Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Land o Lakes FL 34639

How to Select a Radiology Technician Degree Program near Land o Lakes Florida

Land o Lakes FL x-ray tech internship program Congratulations on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Land o Lakes FL so you can become a radiologic technologist. But now that you have decided to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about picking the ideal school and program so that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And because the majority of states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you may need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you research each of the schools you are looking at so that you can compare each program. A number of students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and frequently settle on the most affordable cost. But while location and cost should be considered, there are other critical qualifiers also. For instance, you should 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 provided later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology technician does and the degrees and training choices that are available.

X-Ray Technician Job Description

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the same fundamental job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some choose to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for instance mammography. They may work in Land o Lakes FL clinics, hospitals, 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 take care of their equipment and frequently evaluate its performance and safety. They are also expected to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Land o Lakes FL medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Land o Lakes FL The basic requirement for attending a radiology tech college is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, normally requires 18 months to 2 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 expansive in scope. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are acceptable also. One thing to keep in mind is that Land o Lakes FL radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may often be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification mandates in Florida or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiographer Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an Radiologist program, depending on the state where you will be working you might need to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria differ so contact your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many approve additional alternatives for testing as well. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. However, many Land o Lakes FL employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Tech Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Land o Lakes 34639 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree schools. So although you can still obtain your online degree, a substantial portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is often carried out in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online portion of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Land o Lakes FL home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online style of learning is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are often less costly than traditional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be decreased as well. But just make certain that the online college you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online school may be the right choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs

After you have decided on the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of searching for and evaluating Land o Lakes FL x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a determining variable as well. But along with location and cost, what else should you consider when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details before you make your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? Most xray tech colleges have earned some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still important to confirm that the program and school 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 earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive assessment of their teachers and course materials. If the college is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also help in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Land o Lakes FL employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level openings.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Inquire if the Florida radiology tech programs you are evaluating have relationships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent means to get practical experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help graduates and students develop professional connections in the Land o Lakes FL healthcare community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Land o Lakes FL healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the school they choose will need to be within commuting distance of their Land o Lakes FL home. Students who have decided to attend online classes obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit way in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Land o Lakes FL schools you are researching what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program also.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the radiographer school you ultimately select can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Land o Lakes FL, confirm that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Radiology Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to reflect on questions you could be asked. One of the questions that interviewers typically ask radiographer applicants is "What made you choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not only the personal reasons you may have for becoming an Xray technician, but also what qualities and abilities you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, in addition to a certain number of typical interview questions, so you should ready several strategies about how you want to answer them. Because there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the talents you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but take down a few ideas and talking points that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Choose the Best Radiology Tech College near Land o Lakes FL

Picking the ideal x-ray technician college is an important first step toward initiating a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs often stand for the majority of the working day and position and at times lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and furnish the best possible patient care. As has been covered in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are looking at before making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you participate in an online program or drive to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each school so you can focus your options and make your decision. And with the appropriate training and your dedication to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Land o Lakes FL.

Some Background on Land o Lakes Florida

Land O' Lakes, Florida

Land O' Lakes is a census-designated place (CDP) in Pasco County, Florida, United States. Land O' Lakes is part of the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida MSA.

As of the 2010 census, the CDP population was 31,145.[4] The CDP grew rapidly during the 1990s, growing from 7,800 residents to 20,971 as new housing developments were built. Average annual income is higher than the rest of Florida.[1] The CDP had a population in 2007 of 30,400 residents.[5] The name Land O' Lakes was suggested at a community meeting in 1949. On Sept. 1, 1950, the Ehren post office was renamed Land O' Lakes.

Dupree Gardens, one of Florida's original roadside tourist attractions, was located at Land O' Lakes (although the name Land O' Lakes was not yet in use).

Land O' Lakes has been growing very rapidly in the past 10 to 20 years. Nearby former towns have been absorbed into Land O' Lakes such as Denham, Ehren, and Gowers Corner. New neighborhoods, shopping, and schools have been built. It is also a member of the Pasco County Library Cooperative with a library branch, the Land O' Lakes Branch Library, at 2818 Collier Parkway, Land O' Lakes, Florida 34639.

As of the census[2] of 2010, there were 31,145 people, 11,230 households, and 8,286 families residing in the CDP.[7] The population density was 1,126.5 people per square mile (434.9/km²). There were 8,257 housing units at an average density of 443.6/sq mi (171.2/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 86.9% White, 6.2% African American, 0.1% Native American, 3.4% Asian, 2.0% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 11.7% of the population.[8] The subdivision of Carpenter's Run was used for filming the 1990 film Edward Scissorhands.[9]