Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Northfield MN 55057 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose a Radiology Tech Degree Program near Northfield Minnesota

Northfield MN x-ray tech internship program Congratulations regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Northfield MN so you can become a radiologic technologist. And now that you have chosen to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about selecting the right school and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And since the majority of states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you might require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you assess each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. Many students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and frequently settle on the lowest cost. But while cost and location should be considered, there are additional significant qualifiers as well. For example, you need to ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are examining are provided later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic technician does and the degrees and education options that are available.

X-Ray Tech Job Summary

There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the identical primary job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some elect to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They can practice in Northfield MN hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist may 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 maintain their equipment and frequently assess its functionality and safety. They are also required to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Northfield MN health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Northfield MN The primary prerequisite for attending a radiology tech college is to have received 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 typical among technicians, usually requires 18 months to two years to finish 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. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable also. Something to bear in mind is that Northfield MN radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may often be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which many colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Minnesota or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might have to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria differ so get in touch with your state. At present, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number provide additional alternatives for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Northfield MN employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it could enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for 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 Northfield 55057 As a component 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 even though you can still earn your degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is often provided in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online segment of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Northfield MN home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically discover that the online approach to education is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are generally more affordable than on-campus alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be reduced as well. But just confirm that the online college you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online school may be the best choice for you.

What to Ask Radiographer Colleges

When you have selected the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of looking for and evaluating Northfield MN x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to determine if you want to attend classes online or commute to a nearby 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 factor also. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you factor in when reviewing schools? Well, you need to find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these crucial details prior to making your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? Most radiology tech colleges have received some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still important to confirm that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous evaluation of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also help in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Northfield MN health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry-level positions.

Are Internships Sponsored? Find out if the Minnesota xray technician programs you are interested in have partnerships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific way to receive practical experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist graduates and students establish professional connections in the Northfield MN healthcare community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the radiographer schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Northfield MN healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For many students, the college they select will need to be within travelling distance of their Northfield MN residence. Students who have opted to attend online classes obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. 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 have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Northfield MN colleges you are considering 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 determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the radiographer program you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Northfield MN, check that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Radiology Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to consider questions you may be asked. Among the things that interviewers often ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not just the private reasons you might have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but also what characteristics and talents you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, as well as a certain number of general interview questions, so you need to ready a number of strategies about how you want to answer them. Since there are several factors that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you along with the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the ideal candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down several ideas and talking points that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can help you to develop your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.

Enroll in the Best X-Ray Technician College near Northfield MN

Choosing the right radiology technician college is an important first step toward launching a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs often stand for the greater part of the day and position and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best possible patient care. As we have discussed in this report, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are looking at before making your ultimate selection. This is similarly true whether you opt for an online program or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each school so you can narrow down your choices before making your final choice. And with the proper education and your motivation to be successful, you can reach your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Northfield MN.

Some Background on Northfield Minnesota

Northfield, Minnesota

Northfield is a city in Dakota and Rice counties in the State of Minnesota. The city is mostly in Rice County, with a small portion in Dakota County. The population was 20,007 during the 2010 census.[6]

Northfield was platted in 1856 by John W. North.[7][8]. Local legend says that the town was named for John North and for a Mr. Field. John North, realizing that the town was located astride the proposed northern border of Rice county, went to the state capital to lobby to move the border one mile to the north. Northfield was founded by immigrants from New England known as "Yankees" as part of a New England colonization of what was then the far west.[9] Northfield was an early agricultural center with many wheat and corn farms. The town also supported lumber and flour mills powered by the Cannon River. As the "wheat frontier" moved west, dairy operations and diversified farms replaced the wheat-based agriculture. The region has since moved away from dairy and beef operations. Today it produces substantial crops of corn, and soybeans, as well as producing hogs. The local cereal producer Malt-O-Meal is one of the few remnants of Northfield's historic wheat boom. The city's motto, "Cows, Colleges, and Contentment", reflects the influence of the dairy farms as well as its two liberal arts colleges.

Since early in its history, Northfield has been a center of higher education. Carleton College (then Northfield College) was founded in 1866 on the northern edge of town by the Minnesota Conference of Congregational Churches whose Congregation consisted of the "Yankee" settlers who had largely founded the town. These were people descended from the English Puritans who settled New England in the 1600s.[10]St. Olaf College was founded in 1874 on the western edge of town by Norwegian Lutheran immigrant pastors and farmers, who were eager to preserve their faith and culture by training teachers and preachers. These two institutions, which today enroll a total of more than 5,000 students, make Northfield a college town.

In the 1970s, completion of Interstate Highway 35 six miles west of Northfield enabled the expansion of the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metro area south of the Minnesota River. The downtown grain elevator accepted its last load of corn in 2000 and was torn down in 2002. Residential growth has been rapid since the mid-1990s.[citation needed] A new area hospital, which opened in 2003 in the northwest corner of town, is in Dakota County, so chosen because government reimbursement rates are more generous for Dakota county than for Rice county.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.61 square miles (22.30 km2); 8.56 square miles (22.17 km2) is land and 0.05 square miles (0.13 km2) is water.[11] The peak elevation is about 912 feet.[2]