Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Freeland MI 48623 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select an X-Ray Tech School near Freeland Michigan

Freeland MI x-ray tech internship program Congratulations regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Freeland MI so you can train to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have made a decision to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you go about selecting the right college and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And since the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you might need training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you assess each of the colleges you are considering in order to compare each program. Most prospective students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and frequently settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location must be considered, there are additional significant qualifiers also. For instance, you must ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are considering are provided later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and education choices that are available.

Radiology Tech Occupation Description

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, each has the same fundamental job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many opt to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, such as mammography. They can work in Freeland MI hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist may utilize 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 plus regularly assess its functionality and safety. They are also required to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Freeland MI health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Tech Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Freeland MI The basic requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, usually takes 18 months to two years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to complete and is more extensive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable also. Something to consider is that Freeland MI radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may typically be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any licensing or certification mandates in Michigan or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiographer Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, depending on the state where you will be working you may have to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria differ so check with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but several accept additional alternatives for testing as well. Some states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is optional. Having said that, many Freeland MI employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it could enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technician Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Freeland 48623 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree schools. So while you can still obtain your degree online, a substantial amount of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is usually carried out in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Freeland MI home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree often find that the online approach to education is far more practical with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are generally cheaper than on-campus options. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be lessened as well. But just make certain that the online college 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 school may be the ideal option for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges

Once you have decided on the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of finding and assessing Freeland MI x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to decide if you want to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be critical. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a material variable as well. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you look at when reviewing schools? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are looking at.

Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? A large number of radiology tech schools have received some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still imperative to make sure that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly respected 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 gone through an extensive review of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Freeland MI employers will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry level positions.

Are Internships Provided? Inquire if the Michigan xray tech programs you are interested in have associations with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific way to get hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist graduates and students develop professional connections in the Freeland MI health care community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the radiographer schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Freeland MI healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the school they choose will need to be within commuting distance of their Freeland MI home. Individuals who have decided 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 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 may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that likes to sit way in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Freeland MI colleges you are looking at 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 ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program also.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the radiographer college you ultimately pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Freeland MI, check that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Want to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's advantageous to consider questions you could be asked. Among the questions that recruiters often ask radiographer prospects is "What drove you to select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not only the private reasons you might have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but additionally what attributes and skills you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, along with a certain number of typical interview questions, so you must ready several strategies about how you want to respond to them. Given that there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the strengths you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the best choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but take down some ideas and topics that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can help you to formulate your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Select the Right Radiology Technician College near Freeland MI

Enrolling in the ideal x-ray technician degree program is an important first step toward initiating a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs frequently stand for the greater part of the day and position and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. As has been discussed in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each college you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each school so you can focus your options and make your decision. And with the proper training and your dedication to succeed, you can realize your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Freeland MI.

Some Background on Freeland Michigan

Freeland, Michigan

Freeland is an unincorporated community in Tittabawassee Township, Saginaw County of the U.S. state of Michigan. It is also a census-designated place (CDP) for statistical purposes and without any legal status as an incorporated municipality. As of the 2000 census, the CDP population was 5,147. The CDP covers an area in the central portion of Tittabawassee Township.[3] The Freeland post office, ZIP code 48623, serves nearly the entire township, as well as portions of Midland and Williams townships to the north, Frankenlust and Kochville townships to the east, Thomas and Richland townships to the south, and Ingersoll Township to the west.[4]

It is the location of MBS International Airport, which serves three major nearby cities: Saginaw, Bay City and Midland.

It is also the location of the Saginaw Correctional Facility, which is a level I, II and IV maximum security prison.

The place was home to Native Americans long before the arrival of settlers of European ancestry. In the 1819 Treaty of Saginaw, in which the Chippewa, Ottawa, and Pottawatomi ceded a large portion of land including Saginaw County to the United States federal government. In that treaty, within the ceded territory, several tracts were reserved for specific groups of Chippewa. One such tract, Black Bird's Village, consisted of 6,000 acres (24 km2) on the Tittawabassee (named as the Tetabawasink river in the text of the treaty), very near to the present location of Freeland.[5][6][7]

In the 1850s, lumbering outposts developed in the area, one of which was called "Loretta", which was given a post office named "Jay" in April 1856. The office was named for the first postmaster, Jefferson Jaqruth. This outpost was very nearly at the geographical center of Tittawabasse Township. Another settlement was placed just a little to the north. in 1867, one resident of the second locale, George Truesdale, instigated moving the post office from Loretta to his settlement, which retained the name of Jay for several years afterwards.