Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Lakeland FL 33801

How to Find an X-Ray Tech School near Lakeland Florida

Lakeland FL x-ray tech internship programCongrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Lakeland FL in order to train to be a radiologic technologist. But now that you have chosen to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you tackle selecting the right school and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And since most states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you may need training to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the schools you are looking at in order to compare each program. Many potential students start by searching 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 consideration, there are other significant qualifiers as well. For example, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are evaluating are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and training options that are offered.

X-Ray Tech Career Summary

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, they all have the identical major job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They may work in Lakeland FL clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech may 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 take care of their equipment plus frequently assess its functionality and safety. They are also expected to keep in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Lakeland FL health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Technician Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Lakeland FLThe standard requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech college is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, normally takes 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to finish and is more expansive in scope. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are acceptable also. One thing to bear in mind is that Lakeland FL radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can frequently be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any licensing or certification mandates in Florida or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an Radiologist college, based on the state where you will be practicing you may need to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria differ so get in touch with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but several accept other alternatives for testing also. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Lakeland FL employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technician Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Lakeland 33801As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree schools. So while you can still earn your online degree, a considerable portion of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is often carried out in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Lakeland FL residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online approach to education is far more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online schools are generally less costly than on-campus options. In addition to reduced tuition, costs for study materials and commuting may be reduced also. But just be sure that the online program you enroll in 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 best option for you.

Questions to Ask Radiology Tech Programs

When you have decided on the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of locating and evaluating Lakeland FL x-ray tech schools. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be a material variable as well. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you look at when reviewing schools? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details before you make your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Tech Programs Accredited? A large number of radiology tech colleges have obtained some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still imperative to make sure that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting organizations 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 review of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also help in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Lakeland FL health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level positions.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Inquire if the Florida xray technician programs you are assessing have associations with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent way to get practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can help graduates and students form professional connections in the Lakeland FL medical community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Lakeland FL healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the college they select will need to be within driving distance of their Lakeland FL home. Individuals who have opted to attend classes online obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to bear 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 normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit far in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Lakeland FL colleges you are researching what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final 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 College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the x-ray tech  program you ultimately pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Lakeland FL, make sure that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Become an Xray Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to reflect on questions you may be asked. One of the questions that interviewers frequently ask radiographer prospects is "What compelled you to choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not just the personal reasons you may have for being a radiology technician, but additionally what attributes and talents you have that make you good at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, in addition to a certain number of general interview questions, so you must prepare a number of approaches about how you would like to answer them. Given that there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you along with the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but take down a few ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.

Pick the Right X-Ray Technician Program near Lakeland FL

Enrolling in the appropriate x-ray tech school is an important first step toward initiating a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs often stand for the majority of the workday and position and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best available patient care. As has been addressed in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each college you are looking at before making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you enroll in an online school or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each school so you can narrow down your options and make your decision. And with the appropriate education and your dedication to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Lakeland FL.

Some Background on Lakeland Florida

Lakeland, Florida

Lakeland is a city in Polk County, Florida, located along Interstate 4 east of Tampa. It is part of the Tampa Bay Area. According to the 2013 U.S. Census Bureau estimate, the city had a population of 100,710.[2] Lakeland is a principal city of the Lakeland–Winter Haven Metropolitan Statistical Area (coterminous with Polk County), which had an estimated population of 623,009 in July 2013 based on data from the University of Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research. It is twinned with Richmond Hill, Ontario; Imabari, Ehime, Japan; Bălți, Moldova; Portmore, Jamaica; and Chongming County, Shanghai, China through the Lakeland chapter of Sister Cities International.

Native Americans began to live in the area 12,000 years ago. White settlers arrived in Lakeland in the 1870s and the city expanded in the 1880s with the arrival of rail service. Lakeland is home to the 1,267-acre Circle B Bar Reserve.

The first Paleo-Indians reached the central Florida area near the end of the last ice age, as they followed big game south.[23][24] As the ice melted and sea levels rose, these Native Americans ended up staying and thrived on the peninsula for thousands of years. By the time the first Spanish conquistadors arrived, more than 250,000 Native Americans were living on the peninsula.[citation needed] Some of these first early tribes were the Tocobago, Timucua, and Calusa. In 1527, a Spanish map showed a settlement near the Rio de la Paz.[23][24] The arrival of the Spanish turned out to be disastrous to these Native American tribes. Within 150 years, the majority of the pre-Columbian Native American peoples of Florida had been wiped out. Those who had not succumbed to diseases such as smallpox or yellow fever were either killed or enslaved.[23][24][25][26] Little is left of these first Native Americans cultures in Polk County except for scant archaeological records, including a few personal artifacts and shell mounds. Eventually, the remnants of these tribes merged with the Creek Indians who had arrived from the north and became the Seminole Indian tribe.[24][26]

Florida became a state in 1845, and Polk County was established in 1861. After the American Civil War, the county seat was established southeast of Lakeland in Bartow. While most of the early history of Polk County centered on the two cities of Bartow and Fort Meade, eventually, people entered the areas in northern Polk County and began settling in the areas which became Lakeland.

Lakeland was first settled in the 1870s and began to develop as the rail lines reached the area in 1884. It was incorporated January 1, 1885. The town was founded by Abraham Munn (a resident of Louisville, Kentucky), who purchased 80 acres (320,000 m2) of land in what is now downtown Lakeland in 1882 and platted the land for the town in 1884. Lakeland was named for the many lakes near the town site.[27]

 

More Cities of Interest in Florida

  • Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Altamonte Springs FL 32701
  • Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Opa Locka FL 33054
  • Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Reddick FL 32686
  • Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Zephyrhills FL 33539
  • Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Chipley FL 32428
  • Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Orlando FL 32801
  • Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Safety Harbor FL 34695
  • Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Davenport FL 33836
  • Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Laurel Hill FL 32567
  • Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Crestview FL 32536
  •  

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 29

    Radiology & Imaging Specialists of Lakeland
    1 Reviews
    Phone:
    2120 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33805
    Radiology & Imaging Specialists
    1 Reviews
    Phone:
    1305 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33805
    Lakeland Surgical & Diagnostic Center
    1 Reviews
    Phone:
    1315 N Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33805
    Phoslab Environmental Services, Inc.
    2 Reviews
    Phone:
    806 W Beacon Rd, Lakeland, FL 33803
    My Life Preventive Imaging
    1 Reviews
    Phone:
    315 Doris Dr, Lakeland, FL 33813
    Jay Care Medical Center
    4 Reviews
    Phone:
    135 E 1st St, Lakeland, FL 33805
    Lakeland Regional Medical Center Foundation
    2 Reviews
    Phone:
    129 S Kentucky Ave, Ste 200, Lakeland, FL 33801
    Watson Clinic Llp Kidney Center
    1 Reviews
    Phone:
    1550 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33805
    VA Lakeland CBOC
    1 Reviews
    Phone:
    4237 South Pipkin Rd, Lakeland, FL 33811
    Lakeland Regional Medical Center Grasslands Campus
    3 Reviews
    Phone:
    3030 Harden Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33803