Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Ankeny IA 50015 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select an X-Ray Technician Program near Ankeny Iowa

Ankeny IA x-ray tech internship program Congratulations on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Ankeny IA so you can learn to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have chosen to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you undertake choosing the right college and program so that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified professional? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you might require training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you research each of the schools you are considering in order to compare each program. Most students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and often settle on the lowest cost. But while cost and location must be taken into account, there are additional significant qualifiers also. For example, you must find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are examining are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray technician does and the degrees and education choices that are available.

Radiology Tech Job Description

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, they all have the identical fundamental job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some elect to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They may work in Ankeny IA clinics, hospitals, private 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 also regularly evaluate its performance and safety. They are also expected to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Ankeny IA medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Tech Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Ankeny IA The standard requirement for attending an x-ray tech college 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 takes 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to complete and is more extensive in nature. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be acceptable as well. Something to consider is that Ankeny IA radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may often be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any certification or licensing mandates in Iowa or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, based on the state where you will be practicing you might need to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements vary so contact your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but many offer additional options for testing also. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, many Ankeny IA employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technician Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Ankeny 50015 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree colleges. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a considerable amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is usually provided in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Ankeny IA home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically discover that the online approach to learning is far more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online programs are often cheaper than conventional options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be lessened also. But just make certain that the online college you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online degree may be the right choice for you.

Points to Ask Radiology Tech Colleges

As soon as you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of finding and assessing Ankeny IA x-ray technician schools. You will also need to determine if you want to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a determining factor also. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you look at when reviewing colleges? Well, you should find out if the schools 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 must ask the schools you are considering.

Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? The majority of radiology tech colleges have received some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to verify 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). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous evaluation of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial aid 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 Ankeny IA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out if the Iowa xray technician programs you are interested in have partnerships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent way to receive practical training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist students and graduates form professional relationships in the Ankeny IA health care community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the radiographer schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Ankeny IA healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the school they choose will have to be within travelling distance of their Ankeny IA home. Individuals who have chosen to attend classes online 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 college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Ankeny IA colleges you are looking at what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to converse with several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the radiographer program you finally choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Ankeny IA, confirm that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Want to Be a Radiology Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to review questions you might be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers typically ask radiographer prospects is "What compelled you to pick radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not merely the personal reasons you might have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but also what qualities and skills you possess that make you good 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 need to prepare several ideas about how you want to answer them. Because there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the abilities you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but take down some concepts and talking points that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Choose the Right Radiology Tech School near Ankeny IA

Selecting the appropriate radiology tech degree program is a critical first step toward beginning a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs frequently stand for the greater part of the working day and position and at times lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to follow 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. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and provide the best available care to patients. As has been discussed in this report, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are assessing before making your ultimate selection. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online program or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each school so you can focus your options and make your decision. And with the right training and your dedication to be successful, you can realize your goal to work as a radiographer in Ankeny IA.

Some Background on Ankeny Iowa

Ankeny, Iowa

Ankeny is a city in Polk County, Iowa, United States and home to Des Moines Area Community College. The population was 45,562 in the 2010 census, an increase of 68% from the 27,117 population in the 2000 census.[4][5] It is part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is one of the most affluent cities in all of Iowa.

Ankeny was founded by John and Sarah Ankeny in 1875 and was incorporated on February 28, 1903.[6] A railroad link from Des Moines through Ankeny to Ames was completed in 1874 and passenger service established in 1880.[6]

Coal mining became an important activity in the Ankeny area in the early 20th century. The Anderson Coal Company sank a shaft 2 miles (3 km) southeast of Ankeny in 1908. Enterprise, 4 miles (6 km) east of Ankeny, was the company town of the Enterprise Coal Company, with two large mines opened in 1903 and 1907.[7] In 1914, the Enterprise Coal Company produced over 100,000 tons of coal, ranking among the top 24 coal producers in the state.[8] In 1912, United Mine Workers Local 2476 in Ankeny had 246 members, over half of the total population at the time, and Local 2511 in Enterprise had 395 members.[9]

Ankeny started off as just one square mile, and just 445 people. Electricity was first introduced in 1907. Ankeny's first fire department was established in 1907 and was volunteer-based. They had only three ladders and 14 water pails when the department started.[6]

During World War II Ankeny was home to a federal ordnance plant that manufactured ammunition. After the war, Deere & Company purchased the plant for its Des Moines Works, while Iowa State University used the remainder of the land for its research farm. In June 2005 ISU sold the land to the city of Ankeny, which in turn sold it to Dennis Albaugh, who is currently developing it into a mixed-use development known as "Prairie Trail."[10]