How to Find a Radiologic Tech College in North Dakota
Best wishes regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school in North Dakota so you can train to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have chosen to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about selecting the right college and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And since the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you may need training to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you assess each of the schools you are considering in order to evaluate each program. Most students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and usually settle on the lowest cost. But while expense and location need to be considered, there are additional significant qualifications also. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are examining are provided later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiology tech does and the credentials and education options that are offered.
Radiology Tech Occupation Description
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. Irrespective of the name, they all have the same primary job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some choose to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They may work in North Dakota hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech may utilize 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 and frequently assess its performance and safety. They are also required to retain in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As North Dakota health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
X-Ray Tech Degrees Offered
The primary requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, normally takes 18 months to two years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to complete and is more extensive in nature. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be appropriate also. One thing to bear in mind is that North Dakota radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may typically be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which many colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing requirements in North Dakota or the state you will be working as applicable.
Radiographer Licensing and Certification
After you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, depending on the state where you will be employed you might have to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so get in touch with your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many offer other options for testing as well. Several states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, many North Dakota employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it could increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.
Online Radiology Tech Programs
As a component of any degree program, North Dakota x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree schools. So although you can still earn your online degree, a substantial amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is often performed in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online portion of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your North Dakota home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically discover that the online style of learning is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are generally more affordable than traditional options. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be lessened also. But just be sure that the online program you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then online classes may be the right choice for you.
Topics to Ask Radiographer Programs
When you have selected the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the process of locating and assessing North Dakota x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be important. The price of tuition and secondary expenses will be a determining factor also. But along with cost and location, what more should you factor in when comparing colleges? Well, you should check out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details before you make your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are assessing.
Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? A large number of radiology technician schools have received some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still important to confirm that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed evaluation of their teachers and educational materials. If the program 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 acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial aid and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of North Dakota health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level openings.
Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out if the North Dakota radiology tech colleges you are reviewing have associations with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent way to receive practical 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 assist graduates and students establish professional connections in the North Dakota medical community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. 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 a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with North Dakota healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the College Located? For many students, the college they select will have to be within commuting distance of their North Dakota home. Students 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 importance. One thing to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the North Dakota schools you are considering what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program also.
Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the radiographer college you finally choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in North Dakota, verify that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Select the Right X-Ray Technician College in North Dakota
Enrolling in the best x-ray tech college is a crucial first step toward starting a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs often stand for the majority of the day and move and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also show 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 techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best possible patient care. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each program you are considering before making your final decision. This is similarly true whether you enroll in an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each school so you can narrow down your options and make your final choice. And with the proper training and your motivation to succeed, you can realize your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in North Dakota.