Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Grand Ledge MI 48837

How to Select a Radiology Tech Program near Grand Ledge Michigan

Grand Ledge MI x-ray tech internship program Best wishes on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Grand Ledge MI in order to learn to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have decided to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle selecting the right school and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And because most states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you might need training 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. Most prospective students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and typically gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while location and cost should be considered, there are additional significant qualifiers also. For example, you must find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are examining are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and training options that are offered.

Radiology Tech Occupation Description

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, each has the identical primary job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many opt to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for example mammography. They can work in Grand Ledge MI hospitals, clinics, private 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 must maintain their equipment and frequently assess its functionality and safety. They are also required to keep complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Grand Ledge MI medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degrees

x-ray machine in Grand Ledge MI The basic prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. 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 techs, generally takes 18 months to two years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to finish and is more comprehensive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are appropriate also. Something to keep in mind is that Grand Ledge MI radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can typically be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification requirements in Michigan or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, depending on the state where you will be working you might have to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so check with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but several provide other options for testing as well. A number of states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. However, numerous Grand Ledge MI employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it may enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Tech Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Grand Ledge 48837 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree programs. So although you can still obtain your online degree, a significant amount of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is typically performed in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Grand Ledge MI residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually discover that the online approach to learning is much more practical with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are generally less costly than conventional options. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be lessened also. But just make certain that the online program you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online degree may be the best choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiologic Tech Schools

Once you have selected the type of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of locating and evaluating Grand Ledge MI x-ray technician schools. You will also have to decide if you want to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be critical. The price of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a determining factor as well. But along with location and cost, what more should you look at when reviewing schools? Well, you need to check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are looking at.

Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? A large number of xray technician schools have acquired some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still imperative to make sure that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive examination of their teachers and course materials. If the college is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online 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 premium education, accreditation will also help in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Grand Ledge MI health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry-level positions.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Find out if the Michigan radiology technician colleges you are interested in have relationships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent way to get practical training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist graduates and students develop professional connections in the Grand Ledge MI health care community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the radiographer schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Grand Ledge MI healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the school they pick will need to be within driving distance of their Grand Ledge MI residence. Those who have opted to attend online classes 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 choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit far in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Grand Ledge MI colleges you are looking at what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the radiographer school you finally pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Grand Ledge MI, verify 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 protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Want to Be an X-Ray Tech?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to review questions you may be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer prospects is "What made you pick radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not merely the personal reasons you may have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but additionally what characteristics and skills you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, along with a significant number of typical interview questions, so you need to organize a number of ideas about how you want to answer them. Since there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the abilities you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but take down a few ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can help you to develop your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Choose the Ideal Radiology Technician School near Grand Ledge MI

Enrolling in the right x-ray tech degree program is an important first step toward initiating a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs typically stand for the majority of the workday and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines 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 productive work environment and furnish the best available care to patients. As has been covered in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are assessing before making your final selection. This is equally true whether you decide on an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each school so you can narrow down your choices before making your decision. And with the proper education and your dedication to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a radiographer in Grand Ledge MI.

Some Background on Grand Ledge Michigan

Grand Ledge, Michigan

Grand Ledge is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. The city lies mostly within Eaton County, though a small portion extends into Clinton County, and sits above the Grand River 12.7 miles (20.4 kilometers) directly west of downtown Lansing. The population was 7,786 at the 2010 census. The city is well known for, and named for, its 300-million-year-old, sandstone and quartzite rock ledges that rise 60 feet (18 m) above the Grand River and are used by recreational rock climbers.

Native Americans who lived in the vicinity of the Grand River near the ledges were of Pottawatomi, Chippewa, and Ottawa ancestry. They dug clams in the river, mined coal on the river banks, and hunted for deer, turkey, fox, and bear. They also fished for black bass. Their name for the ledges translated into English as "Big Rocks".

Based on early records, Hugh Heward was the first white man to explore this area by river and record his findings. His journal describes the sandstone ledges as having high banks, some pine trees and heavy woods with the finest places possible for making syrup and several small islands. In 1847 Henry Trench settled in what would later become downtown Grand Ledge. However, after a few years he returned east. In 1850 settlers named their village Grand Ledge, and erected a Post Office. By 1869, a railroad reached to the north end of the village. In 1871, the village was incorporated by the state of Michigan.

The 1870s saw the rise of Grand Ledge as a Michigan resort destination. Following the arrival of the railroad, John Burtch founded the Seven Islands Resort in 1872. The resort opened with the Dolly Varden steamer and a small boarding house on Second Island. Several mineral wells were also drilled and a local physician expounded on the medicinal qualities of the water. In 1877 S.M. Hewings purchased the Seven Islands Resort and the following year built the Island House Hotel on Second Island. In 1880 Julian Scott Mudge purchased the Seven Islands Resort. To minimize the flood damage from the Grand River, Mudge built a new dam in 1887. In 1888 the Railroad Trestle or High Bridge was built to bring the railroad south of the river and Grand Ledge became the second city in Michigan, after Lansing, to get electric lights. By that time an estimated 60,000 to 70,000 visitors come to the Seven Islands Resort each year.

In 1891 Mudge built a roller coaster on the Islands. This is believed to be the first coaster in Michigan. Located on the first island below the bridge was an animal park with bears and deer. The second island became the centerpiece of the resort activities and hosted a hotel with a square Victorian tower, picnic area and fountain. The second and third islands were joined together by means of a causeway and a large pavilion was constructed which served as a ballroom and theatre for first run Vaudeville acts. The Resort also featured a merry-go-round and a bandstand. Mudge’s most notable improvement was the construction of the building he called “The Round House”. This three-story pagoda tower was built right on the edge of Second Island; half of the tower foundation was on the island and half was built out into the river. During the construction he kept the purpose of the unusual structure secret. This caused much speculation in the local community. Mudge eventually revealed his grand plans behind the design of his Round House. The tower was designed to have the second story rotate at a slow speed, while the third story rotated faster and was topped by a centrifugal swing that would whirl the adventurous rider out over the river. The fourth, fifth, and sixth islands were left wild and the seventh was a favorite picnic spot by boaters. As many as 75 boats plied the Grand River at Grand Ledge and side-wheel river boats steamed up and down the river between the second island and the dam. The dam, constructed in 1887, ensured the proper water level for the operation of steamboats. As many as nine hotels provided accommodations for visitors and the Pere Marquette Railroad offered excursion rates to the Seven Island Resort which, according to early records, was second in popularity only to Petoskey.