How to Choose a Radiologic Tech College near Maple City Michigan
Congratulations regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Maple 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 set about picking the ideal college and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And since the majority of states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you may need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you research each of the colleges you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Many students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and typically settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location must be taken into consideration, there are additional important qualifiers as well. For example, you need to ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are evaluating are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray technician does and the degrees and education options that are available.
X-Ray Technician Job Description
There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, each has the identical principal job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some opt to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They may work in Maple City MI clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech might 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 and routinely assess its functionality and safety. They are additionally required to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Maple City MI medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
X-Ray Tech Degrees Available
The standard requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech college is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, normally takes 18 months to two years to complete 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 comprehensive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are appropriate as well. Something to keep in mind is that Maple City MI radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can typically be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which many schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with 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 x-ray technician college, based on the state where you will be employed you might have to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria differ so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many offer other alternatives for testing also. Several states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, many Maple City MI employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Technologist Degrees
As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree programs. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a substantial portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is usually carried out in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online portion of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Maple City MI residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree often discover that the online approach to learning is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are frequently less expensive than on-campus alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be decreased as well. But just confirm 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 formalized type of training, then online classes may be the best option for you.
Topics to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges
Once you have chosen the type of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of locating and evaluating Maple City MI x-ray tech schools. You will also need to decide if you want to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be important. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be a determining variable also. But along with cost and location, what else should you factor in when evaluating schools? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these important details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are looking at.
Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? The majority of xray technician schools have acquired some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still imperative to verify 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). Programs earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous examination of their teachers and course materials. If the college is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Maple City MI health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level jobs.
Are Internships Sponsored? Find out if the Michigan radiology technician schools you are assessing have associations with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great means to receive practical experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help students and graduates develop professional relationships in the Maple City MI health care community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the radiographer schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Maple City MI healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the college they select will have to be within commuting distance of their Maple City MI home. Those who have chosen to attend online classes obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.
What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit way in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Maple City MI schools you are researching what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.
Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the radiographer program you finally select can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Maple City MI, make sure that they are available. 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 have to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.
Why Did You Desire to Become an Xray Technician?
When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you could be asked. One of the questions that interviewers frequently ask radiographer prospects is "What drove you to select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to discover 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 what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, in addition to a certain number of general interview questions, so you need to prepare a number of strategies about how you would like to respond to them. Because there are numerous factors that go into selecting 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 along with the abilities you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the ideal candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down several ideas and talking points that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.Enroll in the Ideal X-Ray Technician Program near Maple City MI
Picking the best x-ray tech school is a critical first step toward beginning a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs often stand for the majority of the day and move and at times lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. As we have discussed in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are considering prior to making your final selection. This is just as true whether you enroll in an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each program so you can focus your options and make your final choice. And with the appropriate education and your commitment to be successful, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiographer in Maple City MI.
Some Background on Maple City Michigan
Maple City, Michigan
Maple City is an unincorporated community of Kasson Township, Leelanau County, in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the population of Maple City was 207. It is located at 44°51′20″N 85°51′21″W / 44.85556°N 85.85583°W / 44.85556; -85.85583, between sections two and three of the township. The ZIP code is 49664.
Maple City had its beginnings in 1866 when William Parks and J. T. Sturtevant built a shoe peg factory on land containing several hundred acres of maple timber, and the community that grew up around it was at first known as "Peg Town." When applying for a post office, the name "Maple" was chosen, and when the post office was established on March 9, 1875, the name was given as "Maple City." William H. Crowell, who had purchased the shoe peg factory in that year, was the first postmaster.[3] The factory burned down in 1880, and in 1882, Crowell built a sawmill that operated until 1916.
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