Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Lansing MI 48901 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Pick a Radiology Tech Program near Lansing Michigan

Lansing MI x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Lansing MI in order to become a radiology technician. But now that you have chosen to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you set about picking the right school and program to ensure that you will get the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And considering that most states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you might require preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you research each of the schools you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. A number of potential students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and typically settle on the lowest cost. But while expense and location should be taken into account, there are additional critical qualifications as well. For example, you must ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are reviewing are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and education options that are offered.

X-Ray Tech Job Summary

There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the same primary job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many choose to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They may practice in Lansing MI hospitals, clinics, private 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 have to maintain their equipment plus frequently evaluate its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to keep detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Lansing MI health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degrees

x-ray machine in Lansing MI The standard prerequisite for attending a radiology tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, generally requires 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to finish and is more comprehensive in scope. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be appropriate also. Something to bear in mind is that Lansing MI radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Michigan or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an Radiologist program, based on the state where you will be employed you might have to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so check with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but several accept additional alternatives for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, many Lansing MI employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it may increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Tech Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Lansing 48901 As a part 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 schools. So while you can still earn your online degree, a significant amount of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is usually carried out in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online portion of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Lansing MI residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually find that the online style of education is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are frequently more affordable than conventional alternatives. Along with lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting can be reduced also. But just confirm that the online program you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online school may be the ideal choice for you.

Topics to Ask Radiographer Schools

When you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of searching for and assessing Lansing MI x-ray technician schools. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the college will be critical. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a material variable as well. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you factor in when evaluating schools? Well, you need to check out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details prior to making your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are considering.

Are the Radiology Technician Schools Accredited? A large number of radiology technician schools have earned some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still crucial to confirm that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive examination of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Lansing MI health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out if the Michigan xray tech programs you are interested in have associations with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific way to get hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist students and graduates develop professional relationships in the Lansing MI healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the radiographer programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Lansing MI healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the school they pick will need to be within commuting distance of their Lansing MI residence. Students 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 concern. Something 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 be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit way in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Lansing MI colleges you are looking at what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the radiographer program you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Lansing MI, check that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Become a Radiology Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to consider questions you might be asked. One of the questions that recruiters frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What made you decide on radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not only the private reasons you may have for being an X-Ray tech, but additionally what characteristics and skills you have that make you good at your profession. You will likely be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, along with a significant number of typical interview questions, so you need to ready a number of strategies about how you want to respond to them. Given that there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the abilities you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but write down several concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can assist you to develop your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Choose the Right X-Ray Technician Program near Lansing MI

Enrolling in the appropriate radiology tech degree program is an important first step toward launching a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs regularly stand for the majority of the workday and position and in some cases lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay close 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 techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best available care to patients. As has been discussed in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each college you are assessing before making your ultimate selection. This is just as true whether you enroll in an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each program so you can focus your options before making your final choice. And with the right education and your dedication to be successful, you can realize your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Lansing MI.

Some Background on Lansing Michigan

Lansing, Michigan

Lansing /ˈlænsɪŋ/ is the capital of the U.S. state of Michigan. It is mostly in Ingham County, although portions of the city extend west into Eaton County and north into Clinton County. The 2010 Census placed the city's population at 114,297,[7] making it the fifth largest city in Michigan. The population of its Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) was 464,036, while the even larger Combined Statistical Area (CSA) population, which includes Shiawassee County, was 534,684. It was named the new state capital of Michigan in 1847, ten years after Michigan became a state.

The Lansing Metropolitan Area, colloquially referred to as "Mid-Michigan", is an important center for educational, cultural, governmental, commercial, and industrial functions. The area is home to two medical schools, one veterinary school, two nursing schools, two law schools—including Western Michigan University Cooley Law School and Michigan State University College of Law, a Big Ten Conference university - (Michigan State University), the Michigan State Capitol, the state Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, a federal court, the Library of Michigan and Historical Center, and headquarters of four national insurance companies.

Lansing is the only U.S. state capital (among the 47 located in counties) that is not also a county seat. The seat of government of Ingham County is Mason,[8] but the county maintains some offices in Lansing.[9]

The first recorded person of European descent to travel through the area that is now Lansing was British fur trader Hugh Heward and his French-Canadian team on April 24, 1790 while canoeing the Grand River.[10][11] The land that was to become Lansing was surveyed as "Township 4 North Range 2 West" in February 1827 in what was then dense forest. It was the last of the county's townships to be surveyed, and the land was not offered for sale until October 1830.[12] There would be no roads to this area for decades to come.

In the winter of 1835 and early 1836, two brothers from New York plotted the area now known as REO Town just south of downtown Lansing and named it "Biddle City". This land lay in a floodplain and was underwater during the majority of the year. Nevertheless, the brothers went back to Lansing, New York, to sell plots for the town that did not exist. They told the New Yorkers this new "city" had an area of 65 blocks, a church and a public and academic square. 16 men bought plots in the nonexistent city, and upon reaching the area later that year found they had been scammed. Many in the group too disappointed to stay ended up settling around what is now metropolitan Lansing. Those who stayed quickly renamed the area "Lansing Township" in honor of their home village in New York.[13]