Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Lake Wales FL 33853 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select a Radiology Tech Program near Lake Wales Florida

Lake Wales FL x-ray tech internship program Best wishes regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Lake Wales FL so you can train to be a radiology technician. And now that you have made a decision to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you undertake choosing the ideal school and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you might need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you investigate each of the schools you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Many prospective students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and frequently gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location should be taken into consideration, there are other significant qualifiers as well. For instance, you must ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the colleges you are evaluating are presented later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and education options that are offered.

Radiology Technician Occupation Description

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, they all have the identical primary job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some opt to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They can practice in Lake Wales FL hospitals, clinics, family 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 routinely analyze its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to retain complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Lake Wales FL medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Technician Degrees

x-ray machine in Lake Wales FL The standard prerequisite for attending a radiology tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. 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 requires 18 months to two years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to finish and is more extensive in scope. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be appropriate also. Something to keep in mind is that Lake Wales FL radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may frequently be fulfilled by taking part in an externship program which many schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Florida or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, depending on the state where you will be practicing you may have to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements differ so contact your state. Currently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but a number provide additional alternatives for testing as well. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is optional. Having said that, numerous Lake Wales FL employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it could improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved 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 ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technician Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Lake Wales 33853 As a part 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 programs. So although you can still earn your degree online, a large portion of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is typically provided in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online section of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Lake Wales FL home. Students who continue working while earning their degree usually find that the online style of education is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are generally less costly than conventional options. Along with reduced tuition, costs for study materials and commuting can be decreased also. But just make certain that the online program you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online degree may be the ideal option for you.

Topics to Ask Radiologic Tech Schools

As soon as you have decided on the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of looking for and assessing Lake Wales FL x-ray technician schools. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a determining variable as well. But along with cost and location, what more should you look at when comparing schools? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details prior to making your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are looking at.

Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? The majority of xray tech schools have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still crucial to make sure 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). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed examination of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial aid and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Lake Wales FL health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry level positions.

Are Internships Offered? Inquire if the Florida xray technician programs you are evaluating have relationships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent means to receive hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may help graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Lake Wales FL health care community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the radiographer programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Lake Wales FL healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the school they select will need to be within commuting distance of their Lake Wales FL home. Those who have opted to attend online classes obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. One thing to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often 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 Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Lake Wales FL schools you are researching what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program as well.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the x-ray tech school you finally select can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Lake Wales FL, confirm that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Become an Xray Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's a good idea to consider questions you may be asked. Among the things that recruiters often ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not just the private reasons you might have for being a radiology technician, but also what attributes and talents you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, along with a significant number of standard interview questions, so you should ready a number of ideas about how you would like to answer them. Given that there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the strengths you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but take down a few ideas and anecdotes that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.

Enroll in the Right Radiology Technician Program near Lake Wales FL

Choosing the ideal radiology tech college is an important first step toward beginning a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs often stand for the greater part of the workday and move and at times lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best possible patient care. As we have addressed in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are considering before making your final decision. This is just as true whether you decide on an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each college so you can focus your options and make your decision. And with the appropriate education and your commitment to be successful, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiographer in Lake Wales FL.

Some Background on Lake Wales Florida

Lake Wales, Florida

Lake Wales is a city in Polk County, Florida, United States. The population was 14,225 at the 2010 census. As of 2014[update], the population estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau is 15,140. It is part of the Lakeland–Winter Haven Metropolitan Statistical Area. Lake Wales is located in central Florida, west of Lake Kissimmee and east of Tampa.

The land around the present city was surveyed in 1879 by Sidney Irving Wailes, who changed the name of a lake, then known as Watts Lake, to Lake Wailes.[5]

The city of Lake Wales was established near the lake in 1911–12, planned by the Lake Wales Land Company.[6] The spelling Wales was used for the city, although the lake is still generally spelled Lake Wailes. Allen Carleton Nydegger, a Civil Engineer, was contracted by the Lake Wales Land Company to plot out the community of Lake Wales. He and his crew camped on the shores of Crystal Lake and spent months plotting out the new community. In 1925 the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad built a new line from Haines City joining lines to Everglades City. A depot was opened on this line at Lake Wales. The City of Lake Wales was officially incorporated in April 1917.[7]

In 2004, Lake Wales endured the effects of three hurricanes which came through the area: Hurricane Charley, Hurricane Frances and Hurricane Jeanne. The three hurricanes brought hurricane-force winds to the Lake Wales area within a space of 44 days.

The town lies near the geographical center of the Florida peninsula. Lake Wales is located on the Lake Wales Ridge,[8] a sandy upland area running roughly parallel to both coasts in the center of the peninsula. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 14.0 square miles (36 km2), of which 13.4 square miles (35 km2) is land and 0.7 square miles (1.8 km2) (4.71%) is water.