How to Choose a Radiologic Tech Degree Program in Oklahoma
Congratulations on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school in Oklahoma in order to become a radiology technologist. But now that you have chosen to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you set about choosing the ideal college and program so that you will get the proper training to become a qualified professional? And since the majority of states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you may need training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you assess each of the colleges you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Most prospective students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and often settle on the most affordable cost. But while expense and location should be taken into account, there are other significant qualifiers as well. For instance, you need to find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. 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 radiologic tech does and the credentials and training choices that are offered.
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X-Ray Technician Work Description
There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have the same major job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They may practice in Oklahoma hospitals, clinics, private 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 regularly evaluate its functionality and safety. They are additionally required to keep in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Oklahoma medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
Radiology Technician Degrees
The standard prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, normally takes 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to complete and is more extensive in nature. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be appropriate as well. Something to consider is that Oklahoma radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may often be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Oklahoma or the state you will be working as applicable.
X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing
Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, depending on the state where you will be employed you might need to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites vary so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but several provide other options for testing also. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. However, numerous Oklahoma employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it may enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Technician Schools
As a part of any degree program, Oklahoma x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree schools. So even though you can still obtain your online degree, a large portion of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is usually performed in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online section of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Oklahoma home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online style of learning is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are often more affordable than conventional alternatives. Along with lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting can be reduced as well. But just confirm that the online school you choose is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated 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
As soon as you have chosen the type of degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of finding and assessing Oklahoma x-ray tech schools. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be important. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a material variable as well. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you factor in when evaluating colleges? Well, you should ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details prior to making your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are assessing.
Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? Most radiology technician colleges have received some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still imperative to verify that the school and program 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 receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed evaluation of their instructors and educational materials. If the program is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Oklahoma health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level positions.
Are Internships Sponsored? Ask if the Oklahoma xray technician schools you are evaluating have partnerships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent way to obtain practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist students and graduates establish professional connections in the Oklahoma health care community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the radiographer programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Oklahoma healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the college they choose will need to be within driving distance of their Oklahoma residence. Those who have decided to attend online classes naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. One thing to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit far in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Oklahoma colleges you are reviewing 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 final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program also.
Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the radiographer program you finally choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Oklahoma, verify that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Pick the Right Radiology Technician Program in Oklahoma
Enrolling in the ideal radiology tech degree program is a crucial first step toward launching a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs typically stand for the greater part of the workday and move and in some cases 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 requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best available patient care. As has been addressed in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are considering prior to making your final selection. This is similarly true whether you enroll in an online school or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each college so you can narrow down your options before making your final choice. And with the proper training and your motivation to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Oklahoma.