiographers must maintain their equipment and also frequently evaluate its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Phoenix AZ medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
X-Ray Technician Degrees Offered
The primary requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech college is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students 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 course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to complete and is more extensive in scope. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be acceptable also. One thing to consider is that Phoenix AZ radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may frequently be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Arizona or the state you will be working as applicable.
X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing
After you have graduated from an Radiologist college, based on the state where you will be working you may need to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria differ so check with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but a number provide other options for testing also. Several states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, many Phoenix AZ employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it may enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Technician Degrees
As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree schools. So although you can still obtain your degree online, a substantial amount of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is usually provided in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online portion of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Phoenix AZ residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree often discover that the online style of learning is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently less expensive than traditional options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials may be decreased also. But just confirm that the online program you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then online classes may be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Radiographer Colleges
As soon as you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can initiate the process of looking for and evaluating Phoenix AZ x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to determine if you want to attend online classes or travel to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the school will be important. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenses will be an important variable as well. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you factor in when reviewing schools? Well, you should find out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details prior to making your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are considering.
Are the X-Ray Tech Schools Accredited? The majority of xray technician schools have obtained some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still important to make sure that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive assessment of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also help in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Phoenix AZ health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry-level positions.
Are Internship Programs Offered? Ask if the Arizona radiology tech programs you are interested in have associations with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific means to get practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist students and graduates develop professional connections in the Phoenix AZ medical community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the radiographer schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Phoenix AZ healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the college they decide on will have to be within travelling distance of their Phoenix AZ home. Individuals who have opted 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 keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically 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 sort of student that prefers to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Phoenix AZ schools you are looking at 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 ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program also.
Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the radiographer program you ultimately select can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Phoenix AZ, verify that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family obligations.
Why Did You Decide to Be an X-Ray Tech?
When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to consider questions you might be asked. One of the questions that interviewers typically ask radiographer prospects is "What compelled you to select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not only the private reasons you may have for becoming an Xray technician, but additionally what characteristics and talents you possess that make you good at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, in addition to a certain number of typical interview questions, so you must ready several strategies about how you want to respond to them. Because there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the best choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but take down a few concepts and topics that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.Choose the Ideal X-Ray Tech Program near Phoenix AZ
Selecting the ideal x-ray technician college is an important first step toward launching a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs often stand for the majority of the working day and move and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best available patient care. As we have discussed in this report, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are looking at before making your final selection. This is equally true whether you opt for an online school or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each program so you can narrow down your choices before making your decision. And with the proper training and your commitment to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiographer in Phoenix AZ.
Some Background on Phoenix Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix (/ˈfiːnɪks/) is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Arizona. With 1,615,017 people (as of 2016[update]), Phoenix is the fifth most populous city nationwide, the most populous state capital in the United States, and the only state capital with a population of more than one million residents.[5][6]
Phoenix is the anchor of the Phoenix metropolitan area, also known as the Valley of the Sun, which in turn is a part of the Salt River Valley. The metropolitan area is the 12th largest by population in the United States, with approximately 4.3 million people as of 2010[update].[7][8] In addition, Phoenix is the seat of Maricopa County and, at 517.9 square miles (1,341 km2), it is the largest city in the state, more than twice the size of Tucson and one of the largest cities in the United States.[9]
Settled in 1867 as an agricultural community near the confluence of the Salt and Gila Rivers, Phoenix incorporated as a city in 1881. Located in the northeastern reaches of the Sonoran Desert, Phoenix has a subtropical desert climate. Despite this, its canal system led to a thriving farming community, many of the original crops remaining important parts of the Phoenix economy for decades, such as alfalfa, cotton, citrus, and hay (which was important for the cattle industry).[10][11] Cotton, cattle, citrus, climate, and copper were known locally as the "Five C's" of Phoenix's economy. These industries remained the driving forces of the city until after World War II, when high-tech companies began to move into the valley and air conditioning made Phoenix's hot summers more bearable.[12]
The city averaged a four percent annual population growth rate over a 40-year period from the mid-1960s to the mid-2000s.[13] This growth rate slowed during the Great Recession of 2007–09, and has rebounded slowly.[14] Phoenix is the cultural center of the Valley of the Sun, as well as the entire state.[15]
For more than 2,000 years, the Hohokam people occupied the land that would become Phoenix.[16][17] The Hohokam created roughly 135 miles (217 km) of irrigation canals, making the desert land arable. Paths of these canals would later become used for the modern Arizona Canal, Central Arizona Project Canal, and the Hayden-Rhodes Aqueduct. The Hohokam also carried out extensive trade with the nearby Anasazi, Mogollon and Sinagua, as well as with the more distant Mesoamerican civilizations.[18] It is believed that between AD 1300 and AD 1450, periods of drought and severe floods led to the Hohokam civilization's abandonment of the area.[19]
More Cities of Interest in Arizona