How to Select a Radiologic Tech College near Petoskey Michigan
Congrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Petoskey MI in order to become a radiology technologist. And now that you have decided to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you tackle picking the ideal college and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And because most states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you might need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you research each of the colleges you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. Many potential students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and usually settle on the lowest cost. But while location and cost should be taken into consideration, there are other significant qualifiers as well. For example, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are examining are provided later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic technician does and the degrees and education options that are offered.
X-Ray Tech Job Description
There are several professional designations 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 major job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They can work in Petoskey MI clinics, hospitals, family 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 care for their equipment and also routinely evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also required to retain complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Petoskey MI medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
Radiology Tech Degrees Offered
The basic prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. 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 requires 18 months to two years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to complete and is more comprehensive in scope. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be acceptable as well. One thing to keep in mind is that Petoskey MI radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can frequently be fulfilled 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 will need to comply with any licensing or certification requirements in Michigan or the state you will be working as applicable.
X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing
When you have graduated from an Radiologist program, based on the state where you will be practicing you might have to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements differ so check with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but several approve additional options for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, many Petoskey MI employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it may enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Technologist Schools
As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree colleges. So although you can still earn your degree online, a significant amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is usually provided in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online section of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Petoskey MI home. Students who continue working while earning their degree typically find that the online style of education is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are often less costly than traditional options. In addition to reduced tuition, costs for commuting and study materials can be reduced also. But just make sure that the online school you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online school may be the best choice for you.
What to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges
As soon as you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of locating and assessing Petoskey MI x-ray technician schools. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a material variable as well. But along with cost and location, what else should you factor in when comparing schools? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these important details before you make your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are reviewing.
Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? A large number of radiology technician colleges have received some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still important to verify 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). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive assessment 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 online or distance education. 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 assist in getting financial aid and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Petoskey MI employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level openings.
Are Internship Programs Offered? Ask if the Michigan xray tech programs you are interested in have associations with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific manner to get practical experience in a clinical environment, they are also a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist graduates and students form professional relationships in the Petoskey MI medical community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Petoskey MI healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the College Located? For many students, the college they decide on will need to be within driving distance of their Petoskey MI residence. Those who have opted to attend classes online obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. Something to keep 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 may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit way in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Petoskey MI schools you are considering what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program also.
Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the x-ray tech school you finally select can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Petoskey MI, verify that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family obligations.
Why Did You Choose to Be a Radiologic Technologist?
When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's advantageous to consider questions you could be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers often ask radiographer applicants is "What made you choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not only the private reasons you may have for becoming an Xray technician, but also what qualities and skills you have that make you good at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, along with a significant number of general interview questions, so you need to ready a number of ideas about how you want to address them. Since there are numerous factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the strengths you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but write down several ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can assist you to develop your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.Select the Right Radiology Technician School near Petoskey MI
Picking the right radiology technician school is an important first step toward launching a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs often stand for the greater part of the day and move and at times lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best available care to patients. As has been discussed in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are looking at before making your final decision. This is similarly true whether you opt for an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each program so you can focus your choices before making your decision. And with the proper education and your commitment to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiology tech in Petoskey MI.
Some Background on Petoskey Michigan
Petoskey, Michigan
Petoskey is a city and coastal resort community in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was estimated at approximately close to 5,670 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Emmet County.[8]
The Little Traverse Bay area was long inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Odawa people. The name "Petoskey" is said to mean "where the light shines through the clouds" in the language of the Odawa. However it is more likely that the town was named for the Joseph Petoskey family of Poland. The original Petoskey family posterity still reside in the town. Yet the romantic myth that the town was named for the Odawa chief is good for tourism. After the 1836 Treaty of Washington, Odawa Chief Ignatius Petosega (1787–1885) took the opportunity to purchase lands near the Bear River. Petosega's father was Antoine Carre, a French Canadian fur trader and his mother was Odawa.[10]
By the 1850s, several religious groups had established missions near the Little Traverse Bay. The Mormons had been based at Beaver Island, the Jesuit missionaries had been based at L'arbor Croche and Michilimackinac, with a Catholic presence in Harbor Springs, then known as "Little Traverse".[11] Andrew Porter, a Presbyterian missionary, arrived at the village of Bear River (as it was then called) in 1852.[12][13]
Amos Fox and Hirem Obed Rose were pioneer entrepreneurs who had made money both during the California Gold Rush and at Northport selling lumber and goods to passing ships. Originally based at Northport, Rose and Fox[14] (or Fox & Rose)[15] expanded their business interests to Charlevoix and Petoskey in the 1850s. Rose made additional money by being a part of a business partnership that extended the railroad from Walton Junction to Traverse City.[16] H.O. Rose, along with Archibald Buttars,[17] established a general merchandise business in Petoskey.[18] After the partnership split, Mr. Rose relocated to Petoskey and in 1873 started Petoskey's first dock.[19] When the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad was about to be extended into the Bay View area, Mr Rose purchased much land in that area as well as trolley cars to enable transport from Petoskey to Bay View.[20] Rose contributed to many firsts of Petoskey, including the first dock, the first general store, extensive lime quarries (Michigan Limestone Company, or Petoskey Lime Company[21] ),[22] erection of the Arlington Hotel, lumbering enterprises, first president of the village, harbor improvements in 1893,[23][24] and officiating at early commemorative public events.[25][26][27] Rose's influence on the city are also commemorated by the naming of the H. O. Rose room at the Perry Hotel.[28]
In the late 19th century, Petoskey was also the location where 50,000 passenger pigeon birds were killed daily in massive hunts, leading to their complete extinction in the early 20th century.[29] A state historical marker commemorates the events, including the last great nesting at Crooked Lake in 1878.[30] One hunter was reputed to have personally killed "a million birds" and earned $60,000, the equivalent of $1 million today.[31]
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