Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Benton Harbor MI 49022

How to Select an Xray Tech Program near Benton Harbor Michigan

Benton Harbor MI x-ray tech internship program Congratulations on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Benton Harbor MI in order to learn to be a radiology technician. But now that you have chosen to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you tackle selecting the right college and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified professional? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you may require preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you investigate each of the schools you are looking at so that you can compare each program. Most students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and usually gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while location and cost must be considered, there are other significant qualifications also. For example, you must ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the schools you are considering are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology technician does and the credentials and education choices that are available.

Radiology Tech Career Description

There are a number of 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 utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some opt to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They may work in Benton Harbor MI clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech might utilize 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 routinely assess its performance and safety. They are also expected to retain in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Benton Harbor MI medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Benton Harbor MI The basic prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, usually requires 18 months to two years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to finish and is more extensive in scope. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are acceptable as well. Something to bear in mind is that Benton Harbor MI radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may frequently be fulfilled by taking part in an externship program which many colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification requirements in Michigan or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, depending on the state where you will be employed you may need to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements differ so contact your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but several approve additional alternatives for testing as well. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Benton Harbor MI employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it may enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technologist Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Benton Harbor 49022 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree programs. So while you can still obtain your degree online, a substantial amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is typically conducted in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Benton Harbor MI home. Students who continue working while earning their degree typically find that the online style of education is far more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are generally more affordable than conventional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be reduced as well. But just make sure that the online college you select is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then online classes may be the best choice for you.

What to Ask Radiographer Programs

After you have decided on the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the process of locating and evaluating Benton Harbor MI x-ray technician schools. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be an important variable as well. But along with location and cost, what more should you look at when comparing schools? Well, you need to ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are considering.

Are the X-Ray Tech Programs Accredited? A large number of radiology tech schools have earned some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to confirm that the school and program are accredited. One of 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 an extensive assessment of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Benton Harbor MI health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level openings.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Inquire if the Michigan xray tech colleges you are evaluating have associations with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great means to obtain practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help graduates and students form professional relationships in the Benton Harbor MI medical community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Benton Harbor MI healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the college they pick will have to be within driving distance of their Benton Harbor MI residence. Those who have chosen to attend online classes naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student 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 allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Benton Harbor MI colleges you are researching what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the radiographer program you ultimately choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Benton Harbor MI, make certain that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Choose to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to reflect on questions you might be asked. Among the things that recruiters typically ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to pick radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not just the private reasons you might have for being an Xray technician, but also what attributes and abilities you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, along with a significant number of general interview questions, so you need to organize some strategies about how you want to respond to them. Since there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but write down several concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can assist you to prepare your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Choose the Right X-Ray Tech School near Benton Harbor MI

Selecting the appropriate x-ray tech school is a critical first step toward beginning a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs regularly stand for the greater part of the day and position and at times lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements 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 interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best available care to patients. As has been discussed in this report, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are looking at before making your ultimate decision. This is equally true whether you participate in an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices before making your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your dedication to be successful, you can realize your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Benton Harbor MI.

Some Background on Benton Harbor Michigan

Benton Harbor, Michigan

Benton Harbor is a city in Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan which is located west of Kalamazoo, and northwest of South Bend, Indiana. In 2010, the population was 10,038 according to the census. It is the smaller, by population, of the two principal cities in the Niles–Benton Harbor Metropolitan Statistical Area, an area with 156,813 people.[7]

Benton Harbor and the city of St. Joseph are separated by the St. Joseph River and are known locally as the "Twin Cities".[8][not in citation given]Fairplain and Benton Heights are unincorporated areas adjacent to Benton Harbor.

Benton Harbor was founded by Henry C. Morton, Sterne Brunson and Charles Hull, who all now have or have had schools named after them.[9] Benton Harbor was mainly swampland bordered by the Paw Paw River, through which a canal was built, hence the "harbor" in the city's name.[10] In 1860, the village was laid out by Brunson, Morton, Hull and others, and given the name of Brunson Harbor.[11]

Brunson, Morton, and Hull also donated land and solicited subscriptions for construction of the canal, which was completed in 1862. It had long been recognized that a canal would be crucial to the town's development, both to drain the marsh and to provide a berthing area for ships. The canal, originally 25 feet (7.6 m) in width but expanded to 50 feet (15 m) in 1868, led to the town's becoming a shipping and manufacturing center for the area.[12]

In 1866, the name of the settlement was changed to Benton Harbor in honor of Thomas Hart Benton, a Missouri Senator who helped Michigan achieve statehood.[13] In 1836, Benton Harbor was organized as a village and in 1891 was incorporated as a city.[11]