How to Find a Radiologic Technician School near Kingsford Michigan
Best wishes regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Kingsford MI in order to become a radiology technologist. But now that you have made a decision to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you go about choosing the right school and program to ensure that you will get the proper training to become a qualified professional? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you might need training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you research each of the schools you are considering in order to evaluate each program. Most students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and usually gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location must be considered, there are other significant qualifications also. For example, you must ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are reviewing are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic technician does and the degrees and training options that are offered.
Radiology Technician Work Summary
There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, they all have the identical fundamental job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some choose to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They can practice in Kingsford MI hospitals, clinics, family 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 care for their equipment and also regularly assess its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to retain in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Kingsford MI health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
Radiology Tech Degrees Available
The standard requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech program 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 prevalent among technicians, generally takes 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to complete and is more expansive in scope. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be appropriate as well. Something to bear in mind is that Kingsford MI radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may frequently be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which many colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Michigan or the state you will be working as applicable.
X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification
Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, based on the state where you will be working you may need to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria vary so contact your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but several provide additional options for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. However, numerous Kingsford MI employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Technician Degrees
As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree programs. So while you can still earn your degree online, a large portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is often provided in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online section of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Kingsford MI residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online style of education is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are generally cheaper than on-campus alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be reduced also. But just be sure that the online school you choose is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online school may be the ideal option for you.
Subjects to Ask Radiology Tech Programs
As soon as you have decided on the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of looking for and evaluating Kingsford MI x-ray technician schools. You will also need to determine if you want to attend classes online or drive to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a material variable also. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you factor in when comparing colleges? Well, you need to find out if the schools 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 put together a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are looking at.
Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? The majority of xray tech colleges have earned some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still important to make sure that the program and school 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). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive review of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting agencies 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 acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Kingsford MI health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry-level jobs.
Are Internship Programs Offered? Ask if the Michigan radiology tech programs you are assessing have associations with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great way to obtain hands on training in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Kingsford MI healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the radiographer schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Kingsford MI healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? For many students, the college they pick will need to be within commuting distance of their Kingsford MI residence. Those who have chosen to attend classes online naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally 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.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that prefers to sit far in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Kingsford MI colleges you are researching what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program also.
Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the radiographer college you ultimately choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Kingsford MI, verify that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Why Did You Decide to Become an X-Ray Tech?
When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to review questions you might be asked. One of the questions that interviewers often ask radiographer prospects is "What drove you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not merely the personal reasons you may have for becoming a radiology technician, but also what attributes and abilities you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, along with a significant number of standard interview questions, so you should organize a number of approaches about how you want to respond to them. Given that there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but jot down several ideas and topics that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.Select the Right X-Ray Technician School near Kingsford MI
Picking the right radiology tech school is an important first step toward initiating a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs typically stand for the majority of the day and position and in some cases lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best possible patient care. As has been addressed in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are reviewing before making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online program or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each school so you can focus your choices before making your decision. And with the right education and your motivation to succeed, you can achieve your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Kingsford MI.
Some Background on Kingsford Michigan
Charles Kingsford Smith
Sir Charles Edward Kingsford Smith MC, AFC (9 February 1897 – 8 November 1935), often called by his nickname Smithy, was an early Australian aviator. In 1928, he earned global fame when he made the first trans-Pacific flight from the United States to Australia. He also made the first non-stop crossing of the Australian mainland, the first flights between Australia and New Zealand, and the first eastward Pacific crossing from Australia to the United States. He also made a flight from Australia to London, setting a new record of 10.5 days.
Charles Edward Kingsford Smith was born on 9 February 1897 at Riverview Terrace, Hamilton in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, the son of William Charles Smith and his wife Catherine Mary (née Kingsford, daughter of Richard Ash Kingsford, a Member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly and mayor in both Brisbane and Cairns municipal councils). His birth was officially registered and announced in the newspapers under the surname Smith, which his family used at that time.[3][4] The earliest use of the surname Kingsford Smith appears to be by his older brother Richard Harold Kingsford Smith, who used the name at least informally from 1901, although he married in New South Wales under the surname Smith in 1903.[5][6]
In 1903, his parents moved to Canada where they adopted the surname Kingsford Smith. They returned to Sydney in 1907.[7]
Charles Kingsford Smith attended school in Vancouver, Canada and then at St Andrew's Cathedral School and Sydney Technical High School in Sydney before becoming an engineering apprentice with the Colonial Sugar Refining Company at 16.[7]
In 1915, he enlisted for duty in the 1st AIF (Australian Army) and served at Gallipoli. Initially, he performed duty as a motorcycle despatch rider, before transferring to the Royal Flying Corps, earning his pilot's wings in 1917.
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