Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Gretna LA 70053 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Pick a Radiology Technician Program near Gretna Louisiana

Gretna LA x-ray tech internship program Congratulations regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Gretna LA so you can become a radiologic technician. But now that you have chosen to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you go about picking the right school and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that most states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you may need preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you research each of the colleges you are considering so that you can compare each program. Many potential students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and often settle on the lowest cost. But while location and cost must be considered, there are other important qualifications also. For instance, you need to ask 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 post. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and training options that are available.

X-Ray Technician Career Description

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, each has the identical primary job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many elect to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They can work in Gretna LA clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist might utilize include:

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

Radiographers have to maintain their equipment and also routinely evaluate its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to retain detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Gretna LA medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Tech Degrees

x-ray machine in Gretna LA The standard requirement for attending an x-ray tech college is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate 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 up to four years to complete and is more expansive in scope. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are appropriate also. Something to bear in mind is that Gretna LA radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may often be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification requirements in Louisiana or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, based on the state where you will be working you might need to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so check with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but many accept additional options for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, many Gretna LA employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might improve 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 rigorous examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technologist Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Gretna 70053 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 programs. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a significant portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is usually provided in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Gretna LA home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree often discover that the online style of education is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are frequently less costly than conventional alternatives. Along with lower tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be reduced also. But just make sure 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 structured type of training, then an online degree may be the ideal option for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiographer Colleges

Once you have chosen the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of searching for and evaluating Gretna LA x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a material factor as well. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you factor in when comparing colleges? Well, you should check out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details before you make your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? The majority of xray technician colleges have earned some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still important to make sure that the program and school 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 earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous evaluation of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it might also earn 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 premium education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Gretna LA employers will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry level jobs.

Are Internships Provided? Ask if the Louisiana radiology technician colleges you are assessing have partnerships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent way to obtain hands on training in a clinical environment, they are also a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help graduates and students establish professional connections in the Gretna LA health care community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the radiographer schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Gretna LA healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they select will have to be within driving distance of their Gretna LA residence. Those who have decided to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something 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 have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit far in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Gretna LA schools you are looking at what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program as well.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the x-ray tech college you ultimately pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Gretna LA, check that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.

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

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to review questions you may be asked. One of the things that recruiters typically ask radiographer prospects is "What made you choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not merely the private reasons you may have for being an Xray technician, but additionally what attributes and skills you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, in addition to a certain number of routine interview questions, so you must organize some approaches about how you would like to respond to them. Considering there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the abilities you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the ideal candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but jot down several ideas and anecdotes that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Select the Best Radiology Technician Program near Gretna LA

Enrolling in the appropriate x-ray tech college is a crucial first step toward initiating a fulfilling new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the greater part of the workday and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing social skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. As we have addressed in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are looking at before making your final decision. This is just as true whether you opt for an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each program so you can focus your options and make your decision. And with the appropriate education and your dedication to be successful, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiographer in Gretna LA.

Some Background on Gretna Louisiana

Gretna, Louisiana

Gretna is the second-largest city and parish seat of Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States. [4][5] Gretna is on the west bank of the Mississippi River, just east and across the river from uptown New Orleans. It is part of the New Orleans–Metairie–Kenner Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 17,736 at the 2010 census.[6]

Gretna is located at 29°54′59″N 90°3′15″W / 29.91639°N 90.05417°W / 29.91639; -90.05417 (29.916459, -90.054260) [7] and has an elevation of 0 feet (0 m)[1] behind the levee along the Mississippi River.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.9 square miles (10 km2), of which 3.5 sq mi (9.1 km2) is land and 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km2) (9.33%) is water.

Gretna was settled in 1836,[8] originally as Mechanicsham, growing with a station on the Mississippi River for the Missouri Pacific Railroad, Texas and Pacific Railway, and Southern Pacific Railroad, with a ferry across the River to New Orleans. The famous spice-maker Zatarain's was founded here in 1889. Gretna was incorporated in 1913, absorbing the section of McDonogh within the Jefferson Parish boundaries. In the 1940 census, Gretna had a population of 10,879.

The city and its police received considerable press coverage when, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina (late August 2005), people who attempted to escape from New Orleans by walking over the Crescent City Connection bridge over the Mississippi River were turned back at gunpoint by City of Gretna Police, along with Crescent City Connection Police and Jefferson Parish Sheriff's deputies, who set up a roadblock on the bridge in the days following the hurricane. According to eyewitnesses, some officers threatened to shoot those coming from New Orleans as they attempted to cross into Gretna on foot, and shots were fired overhead.[9][10][11]