Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Somerset KY 42501 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find an X-Ray Tech College near Somerset Kentucky

Somerset KY x-ray tech internship program Best wishes regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Somerset KY in order to train to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have made a decision to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you set about choosing the right school and program so that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And because the majority of states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you might require training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you research each of the colleges you are looking at in order to compare each program. A number of potential students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and typically settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location should be taken into account, there are additional critical qualifiers as well. For instance, you must find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are evaluating are presented later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic technician does and the degrees and training choices that are available.

Radiology Technician Career Summary

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have the identical fundamental job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some opt to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, such as mammography. They can work in Somerset KY 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 have to take care of their equipment plus frequently assess its performance and safety. They are additionally required to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Somerset KY health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degrees

x-ray machine in Somerset KY The primary 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 prevalent among techs, normally takes 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to complete and is more extensive in nature. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are acceptable as well. One thing to keep in mind is that Somerset KY radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may frequently be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which many schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Kentucky or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an Radiologist program, based on the state where you will be employed you might need to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but a number accept other alternatives for testing as well. Several states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, numerous Somerset KY employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it might improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technician Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Somerset 42501 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 even though you can still obtain your degree online, a considerable amount of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is often conducted in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online segment of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Somerset KY residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online approach to education is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are generally less expensive than on-campus alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials may be lessened as well. But just confirm that the online school you enroll in 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 ideal choice for you.

What to Ask Radiology Tech Programs

When you have selected the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of locating and assessing Somerset KY x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or travel to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a material factor as well. But along with cost and location, what else should you consider when comparing schools? Well, you should ask 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 need to ask the colleges you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? Most xray technician schools have received some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, 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 an extensive assessment of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on 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 guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Somerset KY employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Ask if the Kentucky radiology technician colleges you are reviewing have partnerships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to receive practical training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Somerset KY healthcare community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are assessing have job assistance 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 Somerset KY healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the college they choose will have to be within travelling distance of their Somerset KY home. Those who have opted 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 importance. One thing to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit far in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Somerset KY schools you are considering 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 ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to converse with some of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program as well.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the x-ray tech school you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Somerset KY, verify that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an option 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 might miss as a result of illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Want to Become a Radiology Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to review questions you may be asked. Among the things that hiring managers typically ask radiographer candidates is "What made you choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not only the private reasons you may have for being a radiology technician, but also what attributes and talents you have that make you good at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, in addition to a significant number of general interview questions, so you should organize a number of ideas about how you would like to respond to them. Because there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you along with the abilities you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but jot down a few ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can help you to develop your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.

Pick the Right Radiology Technician College near Somerset KY

Selecting the appropriate x-ray technician school is an important first step toward starting a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs typically stand for the majority of the workday and position and in some cases lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. As has been addressed in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each college you are considering prior to making your ultimate selection. This is just as true whether you enroll in an online program or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each program so you can narrow down your choices before making your final choice. And with the proper education and your motivation to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiographer in Somerset KY.

Some Background on Somerset Kentucky

Somerset, Kentucky

Somerset is a home rule-class city in Pulaski County, Kentucky, United States. The city population was 11,196 according to the 2010 census.

Somerset was first settled in 1798 by Thomas Hansford and received its name from Somerset County, New Jersey, where some of the early settlers had formerly lived. Somerset became the Pulaski County seat in 1802, and it was incorporated as a city in 1887. A significant Civil War battle was fought in January 1862, at Mill Springs (now "Nancy") about 8 miles (13 km) west of Somerset, and a museum is at the site. A smaller battle was fought nearby at Dutton's Hill in 1863. In 1875 tracks for the Southern Railroad were completed and Somerset saw a sudden population growth and an increase in industry.[2] In the late 1930s and early 1940s, library services were provided by the pack horse library.[3][4] The completion of Lake Cumberland in 1950 transformed Somerset from a sleepy rural community into one of the largest recreation centers in Kentucky, drawing more than 1.7 million visitors annually, especially between the Memorial and Labor Day holidays.

Somerset is located at 37°4′59″N 84°36′34″W / 37.08306°N 84.60944°W / 37.08306; -84.60944 (37.082966, -84.609387),[5] and the downtown (central) part of the city is at an elevation of 974 feet above sea level. The city is located at the eastern end of Kentucky's Mississippian Plateau (or Pennyroyal Plateau); however, the micropolitan area extends eastward into the Appalachian Plateau (or Eastern Kentucky Coalfield), and northward to Kentucky's Outer Bluegrass region. Thus, the area shows significant variations in landforms and scenery.

Nearby Lake Cumberland is one of the largest man-made lakes in the world (101 miles in length, with an average depth of 85 feet (26 m) and a normal pool containing more than 2 trillion gallons of water). Somerset is also near Cumberland Falls and the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area; its tourism industries are, in part, due to its scenic and varied landscape.[6]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.3 square miles (29 km2), of which 11.3 square miles (29 km2) is land and 0.09% is water.