Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Owosso MI 48867 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose an X-Ray Tech Program near Owosso Michigan

Owosso MI x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Owosso MI so you can train to be a radiologic technologist. But now that you have chosen to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you tackle picking the ideal school and program so that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And since the majority of states do require that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you might need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you research each of the schools you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. A number of prospective students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and usually settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location must be taken into consideration, there are additional critical qualifications as well. For instance, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the schools you are evaluating are provided later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and training options that are offered.

Radiology Tech Career Description

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the identical major job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They may practice in Owosso MI hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician might 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 take care of their equipment plus regularly assess its functionality and safety. They are additionally required to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Owosso MI health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Tech Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Owosso MI The standard prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, normally requires 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon 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 choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable also. One thing to bear in mind is that Owosso MI radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may typically be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once 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

After you have graduated from an Radiologist college, based on the state where you will be working you might have to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria differ so check with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many approve additional alternatives for testing also. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Owosso MI employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it may increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technologist Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Owosso 48867 As a part of any 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 while you can still earn your degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is usually conducted in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online segment of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Owosso MI home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically discover that the online style of learning is much more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are generally cheaper than on-campus options. In addition to lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials may be reduced also. But just make sure that the online program you enroll in 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 an online school may be the best option for you.

Points to Ask Radiologic Tech Schools

When you have chosen the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can initiate the process of finding and evaluating Owosso MI x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to determine if you want to attend online classes or travel to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be relevant. The price of tuition and secondary expenses will be a material variable also. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you factor in when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to find out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? The majority of radiology tech schools have acquired some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still crucial to confirm that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly respected 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 gone through a rigorous assessment of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it may also earn 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. Besides guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also help in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Owosso MI health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level openings.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Inquire if the Michigan xray technician schools you are interested in have relationships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great manner to get practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Owosso MI healthcare community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the radiographer schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Owosso MI healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For many students, the school they select will have to be within travelling distance of their Owosso MI residence. Individuals who have decided to attend online classes obviously will not have to worry 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 decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may be required 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 live outside of their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the kind of student that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Owosso MI schools you are reviewing what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the x-ray tech school you ultimately choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Owosso MI, verify that they are offered. 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 need to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness 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 recruiters often ask radiographer prospects is "What drove you to choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not merely the personal reasons you may have for becoming an Xray technician, but also what characteristics and abilities you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, in addition to a significant number of standard interview questions, so you need to ready several approaches about how you would like to respond to them. Given that there are numerous factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the strengths 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 a few concepts and talking points that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can help you to develop your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Choose the Ideal X-Ray Tech School near Owosso MI

Choosing the best x-ray tech degree program is an important first step toward initiating a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the majority of the workday and move and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines developed 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. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and provide the best available patient care. As has been discussed in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are considering before making your ultimate selection. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online program or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each program so you can focus your options before making your final choice. And with the right education and your motivation to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Owosso MI.

Some Background on Owosso Michigan

Owosso, Michigan

Owosso is a city in Shiawassee County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 15,194 at the 2010 census. The city is located on the eastern side of Owosso Township, but is politically independent. The city was named after Chief Wasso, an Ojibwa leader of the Shiawassee area.[6]

Alfred L. and Benjamin O. Williams were early settlers to the town. They drew Elias Comstock, who built the first permanent home in the settlement. Owosso was incorporated as a city in 1859 at which time it had 1000 people. It had never had a period as a village.[7] The town's first mayor was Amos Gould, a judge originally from New York. In 1876, it organized its fire department.[8]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.37 square miles (13.91 km2), of which 5.23 square miles (13.55 km2) is land and 0.14 square miles (0.36 km2) is water.[1]

Owosso experiences frigid winters with the last snow usually falling in April, typically Northern Midwestern spring thaws, balmy to hot summers, and colorful falls with the first snows usually appearing in October. Each year Owosso averages eleven days with temperatures below 0 °F (−18 °C), and nine days with temperatures above 90 °F (32 °C). Owosso averages twenty-nine inches of rain per year, and forty-one inches of snow. The average growing season in Owosso is 144 days.

As of the census[4] of 2000, there were 15,713 people, 6,340 households, and 4,076 families. The population density was 3,174.5 per square mile (1,225.6/km²). There were 6,724 housing units at an average density of 1,358.4 per square mile (524.5/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 97% White, 0.20% African American, 0.60% Native American, 0.40% Asian, 0.80% from other races, and 1.10% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3% of the population.