Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Westwego LA 70094 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose a Radiology Technician Program near Westwego Louisiana

Westwego LA x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Westwego LA so you can become a radiologic technologist. And now that you have chosen to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you go about choosing the right college and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And because most states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you might need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you assess each of the colleges you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. A number of students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and typically settle on the most affordable cost. But while location and cost need to be considered, there are other critical qualifications also. For example, you must find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are examining are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology tech does and the degrees and education options that are available.

X-Ray Tech Work Summary

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have the same principal job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some choose to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They can work in Westwego LA hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician 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 care for their equipment and routinely evaluate its performance and safety. They are also required to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Westwego LA health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Westwego LA The standard prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech college is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, usually requires 18 months to two years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to finish and is more expansive in scope. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are acceptable as well. One thing to keep in mind is that Westwego LA radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can typically be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Louisiana or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, based on the state where you will be working you may need to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites vary so get in touch with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many approve other alternatives for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. However, numerous Westwego LA employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also requires 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 Westwego 70094 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree colleges. So while you can still obtain your online degree, a substantial amount of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is often carried out in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online portion of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Westwego LA home. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically discover that the online style of education is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online programs are generally cheaper than conventional options. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials may be reduced also. But just be sure that the online school you choose is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online degree may be the ideal choice for you.

Points to Ask X Ray Tech Schools

As soon as you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of finding and assessing Westwego LA x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be critical. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be an important variable also. But along with location and cost, what more should you factor in when comparing colleges? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details prior to making your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are considering.

Are the X-Ray Tech Schools Accredited? The majority of radiology tech colleges have received some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still important to confirm that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly respected 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 undergone a rigorous examination of their instructors and course materials. If the school 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 acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also help in getting financial aid and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Westwego LA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level positions.

Are Internships Offered? Inquire if the Louisiana xray tech programs you are reviewing have relationships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent means to obtain hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help students and graduates establish professional connections in the Westwego LA medical community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the radiographer programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Westwego LA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the school they choose will have to be within driving distance of their Westwego LA home. Those who have decided to attend classes online obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. One thing to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a college 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 typically charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that prefers to sit far in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Westwego LA colleges you are reviewing what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program also.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the radiographer school you finally pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Westwego LA, make sure that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Become an Xray Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to review questions you might be asked. Among the things that hiring managers often ask radiographer applicants is "What made you pick radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not only the private reasons you may have for becoming a radiology technician, but also what characteristics and talents you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, along with a certain number of general interview questions, so you need to prepare several approaches about how you want to respond to them. Given that there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the abilities you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but take down some ideas and topics that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can assist you to prepare your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Enroll in the Best Radiology Technician College near Westwego LA

Choosing the appropriate radiology technician 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. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the majority of the workday and position and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict 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 techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. As has been covered in this report, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each program you are considering prior to making your final selection. This is just as true whether you participate in an online program or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each school so you can focus your options and make your final choice. And with the proper training and your dedication to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Westwego LA.

Some Background on Westwego Louisiana

Westwego, Louisiana

Westwego is a city in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States, and a suburb of New Orleans. The population was 8,534 at the 2010 census.[6] It lies along the west bank of the Mississippi River.

Westwego is located at 29°54′11″N 90°8′35″W / 29.90306°N 90.14306°W / 29.90306; -90.14306 (29.902986, -90.142932).[6]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.6 square miles (9.2 km²): 3.1 square miles (8.3 km²) of it is land, and 0.5 square miles (1.0 km²) of it (10.64%) is water.[6]

One story states generally that Westwego was so named because it was a major crossing point on the Mississippi river during the great westward movement of the late 19th century. When travelers were asked their destination, they would often reply "west we go". Another more specific tale, recounted in John Churchill Chase's Frenchmen, Desire, Good Children[7] is that the name was the specific outcome of an 1871 meeting of a railroad board of directors in New York, where planning was undertaken to use the site as an eastern terminus ("...west we go from there"). There has been further speculation that this use of "Westwego" as a place name may have been influenced by the board members' familiarity with the name of Oswego, New York.

The area of Westwego, Louisiana was inhabited by Native Americans for thousands of years before Europeans settled here. These indigenous people created huge shells middens that can still be seen in the vicinity today. The French first developed the area in 1719 when French Minister of State LeBlanc started a plantation and a port along the Mississippi River. The port became an important site in the history of the transatlantic slave trade. The estate was later owned by the Zeringue family, who turned it into bustling sugar plantation, known as Seven Oaks. Planter Camille Zeringue built a canal at the plantation that played a prominent role in the community's history for decades. Other antebellum plantations in the area included the Whitehouse Plantation, Magnolia Lane, and the LaBranche Plantation among others. After Camille Zeringue's death, Seven Oaks was owned by Pablo Sala, who divided the property along the canal into lots, which he sold for $40 each. Many of these lots were purchased by displaced hurricane victims from Cheniere Caminada whose homes were destroyed in the great unnamed 1893 storm. With the addition of these families, who were mostly fisherman and trappers, the community of Salaville was born.