Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Clarendon AR 72029 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Pick an Xray Tech College near Clarendon Arkansas

Clarendon AR x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Clarendon AR so you can learn to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have made a decision to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you tackle choosing the right college and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified professional? And because the majority of states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you may require training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the colleges you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Most potential students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and often settle on the most affordable cost. But while expense and location should be considered, there are other significant qualifications also. For instance, you should find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are examining are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and training choices that are available.

Radiology Tech Work Summary

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, each has the identical major job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some choose to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, such as mammography. They may work in Clarendon AR hospitals, clinics, private 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 have to care for their equipment and also regularly assess its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to keep in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Clarendon AR medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Tech Degrees

x-ray machine in Clarendon AR The primary prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech school is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, generally takes 18 months to two years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to complete and is more expansive in scope. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are appropriate as well. One thing to keep in mind is that Clarendon AR radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which a large number of schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Arkansas or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiographer Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an Radiologist school, depending on the state where you will be working you might have to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their requirements vary so check with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but a number accept other options for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, many Clarendon AR employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification 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 exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Tech Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Clarendon 72029 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 programs. So although you can still obtain your online degree, a significant portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is usually provided in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online portion of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Clarendon AR residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually discover that the online style of education is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are often less costly than on-campus alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials may be reduced also. But just make certain that the online college you select 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.

Points to Ask Radiology Tech Schools

Once you have chosen the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of locating and assessing Clarendon AR x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to determine if you want to attend classes online or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the college will be relevant. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be an important factor as well. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you consider when reviewing schools? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details prior to making your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are reviewing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? Most xray tech schools have acquired some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still important to confirm that the school and program 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 obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous examination of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial aid and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Clarendon AR health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level positions.

Are Internships Provided? Find out if the Arkansas radiology tech colleges you are evaluating have relationships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific means to receive hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist students and graduates establish professional connections in the Clarendon AR health care community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the radiographer schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Clarendon AR healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the school they choose will need to be within commuting distance of their Clarendon AR residence. 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. One thing to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit way in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Clarendon AR schools you are looking at what the average student to teacher 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 speak with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program as well.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the x-ray tech program you finally select can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Clarendon AR, make sure 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 have to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.

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

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to consider questions you could be asked. Among the questions that recruiters often ask radiographer prospects is "What compelled you to select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not merely the private reasons you may have for being an X-Ray tech, but additionally what attributes and abilities you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, along with a certain number of typical interview questions, so you should prepare several strategies about how you would like to respond to them. Because there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the strengths you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but jot down several ideas and topics that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can assist you to prepare your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Select the Best Radiology Technician Program near Clarendon AR

Choosing the ideal x-ray technician school is a critical first step toward launching a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs typically stand for the greater part of the working day and move and at times lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and provide the best available care to patients. As has been discussed in this report, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are reviewing prior to making your final selection. This is equally true whether you decide on an online program or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices before making your final choice. And with the right training and your motivation to be successful, you can reach your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Clarendon AR.

Some Background on Clarendon Arkansas

Clarendon, Arkansas

Clarendon is a city in and county seat of Monroe County, Arkansas.[3] Located in the Arkansas Delta, the city's position on the White River at the mouth of the Cache River has defined the community since first incorporating in 1859. Although the river has brought devastation and disaster to the city infrequently throughout history, it has also provided economic opportunities, transportation, recreation and tourism to the city.

Once home to a variety of industries, today Clarendon's economy is largely based on agriculture. Similar to many Delta communities, the city's population has been dwindling since mechanization on the farm reduced the number of agricultural-related jobs in the area. At the 2010 Census, the population was 1,664, the lowest value recorded since 1890.[4]

The area around Clarendon was originally populated by various Native American groups. By 1799, French hunters and trappers had built cabins at the mouth of the Cache River. It was the point where The Military Road from Memphis, Tennessee to Little Rock crossed the White River. The Military Road was begun in 1826 and completed in 1828. By that date, a ferry crossing and post office had been established in Clarendon, and the town served as the terminus for a stagecoach line to the west. The Military Road was used as the route for some groups of Native Americans being relocated from eastern states to Oklahoma during the forced relocations commonly known as the Trail of Tears; Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Cherokee groups are known to have traveled along it. A railroad bridge across the White River was constructed in 1883 by the Texas and St. Louis Railway; the ferry operated until 1931 when it was replaced by a highway bridge.

The city of Clarendon was officially incorporated in 1859. In 1864, the city was burned to the ground by Union forces in retaliation for the sinking of the tinclad Union gunboat USS Queen City by forces under the command of Confederate Brigadier General Joseph O. Shelby. The town's charter was dissolved in 1884, and it was reincorporated in 1898.

In the early 1900s, Clarendon developed a number of industries, including lumber, staves and barrels, oars, and buttons made from the shells of the area's plentiful freshwater mussels. The mussels also provided freshwater pearls, which were bought and sold at the Clarendon Pearl Market. The Moss Brothers Bat Company supplied baseball bats to a number of major league baseball players during this era.