Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near West Palm Beach FL 33401

How to Pick an X-Ray Tech School near West Palm Beach Florida

West Palm Beach FL x-ray tech internship program Congratulations regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near West Palm Beach FL in order to train to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have made a decision to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle choosing the ideal college and program so that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And since most states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you may require training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you research each of the colleges you are considering in order to evaluate each program. Many students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location need to be taken into account, there are other significant qualifiers as well. For example, you should ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are considering are provided later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and training choices that are available.

X-Ray Technician Occupation Description

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the same primary job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for instance mammography. They can practice in West Palm Beach FL clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech might work with include:

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

Radiographers must care for their equipment and frequently analyze its performance and safety. They are also expected to keep detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As West Palm Beach FL medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Tech Degrees Available

x-ray machine in West Palm Beach FL The primary requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have earned 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 common among techs, usually takes 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to finish and is more comprehensive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are appropriate as well. One thing to keep in mind is that West Palm Beach FL radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may typically be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which many schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Florida or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiographer Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, depending on the state where you will be working you may need to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites differ so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many offer other options for testing also. Several states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous West Palm Beach FL employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technician Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in West Palm Beach 33401 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree colleges. So while you can still obtain your degree online, a significant portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is typically performed in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online segment of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your West Palm Beach FL home. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually discover that the online style of education is far more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are often more affordable than conventional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, costs for study materials and commuting can be lessened also. But just be sure that the online school you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then online classes may be the ideal option for you.

What to Ask Radiographer Schools

As soon as you have chosen the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of locating and evaluating West Palm Beach 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 opt for the latter, then of course the location of the college will be critical. The price of tuition and secondary expenses will be a material factor also. But along with cost and location, what else should you consider when comparing schools? Well, you should check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details before you make your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are reviewing.

Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? The majority of xray tech schools have earned some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still important to make sure that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous 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 distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations 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 obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous West Palm Beach FL health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level openings.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask if the Florida xray technician programs you are interested in have associations with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to get practical training in a clinical environment, they are also a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist graduates and students develop professional relationships in the West Palm Beach FL healthcare community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the radiographer schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with West Palm Beach FL healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the school they pick will need to be within travelling distance of their West Palm Beach FL residence. Those who have opted to attend online classes obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. One thing to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit far in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the West Palm Beach FL schools you are researching what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the radiographer college you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in West Palm Beach FL, make sure that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Desire to Become an X-Ray Tech?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's a good idea to consider questions you might be asked. One of the questions that recruiters typically ask radiographer prospects is "What drove you to choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not just the personal reasons you might have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what qualities and abilities you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, along with a significant number of typical interview questions, so you should prepare a number of strategies about how you would like to respond to them. Since there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you in addition to the abilities you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but take down a few ideas and anecdotes that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Choose the Best Radiology Tech Program near West Palm Beach FL

Picking the best x-ray technician school is a critical first step toward starting a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs frequently stand for the greater part of the workday and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements 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 care to patients. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each college you are considering prior to making your final selection. This is equally true whether you opt for an online school or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each college so you can narrow down your options before making your final choice. And with the right training and your dedication to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a radiology tech in West Palm Beach FL.

Some Background on West 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.