Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Marshall MI 49068 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select a Radiologic Technician School near Marshall Michigan

Marshall MI x-ray tech internship program Best wishes on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Marshall MI so you can become a radiology technologist. But now that you have made a decision to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you go about picking the ideal school and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And since most states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you may require training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you research each of the colleges you are considering in order to evaluate each program. A number of potential students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and frequently gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while location and cost must be taken into consideration, there are additional significant qualifications as well. For example, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are considering are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and education options that are available.

X-Ray Technician Job Summary

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the same primary job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some choose to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for example mammography. They may work in Marshall MI clinics, hospitals, 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 have to care for their equipment and also frequently assess its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to keep in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Marshall MI health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Marshall MI The standard requirement for attending an x-ray tech college is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, generally takes 18 months to two years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to finish and is more extensive in nature. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be acceptable as well. Something to bear in mind is that Marshall MI radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may often be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing mandates in Michigan or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiographer Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, based on the state where you will be employed you might need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so contact your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but a number provide other alternatives for testing as well. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Marshall MI employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it might increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technician Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Marshall 49068 As a component 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 colleges. So while you can still obtain your online degree, a substantial amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is usually conducted in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online section of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Marshall MI home. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically discover that the online style of learning is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently less costly than traditional options. Along with lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials may be decreased also. But just make sure that the online school you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then online classes may be the best option for you.

Questions to Ask Radiographer Schools

Once you have selected the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of looking for and assessing Marshall MI x-ray technician schools. You will also need to determine if you want to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be an important factor also. But along with location and cost, what else should you consider when comparing colleges? Well, you need to check out if the schools 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 put together a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are considering.

Are the X-Ray Tech Programs Accredited? Most radiology technician schools have received some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still crucial to confirm that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed examination of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Marshall MI employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out if the Michigan radiology technician schools you are reviewing have associations with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent manner to get practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help students and graduates establish professional connections in the Marshall MI health care community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Marshall MI healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the college they decide on will have to be within travelling distance of their Marshall MI residence. Those who have decided to attend online classes naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often 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 sort of person that likes to sit far in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Marshall MI schools you are looking at what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program also.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the x-ray tech school you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Marshall MI, make sure that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses 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 Decide to Become an X-Ray Tech?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to consider questions you might be asked. One of the things that interviewers often ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not only the private reasons you may have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what characteristics and skills you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, as well as a significant number of standard interview questions, so you must organize a number of approaches about how you want to respond to them. Given that there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you along with the abilities you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but jot down some ideas and anecdotes that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Enroll in the Best X-Ray Tech College near Marshall MI

Enrolling in the right x-ray tech school is a critical first step toward initiating a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the majority of the workday and position and at times lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines designed 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 must in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best possible patient care. As has been covered in this report, there are a number of questions that you should ask each college you are looking at before making your ultimate selection. This is just as true whether you decide on an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each school so you can focus your choices and make your final choice. And with the right training and your motivation to be successful, you can reach your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Marshall MI.

Some Background on Marshall Michigan

Marshall, Michigan

Marshall is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is part of the Battle Creek, Michigan Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 7,088 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Calhoun County.[7]

Marshall is best known for its cross-section of 19th- and early 20th-century architecture. It has been referred to by the keeper of the National Register of Historic Places as a “virtual textbook of 19th-Century American architecture.” Its historic center is the Marshall Historic District, one of the nation's largest architecturally significant National Historic Landmark Districts. The Landmark has over 850 buildings, including the world-famous Honolulu House.

The town was founded by Sidney Ketchum (1797-1862), a land surveyor who had been born in Clinton County, New York, in conjunction with his brother, George Ketchum (1794-1853). The Ketchum brothers explored central lower Michigan in 1830, and in late 1830 Sidney Ketchum obtained government grants for the land on which most of Marshall now stands. The early settlers named the community in honor of Chief Justice of the United States John Marshall from Virginia—whom they greatly admired. This occurred five years before Marshall's death and thus was the first of dozens of communities and counties named for him.[8]

Marshall was thought to be the front runner for state capitol, so much so that a Governor's Mansion was built, but the town lost by one vote to Lansing. In the years after Marshall became known for its patent medicines industry until the Pure Drug Act of 1906. Marshall was involved in the Underground Railroad. When escaped slave Adam Crosswhite fled Kentucky and settled in Marshall with his wife and three children, the people of the town hid him from the posse sent to retrieve him. Those involved were tried in Federal Court and found guilty of denying a man of his rightful property. This case and others like it caused the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 to be pushed through Congress.

Two Marshall citizens, Rev. John D. Pierce and lawyer Isaac E. Crary, innovated the Michigan school system and established it as part of the state constitution. Their method and format were later adopted by all the states in the old Northwest Territory and became the foundation for the U.S. Land Grant Act in 1861, which established schools like Michigan State University all over the country. Pierce became the country's first state superintendent of public instruction and Crary Michigan's first member of the U.S. House.[8]