Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Elizabeth CO 80107

How to Select an Xray Technician College near Elizabeth Colorado

Elizabeth CO x-ray tech internship programCongrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Elizabeth CO in order to become a radiologic technologist. And now that you have decided to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you tackle selecting the right college and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a skilled professional? And since the majority of states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you may need training to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you research each of the schools you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. A number of students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and usually gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while location and cost must be taken into account, there are other significant qualifiers as well. For instance, you must find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are evaluating are provided later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology technician does and the credentials and training choices that are offered.

Radiology Technician Job Summary

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, each has the same major job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some elect to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They can work in Elizabeth CO clinics, hospitals, 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 maintain their equipment and also regularly analyze its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to retain in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Elizabeth CO health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degree Options

x-ray machine in Elizabeth COThe basic requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, usually takes 18 months to two years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to complete and is more comprehensive in nature. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable also. Something to keep in mind is that Elizabeth CO radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Colorado or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiographer Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an Radiologist program, based on the state where you will be employed you may have to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so check with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number approve other options for testing as well. Several states also require certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, numerous Elizabeth CO employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it could increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technologist Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Elizabeth 80107As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree schools. So while you can still obtain your online degree, a significant amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is often conducted in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Elizabeth CO residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically discover that the online approach to learning is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are generally less expensive than conventional options. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting can be reduced also. But just make sure that the online college you choose is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online degree may be the right option for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs

When you have chosen the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can initiate the process of searching for and evaluating Elizabeth CO x-ray tech schools. You will also need to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be important. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a determining variable as well. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you look at when comparing schools? Well, you should check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? Most radiology technician colleges have acquired some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still crucial to make sure that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive examination of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Elizabeth CO health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry-level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Find out if the Colorado xray tech colleges you are assessing have partnerships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great means to get hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help graduates and students develop professional connections in the Elizabeth CO medical community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Elizabeth CO healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the school they choose will need to be within driving distance of their Elizabeth CO home. Students who have opted to attend online classes obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit way in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Elizabeth CO schools you are reviewing what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program also.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the radiographer  college you finally choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Elizabeth CO, check that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check 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 may miss because of illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to review questions you could be asked. Among the questions that recruiters frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What drove you to select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not just the personal reasons you might have for becoming an Xray technician, but also what characteristics and talents you have that make you good at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, in addition to a certain number of general interview questions, so you must ready several strategies about how you want to answer them. Given that there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the strengths you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but write down a few concepts and talking points that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can assist you to prepare your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Choose the Ideal Radiology Technician Program near Elizabeth CO

Selecting the appropriate radiology technician degree program is an important first step toward launching a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the majority of the working day and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best possible patient care. As has been discussed in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are looking at before making your final decision. This is just as true whether you decide on an online program or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each college so you can narrow down your options before making your final choice. And with the right training and your dedication to be successful, you can reach your goal to work as a radiographer in Elizabeth CO.

Some Background on Elizabeth Colorado

Elizabeth Smart

Elizabeth Ann Smart-Gilmour (born November 3, 1987)[1] is an American child safety activist and contributor for ABC News.[2] She first gained national attention at the age of 14 when she was abducted from her home in Salt Lake City by Brian David Mitchell. Mitchell and his wife Wanda Barzee held Smart captive for nine months until she was rescued by authorities on a street in Sandy, Utah.

After her abduction, Smart has gone on to work as an activist and advocate for missing persons. Her life and abduction have been the subject of numerous non-fiction books and films.

Smart was born November 3, 1987 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Edward "Ed" and Lois Smart. She was raised in a Mormon family,[3] with four brothers and one sister; she is the second-oldest child in her family. Smart attended Bryant Middle School in Salt Lake City, and later, Brigham Young University, where she earned her Bachelor of Music in harp performance.[4][5]

On June 5, 2002, 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart was abducted at knife point from her bedroom in her family's house in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was rescued by police officers nine months later on March 12, 2003, on a public street in Sandy, Utah, 18 miles from her home, following the help of two witnesses who recognized abductors Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Ileen Barzee from an America's Most Wanted episode. Her abduction and rescue were widely reported and were the subject of a made-for-TV movie, titled The Elizabeth Smart Story, and non-fiction books.

On October 1, 2009, Smart testified that she was raped daily, tied up, and threatened with death if she attempted to escape.[6]

 

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