Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Keithville LA 71047 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose a Radiology Technician College near Keithville Louisiana

Keithville LA x-ray tech internship program Congratulations regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Keithville LA in order to learn to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have chosen to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about choosing the right college and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And considering that most states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you may need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you investigate each of the schools you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. A number of potential students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and frequently gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while cost and location need to be considered, there are additional critical qualifications as well. For instance, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are examining are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiology technician does and the credentials and education options that are offered.

Radiology Technician Career Summary

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, each has the same principal job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some elect to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They can practice in Keithville LA clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may 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 frequently analyze its functionality and safety. They are also expected to retain in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Keithville LA medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Tech Degrees

x-ray machine in Keithville LA The primary requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, usually requires 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to complete and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be acceptable as well. One thing to keep in mind is that Keithville LA radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may frequently be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which many schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Louisiana or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, based on the state where you will be practicing you may need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so check with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but several offer other options for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. However, many Keithville LA employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technologist Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Keithville 71047 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree schools. So while you can still obtain your degree online, a substantial amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is usually provided in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Keithville LA home. Students who continue working while earning their degree typically find that the online style of education is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are generally cheaper than traditional options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be reduced as well. But just confirm that the online college you enroll in 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 online classes may be the best option for you.

What to Ask Radiographer Programs

As soon as you have selected the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the process of locating and evaluating Keithville LA x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to determine if you want to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be an important variable also. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you consider when evaluating schools? Well, you should check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details before you make your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are considering.

Are the Radiology Tech Colleges Accredited? Most radiology technician colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still important to make sure 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 review of their teachers and educational materials. If the college is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Keithville LA employers will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry-level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask if the Louisiana radiology tech schools you are interested in have associations with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great means to get practical training in a clinical environment, they are also a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Keithville LA health care community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the radiographer programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Keithville LA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For many students, the school they select will have to be within travelling distance of their Keithville LA home. 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 local internships will be of concern. Something to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally 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 student that prefers to sit far in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Keithville LA schools you are looking at what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the x-ray tech program you finally choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Keithville LA, verify that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Choose to Become an Xray Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you might be asked. Among the questions that recruiters frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not only the private reasons you may have for becoming an Xray technician, but also what attributes and talents you possess that make you good at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, along with a certain number of typical interview questions, so you need to organize some strategies about how you would like to answer them. Because there are several factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the talents you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down a few ideas and anecdotes that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can help you to formulate your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.

Pick the Ideal X-Ray Tech Program near Keithville LA

Selecting the appropriate radiology tech college is a critical first step toward initiating a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs typically stand for the majority of the working day and move 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 observe the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. As has been covered in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are considering prior to making your final selection. This is just as true whether you participate in an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each program so you can focus your choices before making your final choice. And with the proper training and your commitment to succeed, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiology tech in Keithville LA.

Some Background on Keithville Louisiana

Keithville, Louisiana

Keithville is an unincorporated community in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, United States. It lies to the south of Shreveport along U.S. Route 171. Although unincorporated, it has a post office, with the ZIP code of 71047. Along with a large elementary and middle school, Keithville has several gas stations which also serve as restaurants along with a farmers co-operative store. The area mainly serves as a suburb of Shreveport. It has grown in recent years from "white flight" from the city. However, Keithville remains a rural farming community. Keithville residents are known to have very strong family ties. A large number of residents are employed in the oil and gas industry because of the inclusion of Keithville in the Haynesville shale region.[1]

Keithville came into existence when two railroads, the Southern Pacific and the Houston-Shreveport, met on properties of the Keith brothers in the early 1880s.[2] One of the Keith brothers was State Representative Perry Polk Keith, who served four terms from 1912 to 1928.[3]

Perry Keith was born near Macon, Georgia but settled in virgin territory in Caddo Parish when he was three months old with his parents, Henry David Keith and the former Mary Jones. On February 23, 1871, he married the former Narcissa Miller (died 1910) of Caddo Parish.[2] Their children were William Henry Keith (1875-1951), Daniel Wesley Keith (1875-1929), Perry P. Keith, Jr. (1877-1945), David Keith (Perry's twin who died an infant), Mary Slaughter Keith (1880-1931, never married), James Hardy Keith (born and died in 1883), Anna Beulah Keith Darby Cranfield (1885-1966, remarried after death of first husband) of Plaquemine, Louisiana, and Ray Cleveland Keith, who died soon after birth in 1889.[4]

A Democrat, Keith served in the state House alongside David B. Samuel, later a long-term Shreveport city judge, and Lee Emmett Thomas, the Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives from Caddo Parish and later from 1922 to 1930 the mayor of Shreveport.[3] As a legislator, the taciturn Keith is believed to have made no speeches on the House floor during his entire tenure. Instead he became a "cue giver" whose judgment affected the votes of many of his colleagues on critical issues. As chairman of the House Finance Committee during the administration of Governor John M. Parker from 1920 to 1924, Keith worked to maintain state finances on a sound footing and to treat all state agencies and commissions with fairness in regard to budgetary constraints.[2]

The Methodist Keith donated the land for construction of what is now the Keithville United Methodist Church at 11145 Old Mansfield Road. Construction was begun in 1904 by Tom Hudnall, and the first service was held on October 4 of that year. The dedication took place in December 1905. The church installed a brass bell in its steeple. Originally used on a locomotive, the bell came from a plantation in Coushatta in Red River Parish.[5] Keith was also active in the Masonic lodge, the Shriners, and Woodmen of the World.[2]