Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Lake Ozark MO 65049 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select a Radiology Technician College near Lake Ozark Missouri

Lake Ozark MO x-ray tech internship program Best wishes on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Lake Ozark MO so you can train to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have decided to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you go about choosing the ideal school and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you might require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you research each of the colleges you are considering so that you can compare each program. Many students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and often settle on the lowest cost. But while location and cost should be taken into consideration, there are additional significant qualifications also. For instance, you must ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are evaluating are provided later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic technician does and the degrees and education choices that are offered.

X-Ray Technician Work Description

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, each has the identical primary job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They may work in Lake Ozark MO 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 have to maintain their equipment plus routinely analyze its performance and safety. They are also expected to keep complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Lake Ozark MO health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degrees

x-ray machine in Lake Ozark MO The basic requirement for attending an x-ray tech college is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, generally requires 18 months to two years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to finish and is more expansive in scope. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are acceptable also. One thing to bear in mind is that Lake Ozark MO radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may typically be fulfilled by taking part in an externship program which many schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification mandates in Missouri or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, depending on the state where you will be practicing you may need to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so contact your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many offer additional alternatives for testing also. Some states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, many Lake Ozark MO employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it may enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Tech Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Lake Ozark 65049 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree programs. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a large portion of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is usually conducted in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online segment of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Lake Ozark MO residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree often discover that the online approach to education is much more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are often cheaper than on-campus alternatives. Along with lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials may be lessened also. But just confirm that the online program you choose is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then online classes may be the best choice for you.

What to Ask Radiologic Tech Schools

After you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of finding and assessing Lake Ozark MO x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be important. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a determining variable also. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you consider when comparing colleges? Well, you need to check out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details before you make your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Tech Programs Accredited? A large number of radiology tech colleges have acquired some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still important 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 rigorous evaluation of their teachers and educational materials. If the college is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Lake Ozark MO employers will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry-level positions.

Are Internships Sponsored? Inquire if the Missouri xray tech colleges you are interested in have partnerships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific manner to get hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help graduates and students establish professional connections in the Lake Ozark MO medical community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial 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. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Lake Ozark MO healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the college they decide on will need to be within commuting distance of their Lake Ozark MO residence. Students who have chosen to attend online classes obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often 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 kind of student that prefers to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Lake Ozark MO schools you are looking at what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program as well.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the x-ray tech college you finally choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Lake Ozark MO, check that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Want to Become a Radiology Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you might be asked. One of the things that recruiters typically ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not merely the personal reasons you may have for being an X-Ray tech, but additionally what attributes and skills you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, along with a significant number of typical interview questions, so you must prepare several ideas about how you want to respond to them. Since there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you along with the talents you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but take down several concepts and topics that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Pick the Ideal X-Ray Tech School near Lake Ozark MO

Enrolling in the right radiology tech college is an important first step toward beginning a fulfilling new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs often stand for the majority of the working day and position and in some cases lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. As we have addressed in this report, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are looking at before making your ultimate selection. This is just as true whether you decide on an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices and make your final choice. And with the right training and your dedication to succeed, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Lake Ozark MO.

Some Background on Lake Ozark Missouri

Lake of the Ozarks

The Lake of the Ozarks is a large reservoir created by impounding the Osage River in the northern part of the Ozarks in central Missouri. Extents of three smaller tributaries to the Osage are included in the impoundment: the Niangua River, Grandglaize Creek, and Gravois Creek. The lake has a surface area of 54,000 acres (220 km2) and 1,150 miles (1,850 km) of shoreline, and the main channel of the Osage Arm stretches 92 miles (148 km) from end to end. The total drainage area is over 14,000 square miles (36,000 km2). The lake's serpentine shape has earned it the nickname "The Magic Dragon", which has in turn inspired the names of local institutions such as The Magic Dragon Street Meet.[5]

A hydro-electric power plant on the Osage River was first pursued by Kansas City developer Ralph Street in 1912. He put together the initial funding and began building roads, railroads, and infrastructure necessary to begin construction of the dam, with a plan to impound a much smaller lake. In the mid-1920s, Street’s funding dried up, and he abandoned the effort.[6]

The lake was created by the construction of the 2,543-foot (775 m) long Bagnell Dam by the Union Electric Company of St. Louis, Missouri. The principal engineering firm was Stone and Webster. Construction began August 8, 1929, was completed in April 1931 and reached spillway elevation on May 20, 1931. During construction, the lake was referred to as Osage Reservoir or Lake Osage. The Missouri General Assembly officially named it Lake Benton after Senator Thomas Hart Benton. None of the names stuck, as it was popularly referred to by its location in the Ozarks. The electric generating station, however, is still referred to by the utility company as the "Osage Hydroelectric Plant."[7]

At the time of construction, the Lake of the Ozarks was the largest man-made lake in the United States and one of the largest in the world. It was created to provide hydroelectric power for customers of Union Electric, but it quickly became a significant tourist destination for the Midwest. Most of its shoreline is privately owned, unlike many flood-control lakes in the region that were constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The relatively stable surface elevation has created ideal conditions for private development within a few feet of the shoreline. There are over 70,000 homes along the lake, many of which are vacation homes. Spectacular scenery characteristic of the Ozarks has also helped to transform the lake into a major resort area, and more than 5 million people visit annually.

In 2011, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) renewed the lease for the power plant operated by Ameren Missouri. In the process, FERC determined that numerous homes and structures were encroaching on utility land in violation of federal regulations. According to the Boston Globe, this issue "has triggered panic in the area's lakefront communities and led to a growing battle among regulators, a utility company, land attorneys, and the state's congressional delegation." [8]