Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Waterloo IA 50701

How to Select a Radiology Technician Degree Program near Waterloo Iowa

Waterloo IA x-ray tech internship programCongratulations on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Waterloo IA in order to train to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have decided to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you undertake choosing the ideal school and program to ensure that you will get the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And because the majority of states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you may require preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you research each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can compare each program. Many students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and typically settle on the most affordable cost. But while expense and location need to be taken into consideration, there are additional significant qualifications as well. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are examining are provided later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic technician does and the degrees and education choices that are offered.

X-Ray Tech Career Summary

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, they all have the identical major job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many opt to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for example mammography. They can work in Waterloo IA clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may work with include:

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

Radiographers must maintain their equipment plus regularly assess its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to retain detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Waterloo IA medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Technician Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Waterloo IAThe basic requirement for attending an x-ray tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, normally requires 18 months to two years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to complete and is more comprehensive in scope. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable as well. One thing to consider is that Waterloo IA radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can frequently be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of 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 requirements in Iowa or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an Radiologist program, depending on the state where you will be practicing you may need to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria vary so contact your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but a number approve additional alternatives for testing also. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. However, many Waterloo IA employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it could improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technician Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Waterloo 50701As 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 schools. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a large portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is usually carried out in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Waterloo IA residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree often discover that the online style of learning is much more practical with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are generally more affordable than on-campus alternatives. Along with lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials may be reduced as well. But just make certain that the online school you choose is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online school may be the right option for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiographer Programs

Once you have chosen the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of looking for and assessing Waterloo IA x-ray tech schools. You will also need to decide if you want to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the school will be important. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be an important factor also. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you factor in when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details prior to making your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are considering.

Are the Radiology Technician Colleges Accredited? The majority of xray technician colleges have earned some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still crucial to verify 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 obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous evaluation of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online 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 help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Waterloo IA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Ask if the Iowa radiology technician colleges you are reviewing have associations with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great means to receive practical experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can help graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Waterloo IA medical community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Waterloo IA healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the school they pick will need to be within commuting distance of their Waterloo IA residence. Students who have chosen to attend classes online obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. 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 might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit way in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Waterloo IA schools you are reviewing what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to converse with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the x-ray tech  program you ultimately pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Waterloo IA, check that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Decide to Be an X-Ray Tech?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to reflect on questions you might be asked. Among the questions that interviewers frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not just the private reasons you might have for being an Xray technician, but additionally what qualities and talents you have that make you good at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, along with a certain number of routine interview questions, so you must organize a number of ideas about how you want to answer them. Because there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you in addition to the strengths you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the ideal candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but jot down some ideas and topics that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.

Pick the Ideal Radiology Tech College near Waterloo IA

Enrolling in the right x-ray tech degree program is a crucial first step toward initiating a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the greater part of the day and move and at times lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and provide the best available care to patients. As has been addressed in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are looking at prior to making your final decision. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online school or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each program so you can narrow down your options and make your final choice. And with the right education and your commitment to be successful, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Waterloo IA.

Some Background on Waterloo Iowa

Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo is a city in and the county seat of Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States.[4] As of the 2010 United States Census the population decreased by 0.5% to 68,406;[5] the 2014 Census estimates the population at 68,364, making it the sixth-largest city in the state.[6] The city is part of the Waterloo – Cedar Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area, and is the more populous of the two cities.

Waterloo was originally known as Prairie Rapids Crossing.[7] The town was established[citation needed] near two Meskwaki American tribal seasonal camps alongside the Cedar River. It was first settled in 1845 when George and Mary Melrose Hanna and their children arrived on the east bank of the Red Cedar River (now just called the Cedar River). They were followed by the Virden and Mullan families in 1846. Evidence of these earliest families can still be found in the street names Hanna Boulevard, Mullan Avenue and Virden Creek.

On December 8, 1845, the Iowa State Register and Waterloo Herald was the first newspaper published in Waterloo.[8]

The name "Waterloo" supplanted the original name, "Prairie Rapids Crossing," shortly after Charles Mullan petitioned for a post office in the town. Since the signed petition did not include the name of the proposed post office location, Mullan was charged with selecting the name when he submitted the petition. Tradition has it that as he flipped through a list of other post offices in the United States, he came upon the name "Waterloo." The name struck his fancy, and on December 29, 1851, a post office was established under that name. The town was later called the same, and Mullan served as the first postmaster from December 29, 1851 until August 11, 1854.

There were two extended periods of rapid growth over the next 115 years. From 1895 to 1915, the population increased from 8,490 to 33,097, a 290% increase. From 1925 to 1960, population increased from 36,771 to 71,755. The 1895 to 1915 period was a time of the rapid growth in manufacturing, rail transportation and wholesale operations. During this period the Waterloo Gasoline Traction Engine Company moved to Waterloo and shortly after, the Rath Packing Company moved from Dubuque. Another major employer throughout the first two-thirds of the 20th century was the Illinois Central Railroad. Among the others was the less-successful brass era automobile manufacturer, the Maytag-Mason Motor Company.[9]

 

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