Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Lake City FL 32024 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select a Radiology Tech College near Lake City Florida

Lake City FL x-ray tech internship program Best wishes on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Lake City FL in order to learn to be a radiology technician. And now that you have decided to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle picking the ideal college and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you may require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you investigate each of the schools you are looking at in order to compare each program. Many prospective students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and often gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while location and cost need to be taken into consideration, there are additional critical qualifications as well. For example, you must find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are reviewing are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and education choices that are offered.

Radiology Technician Job Description

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have the same fundamental job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many elect to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for example mammography. They can practice in Lake City FL clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist may work with 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 regularly analyze its functionality and safety. They are also required to keep complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Lake City FL medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Technician Degrees

x-ray machine in Lake City FL The basic requirement for attending an x-ray tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, normally requires 18 months to two years to finish based upon the program and course load. 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 are appropriate as well. Something to consider is that Lake City FL radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may frequently be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Florida or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, depending on the state where you will be working you may have to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites differ so check with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but a number approve additional alternatives for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, numerous Lake City FL employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technician Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Lake City 32024 As a part 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 colleges. So even though you can still obtain your online degree, a significant amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical 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 attended in the comfort of your Lake City FL home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually discover that the online style of learning is far more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are generally more affordable than on-campus options. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials may be lessened as well. But just confirm that the online program 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 online classes may be the right choice for you.

Questions to Ask X Ray Tech Programs

As soon as you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of locating and evaluating Lake City FL x-ray technician schools. You will also need to decide if you want to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be critical. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a material variable as well. But along with cost and location, what else should you factor in when evaluating colleges? 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 decision, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Tech Programs Accredited? The majority of xray technician schools have earned some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still important to verify that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting agencies 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 a detailed review of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Lake City FL health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask if the Florida radiology tech schools you are evaluating have partnerships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent manner to obtain practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help students and graduates establish professional connections in the Lake City FL medical community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the radiographer schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Lake City FL healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they choose will need to be within travelling distance of their Lake City FL residence. Those who have chosen to attend classes online naturally 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 decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Lake City FL colleges you are researching what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program also.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the radiographer college you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Lake City FL, make sure that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Be an X-Ray Tech?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to consider questions you could be asked. Among the questions that recruiters often ask radiographer applicants is "What made you decide on radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not just the personal reasons you may have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what attributes and abilities you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, in addition to a significant number of routine interview questions, so you must prepare several ideas about how you would like to address them. Given that there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the talents you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the ideal candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but take down a few ideas and talking points that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.

Pick the Best Radiology Technician College near Lake City FL

Picking the ideal radiology tech degree program is a crucial first step toward beginning a fulfilling new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs regularly stand for the majority of the working day and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best possible patient care. As we have covered in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are reviewing prior to making your final selection. This is equally true whether you participate in an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each program so you can narrow down your options before making your final choice. And with the appropriate education and your commitment to be successful, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Lake City FL.

Some Background on Lake City Florida

Lake City, Florida

Lake City is the county seat of Columbia County,[6]Florida, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city's population was 12,046.[2] It is the principal city of the Lake City Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is composed of Columbia County, and had a 2010 population of 67,531.[7]

Lake City first began as the town of Alligator in 1821 near the Native American settlement Alligator Village. Alligator became the seat of Columbia County in 1832 when it was formed from Duval and Alachua County. In 1858 Alligator was incorporated and renamed Lake City. The largest American Civil War battle in Florida took place near Lake City at the Battle of Olustee in 1864 with a Confederate victory. In 1884 the Florida Agricultural College was established in Lake City until its relocation to Gainesville in 1905 to form part of the University of Florida. The city's sesquicentennial was held in 2009.[8]

Lake City is known as "The Gateway to Florida" because it is adjacent to the intersection of Interstate 75 and Interstate 10. Lake City is the site of Lake City Gateway Airport formerly known as NAS Lake City. Florida Gateway College is located in Lake City.

In 1539 Hernando de Soto and his Spanish expedition arrived in Tampa Bay. The de Soto expedition marched north out of Tampa Bay looking for gold. His expedition met a large Native American group called the northern Utina, possibly near present-day Lake City, which belonged to the western Timucuan. Some northern Utina lived near present-day Lake City who were led by powerful chiefs. In the 17th century Spanish missionaries established missions west of St. Augustine. One Spanish missionary site was established west of present-day Lake City called Santa Cruz de Tarihica that was used to better control the area.[9]

Present-day Lake City was settled in the 18th century as a Seminole community called Alligator Village (Alpata Telophka). Historians don't know when it was established, but its existence was documented by the U.S. Army in 1821. A February 1821 report by Captain John H. Bell mentions that the recent death of the micco (chief) of Alligator Village prevented the micco's attendance at a gathering of chiefs. The most famous resident of Alligator Village was Alligator Warrior (Halpatter Tustenuggee) or simply Chief Alligator. He was the grandson of Micanopy (King) Payne (Mekk-Onvpv Pin) and led Seminole warriors in the Second Seminole War (1835–1842) to prevent the relocation of Florida's Indians to the Arkansas Territory (now known as Oklahoma).