How to Pick an X-Ray Tech College near Dublin Ohio

Congratulations regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Dublin OH in order to learn to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have chosen to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about picking the right college and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you might need preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you research each of the colleges you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Many potential students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and frequently gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location should be taken into consideration, there are additional critical qualifiers as well. For instance, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are examining are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and education options that are offered.

Radiology Tech Job Description

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective 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. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for instance mammography. They may work in Dublin OH hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician might 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 and also routinely assess its functionality and safety. They are also expected to retain in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Dublin OH medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degrees

The standard prerequisite for attending a radiology tech school is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, usually takes 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to complete and is more expansive in nature. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are acceptable as well. Something to consider is that Dublin OH radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which many schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Ohio or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiographer Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, based on the state where you will be working you may have to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites differ so check with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many accept other options for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, many Dublin OH employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may improve 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 calls for re-certification every 2 years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Tech Degrees

As a component of any degree program, 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 portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is often conducted in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online segment of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Dublin OH home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree usually discover that the online style of learning is much more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are often cheaper than conventional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be decreased as well. But just make sure that the online school you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then online classes may be the right option for you.

Topics to Ask Radiology Tech Programs

As soon as you have selected the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of finding and evaluating Dublin OH x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to decide if you want to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a material variable as well. But along with cost and location, what else should you look at when reviewing colleges? Well, you need to check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? Most radiology technician colleges have obtained some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still crucial to verify 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). Schools earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed examination 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 distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Dublin OH employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level openings.

Are Internships Provided? Find out if the Ohio xray technician colleges you are evaluating have relationships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific manner to receive hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist students and graduates form professional relationships in the Dublin OH health care community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Dublin OH healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the college they select will need to be within commuting distance of their Dublin OH home. Students who have decided to attend classes online obviously will not have to trouble 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 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 usually charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit way in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Dublin OH colleges you are researching what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program as well.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the x-ray tech  school you ultimately select can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Dublin OH, make certain 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 have to carry. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to review questions you may be asked. Among the things that recruiters typically ask radiographer candidates is "What made you choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not merely the personal reasons you might have for becoming an Xray technician, but additionally what attributes and talents you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, in addition to a significant number of general interview questions, so you need to prepare several ideas about how you would like to answer them. Since there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the strengths you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the best choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but jot down several ideas and talking points that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to prepare your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.

Choose the Ideal Radiology Technician School near Dublin OH

Enrolling in the best radiology tech college is an important first step toward launching a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs frequently stand for the majority of the workday and move and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. As has been discussed in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are considering prior to making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you opt for an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each school so you can narrow down your options 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 radiology tech in Dublin OH.

Some Background on Dublin Ohio

 

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