Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Palm Beach FL 33480

How to Choose an X-Ray Tech College near Palm Beach Florida

Palm Beach FL x-ray tech internship programBest wishes on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Palm Beach FL so you can learn to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have decided to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about picking the ideal school and program to ensure that you will get the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And considering that most states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you might need training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you research each of the schools you are considering so that you can compare each program. Many prospective students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and often settle on the most affordable cost. But while location and cost must be considered, there are other significant qualifiers also. For instance, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the schools you are considering are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and education choices that are offered.

Radiology Tech Career Description

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the same principal job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They may work in Palm Beach FL clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech may utilize include:

  • Traditional and specialized X-Rays
  • Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Sonography or ultrasound
  • Fluoroscopy

Radiographers must take care of their equipment and also routinely evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally required to keep in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Palm Beach FL health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Tech Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Palm Beach FLThe basic prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, generally requires 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to complete and is more comprehensive in nature. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be acceptable as well. Something to keep in mind is that Palm Beach FL radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may often be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. After 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.

Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, depending on the state where you will be practicing you may have to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so contact your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will recognize 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 a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, many Palm Beach FL employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Tech Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Palm Beach 33480As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges 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 online degree, a significant portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is usually carried out in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Palm Beach FL home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online approach to learning is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are often less costly than on-campus alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be lessened also. But just make certain that the online college you choose is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online school may be the right option for you.

Questions to Ask Radiology Tech Colleges

When you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can start the process of looking for and evaluating Palm Beach FL x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to determine if you want to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be important. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be an important variable also. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you consider when comparing schools? Well, you need to ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details before you make your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are reviewing.

Are the Radiology Tech Programs Accredited? A large number of radiology tech colleges have earned some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still important to confirm that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed review of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Palm Beach FL employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level positions.

Are Internships Sponsored? Find out if the Florida radiology tech colleges you are interested in have partnerships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent way to receive hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are also a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Palm Beach FL health care community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Palm Beach FL healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the school they choose will need to be within commuting distance of their Palm Beach FL residence. Students who have decided to attend classes online obviously will not have to trouble 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 college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly 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 student that prefers to sit far in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Palm Beach FL colleges you are looking at 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 determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program also.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the radiographer  college you ultimately pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Palm Beach FL, verify that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you could be asked. Among the questions that recruiters frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not only the private reasons you might have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but additionally what qualities and abilities you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will likely be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, along with a significant number of standard interview questions, so you should organize several ideas about how you would like to answer them. Considering there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the abilities you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but take down a few concepts and anecdotes that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Select the Best Radiology Technician Program near Palm Beach FL

Picking the right x-ray technician degree program is a critical first step toward launching a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs often stand for the greater part of the workday and position and sometimes lift the patient to obtain 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. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and provide the best available care to patients. As we have covered in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are assessing before making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you enroll in an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices before making your decision. And with the appropriate education and your dedication to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a radiographer in Palm Beach FL.

Some Background on Palm Beach Florida

West Palm Beach, Florida

West Palm Beach is a city in and the county seat of Palm Beach County, Florida, United States.[6] It is one of the three main cities in South Florida. The population was 100,343 (revised) at the 2010 census. The University of Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR) estimates a 2016 population of 108,896, a 7.9% increase from 2010. It is the oldest municipality in the Miami metropolitan area, having been incorporated as a city two years before Miami in November 1894. Although West Palm Beach is located approximately 68 miles (109 km) north of Downtown Miami, it is still considered a principal city within the Miami metropolitan area, due to the solid urbanization between both cities. The estimated population of the Miami metropolitan area, which includes all of Palm Beach County, was 6,012,331 people at the 2015 census.

The beginning of the historic period in south Florida is marked by Juan Ponce de León's first contact with native people in 1513. Europeans found a thriving native population, which they categorized into separate tribes: the Mayaimi in the Lake Okeechobee Basin and the Jaega and Ais people in the East Okeechobee area and on the east coast north of the Tequesta. When the Spanish arrived, there were perhaps about 20,000 Native Americans in south Florida. By 1763, when the English gained control of Florida, the native peoples had all but been wiped out through war, enslavement, or European diseases.[7]

Other native peoples from Alabama and Georgia moved into Florida in the early 18th century. They were of varied ancestry, but Europeans called them all "Creeks." In Florida, they were known as the Seminole and Miccosukee Indians. The Seminoles clashed with American settlers over land and over escaped slaves who found refuge among them. They resisted the government's efforts to move them to the Indian Territory west of the Mississippi. Between 1818 and 1858, three wars were fought between Seminoles and the United States government. By 1858, there were very few Seminoles remaining in Florida.[8]

The area that was to become West Palm Beach was settled in the late 1870s and 1880s by a few hundred settlers who called the vicinity "Lake Worth Country." These settlers were a diverse community from different parts of the United States and the world. They included founding families such at the Potters and the Lainharts, who would go on to become leading members of the business community in the fledgling city. The first white settlers in Palm Beach County lived around Lake Worth, then an enclosed freshwater lake, named for Colonel William Jenkins Worth, who had fought in the Second Seminole War in Florida in 1842. Most settlers engaged in the growing of tropical fruits and vegetables for shipment the north via Lake Worth and the Indian River. By 1890, the U.S. Census counted over 200 people settled along Lake Worth in the vicinity of what would become West Palm Beach. The area at this time also boasted a hotel, the "Cocoanut House", a church, and a post office. The city was platted by Henry Flagler as a community to house the servants working in the two grand hotels on the neighboring island of Palm Beach, across Lake Worth in 1893, coinciding with the arrival of the Florida East Coast railroad. Flagler paid two area settlers, Captain Porter and Louie Hillhouse, a combined sum of $45,000 for the original town site, stretching from Clear Lake to Lake Worth.

On November 5, 1894, 78 people met at the "Calaboose" (the first jail and police station located at Clematis St. and Poinsettia, now Dixie Hwy.) and passed the motion to incorporate the Town of West Palm Beach in what was then Dade County (now Miami-Dade County).[9] This made West Palm Beach the first incorporated municipality in Dade County and in South Florida. The town council quickly addressed the building codes and the tents and shanties were replaced by brick, brick veneer, and stone buildings. The city grew steadily during the 1890s and the first two decades of the 20th century, most residents were engaged in the tourist industry and related services or winter vegetable market and tropical fruit trade. In 1909, Palm Beach County was formed by the Florida State Legislature and West Palm Beach became the county seat. In 1916, a new neo-classical courthouse was opened, which has been painstakingly restored back to its original condition, and is now used as the local history museum.

 

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