How to Pick an X-Ray Tech Degree Program in Michigan
Best wishes regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school in Michigan so you can become a radiology technologist. But now that you have chosen to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you go about choosing the ideal school and program so that you will receive the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you might need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you research each of the colleges you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. Most potential students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and frequently gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location should be taken into account, there are additional important qualifiers as well. For example, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are reviewing are provided later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and education choices that are available.
Radiology Tech Job Summary
There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, each has the same major job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some choose to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for example mammography. They can work in Michigan hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech 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 take care of their equipment plus frequently evaluate its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to keep in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Michigan health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
X-Ray Technician Degrees
The basic requirement for attending an x-ray tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. 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 techs, usually requires 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to complete and is more comprehensive in nature. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are acceptable also. One thing to consider is that Michigan radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can typically be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which many colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Michigan or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
Radiographer Certification and Licensing
Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, based on the state where you will be practicing you might need to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements vary so contact your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but several approve other options for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Michigan employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Technician Degrees
As a component of any degree program, Michigan x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree colleges. So even though you can still obtain your degree online, a significant portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is often performed in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online section of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Michigan residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree often find that the online approach to learning is far more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online schools are often more affordable than conventional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, costs for study materials and commuting may be reduced as well. But just be sure that the online school you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then online classes may be the best choice for you.
Subjects to Ask Radiology Tech Colleges
Once you have chosen the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can start the process of locating and assessing Michigan x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be important. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be an important factor as well. But along with location and cost, what more should you factor in when reviewing colleges? Well, you should ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these important details before you make your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are reviewing.
Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? Most xray technician schools have earned some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still imperative to verify that the school and program 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 receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed examination of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial aid and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Michigan health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level openings.
Are Internships Offered? Find out if the Michigan xray technician programs you are reviewing have relationships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent means to receive hands on training in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Michigan healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the radiographer programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Michigan healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? For many students, the school they pick will need to be within travelling distance of their Michigan home. Students who have opted to attend online classes naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit way in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Michigan schools you are looking at what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to converse with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program as well.
Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the x-ray tech program you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Michigan, make certain that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours 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 work, illness or family emergencies.
Pick the Right Radiology Technician College in Michigan
Selecting the right x-ray technician degree program is an important first step toward initiating a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the majority of the workday and move and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians 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 productive work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. As we have discussed in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are looking at prior to making your ultimate selection. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online program or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each program so you can focus your options before making your decision. And with the right education and your motivation to succeed, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Michigan.