Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Canton MO 63435 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Pick an X-Ray Tech Degree Program near Canton Missouri

Canton MO x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Canton MO in order to become a radiologic technician. But now that you have made a decision to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you tackle choosing the right school and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And because most states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you might need preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the schools you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Many prospective students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and frequently gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location should be taken into consideration, there are other critical qualifications also. For example, you should find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are evaluating are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and education options that are available.

X-Ray Technician Occupation Summary

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the same fundamental job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for instance mammography. They may practice in Canton MO clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician 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 also frequently analyze its functionality and safety. They are also required to retain detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Canton MO medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Technician Degrees

x-ray machine in Canton MO The standard requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech college is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, generally takes 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to complete and is more extensive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be acceptable also. One thing to bear in mind is that Canton MO radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may typically be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which many colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Missouri or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, based on the state where you will be working you might need to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their criteria vary so check 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 several provide other options for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, many Canton MO employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technician Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Canton 63435 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree colleges. So although you can still earn your online degree, a considerable amount of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is often provided in regional 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 Canton MO home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree often find that the online style of learning is much more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are often less costly than traditional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be reduced also. But just confirm that the online school you choose is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online degree may be the right option for you.

Points to Ask Radiology Tech Programs

Once you have chosen the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of looking for and assessing Canton MO x-ray technician schools. You will also need to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a material variable also. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you factor in when evaluating colleges? Well, you should check out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details prior to making your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are considering.

Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? A large number of radiology tech colleges have acquired some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still imperative to confirm that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed evaluation of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Canton MO employers will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry-level positions.

Are Internships Offered? Inquire if the Missouri xray technician colleges you are evaluating have associations with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great means to obtain hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Canton MO healthcare community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Canton MO healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the school they choose will need to be within driving distance of their Canton MO residence. Individuals who have opted to attend online classes naturally will not have to worry 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 decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically 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 likes to sit way in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Canton MO schools you are researching what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the radiographer college you finally select can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Canton MO, check that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Desire to Become an Xray Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to review questions you could be asked. Among the things that interviewers often ask radiographer applicants is "What made you select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not merely the personal reasons you may have for being an Xray technician, but additionally what qualities and abilities you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, along with a certain number of standard interview questions, so you should organize several approaches about how you would like to respond to them. Because there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the abilities you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but take down a few ideas and topics that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Pick the Right X-Ray Technician School near Canton MO

Selecting the right x-ray technician degree program is an important first step toward initiating a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs often stand for the greater part of the workday and move and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best available patient care. As we have addressed in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are considering before making your final selection. This is equally true whether you decide on an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices before making your decision. And with the appropriate training and your commitment to succeed, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiographer in Canton MO.

Some Background on Canton Missouri

Canton, Missouri

Canton is a city in Lewis County, Missouri, United States. The population was 2,377 at the 2010 census. Canton is the home of Culver-Stockton College, a small liberal arts college affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). It also had the oldest continuously operating ferry across the Mississippi River, which closed in April 2014.[6] Four members of the United States House of Representatives have come from Canton, and are buried in the city's Forest Grove Cemetery. Canton is part of the Quincy, IL–MO Micropolitan Statistical Area.

The city of Canton, believed to be named in honor of Canton, Ohio,[7] predates the surrounding Lewis County by three years, having been founded in 1830, whereas the county would not be created from part of Marion county until 1833.[6] It was founded by Issac Bland, Robert Sinclair, and Edward White—the latter constructing the town's first home in February, 1830.[8] The building also doubled as Canton's first business, a tavern.[6] Canton's early history could well be called a tale of two cities. The village of Tully, founded in November, 1834, was just a mile north of fledgling Canton and had a slightly better area for steamboats to anchor.[8] Being the preferred spot to load and unload cargo, Tully slowed Canton's growth for the first two decades of its existence. However a series of floods, especially a major one in 1851, destroyed much of Tully.[6] The few remnants of Tully were destroyed in the early 1930s during the construction of Lock and Dam No. 20.[7]

Canton, with its somewhat higher ground but still close river proximity experienced rapid growth over the next nine years after Tully's demise and by 1860 had a population of over 2,000 people.[6] The town was officially incorporated on January 28, 1851.[8] Ferry service across the Mississippi River dates back as far as 1844 in the Canton area, the first being at Tully. On February 24, 1853 a charter was granted for the "Lewis-Adams" river ferry.[9] The early ferries were paddlewheel craft with the power supplied by horses on treadmills. Local travelers and those heading westward in pursuit of a new life meant heavy use of the ferry, with early fares being 50 cents per wagon and 10 cents for travelers on foot.[9] In an era where railroads were still few Canton, along with Alexandria, Missouri several miles upriver to the north, became major trading and shipping points for towns and counties on the northeast Missouri interior. A stage line ran from Canton as far west as Kirksville, some eighty miles away in Adair county, prior to the American Civil War.[10]

Another key event in Canton's history came about in 1853 with the founding of "Christian University", now known as Culver-Stockton College. Closed for a period of time during the Civil War, the college reopened in 1865 and has been a foundation of the community since. Henderson Hall, a.k.a. "Old Main", on the Culver-Stockton campus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As a strategic river port, Canton was involved considerably in the Civil War. Loyalties were heavily mixed and both the Union and Confederate armies recruited heavily in the town and surrounding area. Federal troops occupied Canton in July, 1861 to quell recent unrest and quash recruiting for the Missouri State Guard and pro-Confederate guerrillas by Lewis county residents Martin E. Green, Joseph C. Porter and others. On August 2, 1862 Colonel Porter ordered a raid on Canton. One resident was killed and another, a Union sympathizer, kidnapped by the bushwhackers, who also stole large quantities of weapons, medicine and other supplies.[11]

Canton continued its role as gateway to northeast Missouri agricultural after the war, with several industries catering to those needs. Pork processing had begun in the 1840s, with thousands of hogs being slaughtered by the late 1870s. Iron plows, wagons, a patented hand corn planter, and buttons—using mussel shells from the nearby river—were some of the diverse items manufactured in Canton in the 19th century.[6] Limited rail service had existed in Canton in antebellum times but the tracks were destroyed during Civil War fighting. Rail service was finally restored to the town in 1871 with the arrival of the St. Louis, Keokuk & Northwestern Railroad.[7] While the Mississippi river has been the lifeblood of the town, it has also been Canton's nemesis throughout the years. Major flooding has occurred many times in the town's history. Some of the more notable, in addition to the aforementioned 1851 flood, were in 1929, 1973, 1993 and 2008. The 1929 flood was caused by a levee break. Within an hour of the break two square miles of the town and surrounding countryside were underwater, including more than 200 homes and the Canton school building but no lives were lost.[6] During the New Deal era, Jessie Hull Mayer won the federal commission to complete a mural in the Canton post office. Murals were produced from 1934 to 1943 in the United States through the Section of Painting and Sculpture, later called the Section of Fine Arts, of the Treasury Department. Mayer's mural, Winter Landscape was installed in 1940 and was restored in 1971, with additional restoration work performed in 2005.[12]