Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Minnetonka MN 55345 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select an X-Ray Technician School near Minnetonka Minnesota

Minnetonka MN x-ray tech internship program Congratulations on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Minnetonka MN so you can train to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have chosen to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you undertake choosing the right school and program so that you will get the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And since most states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you may need training to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you assess each of the schools you are considering in order to compare each program. Most prospective students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and frequently gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location must be taken into account, there are additional critical qualifications also. For example, you should find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are considering are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology technician does and the credentials and education choices that are offered.

X-Ray Tech Job Description

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, each has the identical principal 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 administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many choose to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They can work in Minnetonka MN hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech might work with 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 plus frequently assess its functionality and safety. They are also expected to keep in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Minnetonka MN health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degree Options

x-ray machine in Minnetonka MN The standard requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent 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 up to four years to complete and is more extensive in scope. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are appropriate also. One thing to keep in mind is that Minnetonka MN radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can often be fulfilled by taking part in an externship program which a large number of schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification requirements in Minnesota or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an Radiologist college, based on the state where you will be working you might have to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria differ so check with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number approve additional options for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. However, numerous Minnetonka MN employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it may enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Tech Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Minnetonka 55345 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 although you can still obtain your degree online, a considerable amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is typically performed in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online segment of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Minnetonka MN residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree often find that the online style of education is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are often less costly than on-campus options. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials may be reduced as well. But just make sure that the online school you choose is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online degree may be the ideal option for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiographer Colleges

As soon as you have selected the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of looking for and assessing Minnetonka MN x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be important. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be a determining factor as well. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you factor in when comparing schools? Well, you should find out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? A large number of radiology tech colleges have obtained some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still crucial to make sure that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive assessment of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also help in getting financial aid and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Minnetonka MN employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level positions.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out if the Minnesota xray technician programs you are evaluating have associations with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent way to obtain hands on training in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Minnetonka MN health care community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Minnetonka MN healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For many students, the college they choose will have to be within commuting distance of their Minnetonka MN home. 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 local internships will be of importance. Something to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Minnetonka MN colleges you are reviewing what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to speak with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program as well.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the radiographer college you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Minnetonka MN, make certain that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss due to work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Decide to Be an X-Ray Tech?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to review questions you might be asked. Among the questions that interviewers often ask radiographer prospects is "What drove you to choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not merely the personal reasons you might have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what attributes and talents you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, in addition to a certain number of routine interview questions, so you must prepare a number of strategies about how you would like to address them. Since there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the strengths you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but take down some concepts and topics that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Enroll in the Best Radiology Tech Program near Minnetonka MN

Choosing the best x-ray tech college is a critical first step toward initiating a fulfilling new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the greater part of the workday and move and at times lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best available care to patients. As we have covered in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are assessing prior to making your final selection. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online school or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each program so you can narrow down your options and make your decision. And with the right education and your commitment to succeed, you can realize your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Minnetonka MN.

Some Background on Minnetonka Minnesota

Minnetonka, Minnesota

Minnetonka (/ˌmɪnɪˈtɒŋkə/ MIN-i-TONG-kə) is a suburban city in Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States, eight miles (13 km) west of Minneapolis. The population was 49,734 at the 2010 census.[6] The name comes from the Dakota Sioux mni tanka, meaning "great water". The city is the home of Cargill, the country's largest privately owned company, and UnitedHealth Group, the state's largest publicly owned company.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 28.22 square miles (73.09 km2), of which 26.93 square miles (69.75 km2) is land and 1.29 square miles (3.34 km2) is water.[1] Part of the city includes the eastern tip of Lake Minnetonka, one of the largest lakes in Minnesota. The outlet of Lake Minnetonka is Minnehaha Creek, which winds through south Minneapolis and flows over Minnehaha Falls and into the Mississippi River. Minnetonka is located 8 miles (13 km) west of Minneapolis, in Hennepin County.

The headquarters of Carlson Companies are in Minnetonka.[7] The headquarters of Cargill are located in Minnetonka and are in the Wayzata Post Office area.[8][9][10] Founded in 1865, Cargill is the largest privately held corporation in the U.S. in terms of revenue.[11] Other companies based in Minnetonka include the uniform companies AmeriPride Services and G&K Services.

According to the city's 2016 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,[12] the top employers in the city are:

Since the mid-19th century, Minnetonka has evolved from heavily wooded wilderness through extensive farming and thriving industrialization to its present primarily residential suburban character. The Dakota and Ojibwe Indians were the first people to settle in the area. They believed the land around Lake Minnetonka (minne meaning water and tonka meaning big) was the legendary home of an extinct race. The first recorded exploration of the area by European settlers was in 1822, when a group from newly constructed Fort Snelling made its way up Minnehaha Creek (then known as Brown's Creek or Falls Creek) to the lake. In 1851, the Dakota sold the area including Minnetonka to the United States with the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux. The first census, the Territorial Census of 1857, lists 41 households. Twenty-nine of the heads of households are listed as farmers. The occupations of the remaining twelve are associated with the operations of Minnetonka Mill and a nearby hotel.[13]