How to Find an Xray Tech Program in Missouri
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school in Missouri so you can train to be a radiology technician. And now that you have made a decision to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you set about choosing the ideal college and program to ensure that you will get the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And because most states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you may require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the schools you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. Most prospective students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and typically gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location need to be taken into account, there are other critical qualifications also. For example, you should find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are evaluating are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray tech does and the degrees and education choices that are offered.
X-Ray Technician Work Summary
There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, they all have the same principal job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some opt to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They may practice in Missouri hospitals, clinics, 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 must take care of their equipment plus routinely assess its functionality and safety. They are also expected to retain detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Missouri health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
Radiology Tech Degrees Available
The basic requirement for attending an x-ray tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, normally requires 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to complete and is more extensive in nature. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be acceptable also. One thing to bear in mind is that Missouri radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can often be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Missouri or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing
After you have graduated from an Radiologist school, depending on the state where you will be working you may need to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites differ so get in touch 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 a number offer additional alternatives for testing as well. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, many Missouri employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified 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 exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Technician Colleges
As a part of any degree program, Missouri x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree colleges. So while you can still earn your online degree, a large amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is often provided in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Missouri home. Students who continue working while earning their degree usually discover that the online approach to learning is much more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are often less expensive than on-campus options. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting can be reduced also. But just make certain that the online college you enroll in 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 online classes may be the ideal choice for you.
Subjects to Ask Radiographer Programs
When you have chosen the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of finding and assessing Missouri x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a material variable also. But along with location and cost, what else should you consider when evaluating schools? Well, you need to check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are assessing.
Are the X-Ray Tech Programs Accredited? A large number of radiology tech schools have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still important to verify that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed examination of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Missouri employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry-level positions.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out if the Missouri xray tech programs you are interested in have associations with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific manner to obtain hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Missouri health care community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the radiographer programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Missouri healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the college they decide on will need to be within driving distance of their Missouri residence. Individuals who have opted to attend online classes obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit far in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Missouri schools you are looking at what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program also.
Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the radiographer college you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Missouri, make certain that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family obligations.
Pick the Right Radiology Technician Program in Missouri
Selecting the best x-ray tech college is a crucial first step toward launching a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the greater part of the working day and move and in some cases lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with 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 doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best available care to patients. As has been discussed in this report, there are a number of questions that you should ask each college you are looking at prior to making your final selection. This is just as true whether you opt for an online school or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each school so you can focus your choices before making your final choice. And with the proper training and your motivation to succeed, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Missouri.