Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Stow OH 44224 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select a Radiologic Technician Degree Program near Stow Ohio

Stow OH x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Stow OH in order to learn to be a radiology technician. And now that you have chosen to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle selecting the right school and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And because most states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you might require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can compare each program. Many prospective students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and frequently gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while location and cost must be taken into consideration, there are additional critical qualifiers also. For example, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the colleges you are considering are provided later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and education options that are available.

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X-Ray Technician Career Summary

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, each has the same major job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some elect to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They can practice in Stow OH clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech 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 take care of their equipment and routinely analyze its performance and safety. They are additionally required to retain complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Stow OH medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degrees

x-ray machine in Stow OH The basic requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech school is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, generally requires 18 months to two years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to complete and is more extensive in scope. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be acceptable also. One thing to bear in mind is that Stow OH radiographer colleges 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 comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Ohio or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiographer Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, depending on the state where you will be practicing you may need to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their requirements differ so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but several offer additional options for testing also. Several states also require certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, numerous Stow OH employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it might improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technologist Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Stow 44224 As a part 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 colleges. So while you can still earn your online degree, a large amount of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is usually provided in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online portion of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Stow OH residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree usually discover that the online style of education is much more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are frequently cheaper than conventional alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be lessened also. But just confirm that the online program you choose 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 an online school may be the ideal option for you.

Points to Ask X Ray Tech Programs

After you have decided on the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the process of looking for and assessing Stow OH x-ray technician schools. You will also need to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or travel to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be critical. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a material factor as well. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you factor in when reviewing schools? Well, you should find 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 compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Tech Colleges Accredited? A large number of radiology tech colleges have earned some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still important to make sure that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed evaluation of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets 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 quality education, accreditation will also help in getting financial aid and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Stow OH employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level openings.

Are Internships Offered? Find out if the Ohio radiology tech colleges you are interested in have partnerships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great means to get practical experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can help graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Stow OH healthcare community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the radiographer schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Stow OH healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For many students, the school they pick will need to be within driving distance of their Stow OH home. Students who have chosen to attend online classes naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. One thing to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit far in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Stow OH colleges you are reviewing 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 determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the x-ray tech college you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Stow OH, check that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Become an Xray Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you could be asked. Among the questions that interviewers often ask radiographer prospects is "What made you select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not only the personal reasons you might have for becoming an Xray technician, but also what attributes and skills you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, along with a significant number of general interview questions, so you should prepare several approaches about how you would like to address them. Given that there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you along with the abilities you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but jot down a few concepts and talking points that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can help you to develop your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Enroll in the Right X-Ray Tech School near Stow OH

Enrolling in the best radiology tech degree program is a critical first step toward starting a fulfilling new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the greater part of the day and move and at times lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and provide the best available patient care. As has been addressed in this report, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each program you are considering prior to making your ultimate selection. This is similarly true whether you opt for an online program or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each school so you can focus your choices and make your final choice. And with the proper training and your dedication to be successful, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Stow OH.

Some Background on Stow Ohio

Stow, Ohio

Stow is a city in Summit County, Ohio, United States. The population was 34,837 at the 2010 census and 34,797 at the 2015 estimate.[9] It is a suburban community within the Akron metropolitan area. Stow is adjacent to several other suburban communities in Summit and Portage counties. It is bordered on the south by the cities of Tallmadge and Munroe Falls and the village of Silver Lake, on the east by the city of Kent and Franklin Township, on the north by the city of Hudson, and on the west by the city of Cuyahoga Falls.

Stow is named for Joshua Stow, its original proprietor. Joshua Stow was a member of the party led by Moses Cleaveland to survey the lands of the Connecticut Western Reserve around present-day Cleveland in 1796. He was a native of Middletown, Connecticut, however, and never lived in Stow, though he spent both time and money developing the township and is quoted as saying it was "one of the prettiest and most romantic spots in the Western Reserve."[10] The land that would eventually be known as Stow Township was the survey township "Town 3, Range 10" of the Western Reserve and was initially 25 square miles (65 km2). It was purchased by Joshua Stow for $14,154. Prior to the arrival of European settlers, the area around what is now Stow was inhabited by a tribe of Seneca Native Americans at a small settlement in the area that is now part of the neighboring village of Silver Lake.[11][12]

The first settler in Stow Township was William Walker, who arrived in 1802. Walker built a cabin just south of the land of his father Robert in Hudson Township mistakenly believing he was building in Hudson. In 1804, when Stow Township was separated from Hudson Township and surveyed into lots by Joseph Darrow, it was discovered his house was actually in Stow Township. Walker purchased the lot his home was on and continued to live there. Darrow had been hired by Joshua Stow's land agent William Wetmore, a settler also from Middletown, Connecticut, who moved to Stow in 1804 with his family and several other settlers. The Wetmores built a cabin in July 1804 near the center of Stow Township and the present-day intersection of Darrow Road and Kent Road. In 1808, the Wetmores built a home near the Seneca settlement in what is now Silver Lake. The house overlooked a small lake, known as Silver Lake since 1874, that was known earlier as Wetmore Pond or Stow Lake. Stow Township was formally organized in 1808 with the first election held in 1811. 1808 was also the year it was made part of the original Portage County. It remained as part of Portage County until it was included in the new Summit County in 1840.[11][13]

Most of the original 25-square-mile (65 km2) township is part of the present city of Stow, but parts of the original township form all or part of three neighboring communities. Munroe Falls was settled in 1809 as "Kelsey Mills" in the southern part of Stow Township and incorporated as a village in 1838. Cuyahoga Falls was developed on land owned by Wetmore and Joshua Stow beginning in 1825 in the southwestern part of the township and became a town in 1837. In 1851, Cuyahoga Falls Township was created, taking the southwest corner of Stow Township along with parts of three neighboring townships. Cuyahoga Falls incorporated as a village in 1868 and later annexed additional portions of Stow Township in the 19th and 20th centuries, as did Munroe Falls. Silver Lake incorporated as a village in 1918 on land that had previously been part of Stow Township. The remainder of Stow Township incorporated in 1957 as a village and became a city following the 1960 United States Census.[11][12][14]

Stow is in east-central Summit County on the border with Portage County. It directly borders Kent to the east, Tallmadge and Munroe Falls to the south, and Cuyahoga Falls to the west and south. On the northwest corner, it touches Boston Township, with Streetsboro on the northeast corner and Brimfield Township on the southeast. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 17.32 square miles (44.86 km2), of which 17.09 square miles (44.26 km2) is land and 0.23 square miles (0.60 km2) is water.[4]