How to Select a Radiologic Tech College near Boyne City Michigan
Congratulations regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Boyne City MI in order to learn to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have chosen to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about selecting the right college and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And since most states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you may need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the schools you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. A number of prospective students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while location and cost need to be considered, there are other critical qualifications as well. For example, you must ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the colleges you are examining are presented later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic technician does and the degrees and training choices that are offered.
Radiology Technician Work Summary
There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, 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 objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for instance mammography. They can practice in Boyne City MI hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech might work with include:
- Traditional and specialized X-Rays
- Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Sonography or ultrasound
- Fluoroscopy
Radiographers must maintain their equipment plus frequently analyze its performance and safety. They are additionally required to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Boyne City MI medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
Radiology Technician Degrees Available
The primary prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, normally requires 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to complete and is more comprehensive in nature. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are appropriate as well. Something to bear in mind is that Boyne City MI radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can often be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which many colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any licensing or certification mandates in Michigan or the state you will be working as applicable.
Radiographer Licensing and Certification
Once you have graduated from an Radiologist college, depending on the state where you will be practicing you may need to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so check with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many provide other options for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, many Boyne City MI employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it may improve 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 examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Technician Schools
As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree programs. So although you can still obtain your degree online, a significant portion of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is usually conducted in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Boyne City MI home. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually discover that the online style of education is much more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are generally more affordable than on-campus options. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting can be reduced also. But just make sure that the online school you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online degree may be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Radiology Tech Programs
As soon as you have decided on the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of locating and evaluating Boyne City MI x-ray tech colleges. You will also have 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 critical. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a determining variable also. But along with cost and location, what else should you factor in when comparing schools? Well, you need to find out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details before you make your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are reviewing.
Are the Radiology Tech Colleges Accredited? Most xray tech colleges have obtained some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to make sure that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed evaluation of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also help in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Boyne City MI health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level positions.
Are Internships Offered? Ask if the Michigan radiology technician schools you are assessing have relationships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific means to receive hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Boyne City MI medical community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Boyne City MI healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the college they decide on will have to be within travelling distance of their Boyne City MI residence. Students who have chosen to attend online classes obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. Something to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit far in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Boyne City MI colleges you are researching what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. 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 converse with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program also.
Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the x-ray tech program you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Boyne City MI, make sure that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family obligations.
Why Did You Desire to Be a Radiologic Technologist?
When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to consider questions you could be asked. One of the things that interviewers typically ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not merely the personal reasons you might have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what characteristics and abilities you have that make you good at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, in addition to a certain number of standard interview questions, so you must prepare several strategies about how you would like to respond to them. Since there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the talents you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but write down several ideas and anecdotes that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.Pick the Ideal Radiology Technician Program near Boyne City MI
Enrolling in the appropriate x-ray tech school is a crucial first step toward launching a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs often stand for the majority of the workday and move and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best available care to patients. As we have covered in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each college you are reviewing before making your ultimate selection. This is similarly true whether you opt for an online program or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices before making your final choice. And with the right education and your dedication to be successful, you can reach your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Boyne City MI.
Some Background on Boyne City Michigan
Boyne City, Michigan
Boyne City /ˈbɔɪn ˈsɪti/ is a city in Charlevoix County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 3,735 at the 2010 census.
Boyne City is at the southeast end of the east arm of Lake Charlevoix, where the Boyne River enters the lake. It is at the corners of four townships, though it is politically independent: Evangeline Township is to the northwest, Melrose Township to the northeast, Boyne Valley Township to the southeast, and Wilson Township to the southwest.
M-75 connects with US 131 twice, at Walloon Lake about 6 miles (9.7 km) to the northeast and at Boyne Falls about 6 miles (9.7 km) to the southeast. County roads run west out of the city along the north and south shores of Lake Charlevoix.
Boyne was first settled in 1856 and was given a post office in 1869. An inn was established here in 1879. Boyne was made a village in 1885. The name was changed to Boyne City in 1904 and it was incorporated as a city in 1907.[6]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.42 square miles (14.04 km2), of which 4.06 square miles (10.52 km2) is land and 1.36 square miles (3.52 km2) is water.[1]
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