Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Oak Park MI 48237 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find a Radiology Tech Program near Oak Park Michigan

Oak Park MI x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Oak Park MI in order to learn to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have made a decision to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about picking the right college and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And considering that most states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you may require preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the schools you are looking at so that you can compare each program. Many potential students start by searching 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 cost and location must be taken into consideration, there are additional important qualifiers also. For instance, you must find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the schools you are examining are provided later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiology technician does and the degrees and education options that are offered.

X-Ray Technician Occupation Description

There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, they all have the same principal job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some choose to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They can practice in Oak Park MI hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician 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 maintain their equipment and routinely analyze its performance and safety. They are additionally required to keep complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Oak Park MI medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degree Options

x-ray machine in Oak Park MI The basic prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech school is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, normally requires 18 months to two years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to finish and is more expansive in nature. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are appropriate also. One thing to bear in mind is that Oak Park MI radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can typically be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which many schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Michigan or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an Radiologist program, depending on the state where you will be working you may need to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their criteria differ so contact your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but several offer additional options for testing as well. Several states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. However, numerous Oak Park MI employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technician Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Oak Park 48237 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different 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 college lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is often provided in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Oak Park MI residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online style of learning is far more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently cheaper than conventional options. In addition to lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials can be reduced also. But just be sure that the online program you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then online classes may be the right option for you.

Points to Ask X Ray Tech Schools

As soon as you have selected the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of searching for and evaluating Oak Park MI x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to determine if you prefer 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 important. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a determining variable as well. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you factor in when evaluating schools? Well, you should ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these crucial details prior to making your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are reviewing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? Most radiology tech schools have obtained some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still imperative 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 obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed evaluation of their teachers and course materials. If the college is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Oak Park MI health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Ask if the Michigan xray technician colleges you are evaluating have partnerships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent means to obtain practical training in a clinical environment, they are also a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Oak Park MI healthcare community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Oak Park MI healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the school they choose will have to be within commuting distance of their Oak Park MI residence. Students 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. One thing to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually 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 Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit way 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 Oak Park MI schools you are researching what the typical teacher to student 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 converse with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program also.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the x-ray tech program you finally choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Oak Park MI, check that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Become an X-Ray Tech?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's a good idea to consider questions you may be asked. One of the things that interviewers often ask radiographer applicants is "What made you choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not merely the private reasons you might have for being an Xray technician, but also what attributes and skills you possess that make you outstanding at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, along with a certain number of typical interview questions, so you need to organize several ideas about how you would like to address them. Since there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the talents you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but write down several ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Select the Best X-Ray Tech School near Oak Park MI

Picking the best x-ray technician degree program is an important first step toward launching a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs often stand for the greater part of the workday and move and at times lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates 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. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best possible patient care. As has been addressed in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are reviewing before making your ultimate selection. This is similarly true whether you decide on an online program or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each program so you can focus your choices and make your final choice. And with the appropriate education and your motivation to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Oak Park MI.

Some Background on Oak Park Michigan

Oak Park, Michigan

Oak Park is a city in south Oakland County of the U.S. state of Michigan. It is a northern suburb of the city of Detroit, which is located in neighboring Wayne County, and part of its metropolitan area. As of the 2010 census, the population of Oak Park is 29,319.

This area was designated as within Royal Oak Township; it was first settled by European Americans in 1840, but remained sparsely populated for many decades following. The first major housing development was constructed in 1914 at the time of World War I, when the township sold land to the Majestic Land Company to be developed as the Oak Park subdivision.[6] The subdivision was incorporated as a village on May 3, 1927. Two petition drives during the Great Depression to dissolve the village government and return it to the township, citing "excessively high cost of village government," failed in 1931 and 1933, respectively.[6] The village incorporated as city on October 29, 1945 following the end of World War II.

Stimulated by the GI Bill which aided veterans in buying new housing, highways to improve commuting, and planned developments in the late 1950s, Oak Park from 1950 to 1960 was named as "America's Fastest Growing City".[7] Its population increased sevenfold, from 5,000 to more than 36,000. Much of its population was second and third-generation children of European immigrants who had settled in Detroit in the early 20th century. These included many Jewish Americans descended from immigrant ancestors from the Russian Empire, including present-day Poland and Ukraine.[citation needed] Major civic improvements in this period included construction of an outdoor swimming pool and an ice rink in Major Park (now known as Shepherd Park, after former mayor David Shepherd, but long known informally as Oak Park Park).

In 1995 Detroit based window manufacturer, WeatherGard moved its headquarters to Oak Park.

In 2002 and 2004, the city annexed portions of neighboring Royal Oak Township to expand its land and tax base.[8]