Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Port Huron MI 48060 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose an X-Ray Tech College near Port Huron Michigan

Port Huron MI x-ray tech internship program Best wishes on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Port Huron MI so you can learn to be a radiology technician. But now that you have made a decision to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about selecting the ideal school and program to ensure that you will get the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And because most states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you may require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you investigate each of the schools you are considering in order to compare each program. Many students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and often settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location must be taken into account, there are other significant qualifiers as well. For example, you must ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are considering are presented later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and education options that are available.

Radiology Tech Work 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. No matter what the name, they all have the identical major job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some elect to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They can practice in Port Huron MI hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may utilize include:

Traditional and specialized X-Rays
Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Sonography or ultrasound
Fluoroscopy

Radiographers must care for their equipment and regularly assess its performance and safety. They are also required to retain detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Port Huron MI health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Port Huron MI The primary prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech school is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, generally takes 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to finish and is more comprehensive in nature. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable also. One thing to consider is that Port Huron MI radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may often be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Michigan or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, based on the state where you will be working you might have to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements differ so check with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many offer other options for testing also. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Port Huron MI employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Tech Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Port Huron 48060 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree colleges. So although you can still obtain your online degree, a considerable portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is usually performed in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Port Huron MI home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree often find that the online approach to learning is much more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are often less costly than traditional alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be reduced also. But just be sure that the online program you choose 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 an online school may be the right option for you.

What to Ask Radiographer Schools

As soon as you have chosen the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of searching for and evaluating Port Huron MI x-ray technician colleges. 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 naturally the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be an important variable as well. But along with location and cost, what more should you consider when comparing colleges? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are reviewing.

Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? The majority of xray tech colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still imperative to verify that the school and program are accredited. One of 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 rigorous examination of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Port Huron MI health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Inquire if the Michigan xray tech programs you are interested in have relationships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent means to receive practical experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist students and graduates form professional relationships in the Port Huron MI medical community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Port Huron MI healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the school they select will need to be within travelling distance of their Port Huron MI residence. Individuals who have chosen to attend online classes obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit far in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Port Huron MI colleges you are looking at what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to converse with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program also.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the x-ray tech college you ultimately select can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Port Huron MI, make sure that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out 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 may miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to consider questions you could be asked. Among the questions that recruiters typically ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not only the private reasons you might have for becoming a radiology technician, but also what attributes and abilities you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, in addition to a significant number of standard interview questions, so you should prepare a number of strategies about how you would like to respond to them. Because there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but write down some ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Choose the Best X-Ray Technician College near Port Huron MI

Picking the ideal radiology technician degree program is a critical first step toward launching a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the greater part of the day and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best available care to patients. As has been covered in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are reviewing before making your ultimate selection. This is just as true whether you decide on 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 decision. And with the appropriate education and your dedication to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiographer in Port Huron MI.

Some Background on Port Huron Michigan

Port Huron, Michigan

Port Huron is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan and the county seat of St. Clair County.[6] The population was 30,184 at the 2010 census. The city is adjacent to Port Huron Township but is administratively autonomous. Located along the St. Clair River, it is connected to Point Edward, Ontario in Canada via the Blue Water Bridge. The city lies at the southern end of Lake Huron and is the easternmost point on land in Michigan. Port Huron is home to two paper mills; Mueller Brass; and many businesses related to tourism and the automotive industry. The city features a historic downtown area, boardwalk, marina, museum, lighthouse, and the McMorran Place arena and entertainment complex.

In 1814 following the War of 1812, the United States established Fort Gratiot at the base of Lake Huron. French colonists had a temporary trading post and fort at this site in the 17th century, but this developed as the first settled European-American population in the area. Until 1836, an Ojibwa reservation occupied land in part of the modern area of Port Huron. They were removed to west of the Mississippi in Wisconsin and Minnesota.[7]

In 1857, Port Huron became incorporated. Its population grew rapidly after the 1850s due a high rate of immigration attracted by the successful shipbuilding and lumber trade. In 1859 the city had a total of 4.031 residents; 1855 were of foreign birth or their children.[8] By 1870, Port Huron's population exceeded that of surrounding villages. In 1871, the State Supreme Court designated Port Huron as the county seat.[9]

On October 8, 1871, the city, as well as places north in Sanilac and Huron counties, burned in the Port Huron Fire of 1871. A series of other fires leveled Holland and Manistee, Michigan, as well as Peshtigo, Wisconsin and Chicago on the same day. The Thumb Fire that occurred a decade later, also engulfed Port Huron.

In 1895 the village of Fort Gratiot, in the vicinity of the former Fort Gratiot, was annexed by the city of Port Huron.[10]