Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Lafayette LA 70501 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find a Radiology Technician Program near Lafayette Louisiana

Lafayette LA x-ray tech internship program Congratulations on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Lafayette LA in order to learn to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have decided to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you go about picking the ideal school and program so that you will receive the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that most states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you may require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you assess each of the colleges you are considering in order to evaluate each program. Most potential students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and typically settle on the most affordable cost. But while location and cost need to be taken into account, there are additional critical qualifications as well. For example, you need to ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are reviewing are provided later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and education options that are offered.

X-Ray Technician Job Summary

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the same principal job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They may practice in Lafayette LA clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist 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 care for their equipment and frequently evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to keep detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Lafayette LA medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degree Options

x-ray machine in Lafayette LA The basic prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech school 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 technicians, generally requires 18 months to two years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to complete and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be acceptable also. Something to keep in mind is that Lafayette LA radiographer colleges 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 schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. 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

After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, based on the state where you will be practicing you might need to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their requirements differ so check with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but a number offer additional alternatives for testing as well. A number of states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, many Lafayette LA employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technologist Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Lafayette 70501 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree colleges. So while you can still earn your online degree, a significant amount of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is typically performed in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Lafayette LA residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically discover that the online approach to education is far more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online schools are frequently cheaper than conventional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be decreased as well. But just make certain that the online school you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online school may be the best choice for you.

Questions to Ask Radiographer Programs

When you have chosen the type of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of locating and assessing Lafayette LA x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be an important factor as well. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you look at when comparing schools? 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 prior to making your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are considering.

Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? The majority of radiology tech colleges have acquired some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still crucial to confirm that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly regarded 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 undergone an extensive evaluation of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it might also receive 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. Along with guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Lafayette LA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level jobs.

Are Internships Offered? Inquire if the Louisiana radiology technician programs you are assessing have relationships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific way to receive hands on training in a clinical environment, they are also a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist students and graduates form professional relationships in the Lafayette LA health care community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Lafayette LA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For many students, the school they decide on will have to be within travelling distance of their Lafayette LA home. Individuals who have chosen to attend online classes obviously 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 decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently 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 likes to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Lafayette LA schools you are reviewing what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program also.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the radiographer program you finally choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Lafayette LA, verify that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.

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

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to consider questions you might be asked. Among the questions that recruiters often ask radiographer applicants is "What made you choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not just the personal reasons you might have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but additionally what characteristics and abilities you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will likely be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, in addition to a certain number of routine interview questions, so you should prepare a number of ideas about how you would like to answer them. Considering there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the talents you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but write down several ideas and topics that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Pick the Best Radiology Technician School near Lafayette LA

Enrolling in the ideal x-ray technician degree program is a critical first step toward launching a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs typically stand for the greater part of the working day and position and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and furnish the best available patient care. As has been discussed in this report, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are considering before making your final selection. This is just as true whether you enroll in an online school or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices before making your final choice. And with the proper training and your motivation to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as a radiology tech in Lafayette LA.

Some Background on Lafayette Louisiana

Lafayette, Louisiana

Lafayette (/ˌlæfiˈjɛt/; French: [lafajɛt]) is a city located along the Vermilion River in southwestern Louisiana. The city of Lafayette is the fourth-largest in the state, with a population of 127,657 according to 2015 U.S. Census estimates.[4] It is the principal city of the Lafayette, Louisiana Metropolitan Statistical Area, with a 2015 estimated population of 490,488. The larger trade area or Combined Statistical Area of Lafayette-Opelousas-Morgan City CSA was 627,146 in 2015.[4] Lafayette is the parish seat of Lafayette Parish, Louisiana.[5] Its nickname is The Hub City.

The Attakapas Native Americans were the first known inhabits of the land where present-day Lafayette sits. The first European settlement in the area was Petit Manchac, a trading post.[6] Jean Mouton, a French-speaking man of Acadian descent, donated land to the Catholic church where a small Catholic chapel stood. This motivated Lafayette Parish voters in 1824 to select the area surrounding the church as the Lafayette Parish seat. In 1836 the Louisiana Legislature granted Vermilionville (the precursor to Lafayette) incorporation. Enslaved Africans made up a large percentage of Antebellum Vermilionville.[6] According to U.S. Census data, 41 percent of Lafayette Parish was enslaved in 1830, and that number increased to 49.6 percent in 1860. There was a small percentage of free people of color who lived in Lafayette Parish as well, whose numbers ranged from a high of 3 percent to a low of 2.4 percent between 1830 and 1860.[7] In 1884, Vermilionville was renamed for General Lafayette, who fought with and significantly aided the American Army during the American Revolutionary War.[8] The city's economy was primarily based on agriculture. Until and through much of the Civil War, agricultural work was done mostly by enslaved people.[6] After the Civil War, most of this work was done by share cropping until the advent of modern mechanized agricultural tools.[9] In the 1940s, the petroleum and natural gas industries became dominant.

Lafayette is considered the center of Acadiana, the area of Cajun and Creole culture in Louisiana and the United States. It developed following the relocation of Acadians after their expulsion by the British from eastern Canada in the late 18th century following France's defeat in the Seven Years' War. There is also a strong Louisiana Creole influence in the area.[10]

Lafayette is located at 30°13′N 92°2′W / 30.217°N 92.033°W / 30.217; -92.033 (30.2139, −92.0294)[11] and has an elevation of 36 feet (11.0 m).[12] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 49.2 square miles (127 km2), of which 49.1 square miles (127 km2) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.26 km2) (0.19%) is water.

Lafayette is located on the West Gulf Coastal Plain. What is now Lafayette was part of the seabed during the earlier Quaternary Period. During this time, the Mississippi River cut a 325-foot-deep (99 m) valley between what is now Lafayette and Baton Rouge. This valley was filled and is now the Atchafalaya Basin. Lafayette is located on the western rim of this valley.