Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Logansport IN 46947 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose a Radiologic Tech School near Logansport Indiana

Logansport IN x-ray tech internship program Congratulations on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Logansport IN in order to train to be a radiologic technician. And now that you have decided to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you set about selecting the right college and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you may need training to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you research each of the schools you are considering in order to evaluate each program. Most students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and frequently settle on the lowest cost. But while cost and location need to be taken into account, there are other important qualifications as well. For example, you must ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are reviewing are provided later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and training choices that are offered.

Radiology Technician Work Description

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, each has the same fundamental job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some opt to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They may work in Logansport IN clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist may utilize 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 also routinely assess its performance and safety. They are also required to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Logansport IN health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Tech Degree Options

x-ray machine in Logansport IN The standard requirement for attending a radiology tech program is to have attained 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 requires 18 months to two years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to complete and is more comprehensive in scope. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are appropriate also. One thing to consider is that Logansport IN radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Indiana or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an Radiologist school, based on the state where you will be working you may have to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites vary so check with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but several offer other options for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is optional. Having said that, many Logansport IN employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it might enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technician Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Logansport 46947 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree programs. So even though you can still obtain your online degree, a considerable portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is often provided in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Logansport IN home. Students who continue working while earning their degree often find that the online approach to education is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are often less expensive than conventional options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be lessened also. But just confirm that the online program you choose is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online degree may be the right option for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiology Tech Schools

Once you have selected the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the process of finding and evaluating Logansport IN x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or travel to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be relevant. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a material variable also. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you look at when evaluating schools? Well, you need to find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these important details before you make your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Tech Colleges Accredited? Most radiology tech schools have earned some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still imperative to confirm that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous assessment of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Logansport IN health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level openings.

Are Internships Sponsored? Inquire if the Indiana radiology tech schools you are reviewing have partnerships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent way to receive hands on training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Logansport IN health care community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Logansport IN healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the college they decide on will have to be within commuting distance of their Logansport IN home. Those who have decided to attend online classes naturally 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 bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit way in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Logansport IN schools you are researching what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to converse with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program as well.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the radiographer program you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Logansport IN, confirm that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.

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

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you may be asked. Among the questions that recruiters frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not merely the private reasons you might have for being an Xray technician, but also what qualities and skills you have that make you good at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, in addition to a significant number of routine interview questions, so you must prepare some strategies about how you want to answer them. Since there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down some concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.

Pick the Best Radiology Technician Program near Logansport IN

Picking the appropriate x-ray technician school is a crucial first step toward starting a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must 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 correct image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and provide the best available care to patients. As has been addressed in this report, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are looking at before making your final selection. This is just as true whether you enroll in an online program or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each school so you can focus your choices before making your decision. And with the right education and your motivation to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Logansport IN.

Some Background on Logansport Indiana

Logansport, Indiana

Logansport is a city in and the county seat of Cass County, Indiana, United States.[6] The population was 18,396 at the 2010 census. Logansport is located in northern Indiana at the junction of the Wabash and Eel rivers, northeast of Lafayette.

Logansport was settled circa 1826 and named for a half Shawnee soldier named James Renick-Logan, better known as “Captain Logan” who served as a scout for U.S. forces in the surrounding area during the War of 1812.[7]

Logansport is home to a refurbished Dentzel Carousel.[8] Of many carousels built by the Dentzel Carousel Company, the refurbished Dentzel Carousel is "one of the three earliest Dentzel menagerie carousels that are virtually intact".[9] The carousel resides in Riverside Park on the banks of the Eel River. Riders may attempt to grab a brass ring while riding, this carousel game serves as the current basis for the local economic-development slogan “Logansport – Cass County: Grab the brass ring”. The Carousel is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a national landmark.[10] Also listed on the National Register of Historic Places are the Bankers Row Historic District, Courthouse Historic District, Ferguson House, Jerolaman-Long House, John Keip House, Kendrick-Baldwin House, Willard B. Place House, Point Historic District, Pollard-Nelson House, and Henry Tousley House.[11]

Logansport Community High School is the home of the oldest known high school mascot in Indiana, Felix the Cat.[12] Three competing legends claim to tell its origin story, however all accounts agree that at some point between 1925 and 1926, Felix the Cat was brought into the high school's tradition.[13]

Logansport also has a diverse transportation history. The Wabash and Erie Canal reached Logansport in 1837, contributing the “port” to Logansport's name, as in “Logan's port”. The Historic Michigan Road runs through Logansport. Michigan Road was one of the first roads in Indiana. It runs from Madison, Indiana (South), to Michigan City, Indiana (North).There are many different names for the road, including Michigan Road, State Road 29, and US 421. Also several different passenger and freight train routes also served Logansport. The Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen and Ladies Auxiliary held its 1935 convention in Logansport. Logansport still has two active railroads and a switch yard, as well as a small refurbished depot downtown, although the much larger Pan Handle Depot was demolished in 1962.