Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Guymon OK 73942 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find a Radiology Technician School near Guymon Oklahoma

Guymon OK x-ray tech internship program Congratulations regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Guymon OK in order to train to be a radiology technician. And now that you have chosen to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you undertake picking the right college and program so that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you might require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the schools 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 driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and usually settle on the lowest cost. But while location and cost should be taken into consideration, there are additional important qualifiers as well. For example, 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 colleges you are reviewing are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and training choices that are offered.

Radiology Tech Job Summary

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, they all have the identical principal job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some choose to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, such as mammography. They can practice in Guymon OK hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist might utilize include:

Traditional and specialized X-Rays
Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Sonography or ultrasound
Fluoroscopy

Radiographers must care for their equipment plus routinely evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also expected to retain complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Guymon OK medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degrees

x-ray machine in Guymon OK The standard prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech college is to have attained 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 prevalent among techs, usually requires 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to complete and is more expansive in scope. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable as well. Something to keep in mind is that Guymon OK radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can often be fulfilled by taking part in an externship program which many schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Oklahoma or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, depending on the state where you will be employed you may have to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so contact your state. Currently, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but several offer other options for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. However, many Guymon OK employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might increase 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 examination. 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 Technologist Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Guymon 73942 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree programs. So while you can still obtain your degree online, a considerable amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is typically 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 privacy of your Guymon OK residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually find that the online style of education is far more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online programs are generally cheaper than conventional options. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be decreased also. But just be sure 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 type of training, then an online school may be the best choice for you.

What to Ask Radiology Tech Schools

When you have chosen the type of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of locating and assessing Guymon OK x-ray tech schools. You will also have to decide if you want to attend online classes or travel to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be important. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a determining factor also. But along with location and cost, what more should you look at when evaluating schools? Well, you should check out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are reviewing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? The majority of xray tech schools have received some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still important to verify that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting agencies 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 an extensive examination of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Guymon OK health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level openings.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Inquire if the Oklahoma xray technician programs you are reviewing have relationships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific way to obtain practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can help graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Guymon OK medical community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the radiographer programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Guymon OK healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For many students, the college they select will have to be within driving distance of their Guymon OK home. Those who have chosen to attend online classes 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 keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally 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 Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Guymon OK schools you are researching what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program also.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the radiographer college you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Guymon OK, make sure that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Desire to Be an Xray Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to reflect on questions you may be asked. One of the questions that recruiters often ask radiographer candidates is "What made you pick radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not merely the personal reasons you might have for becoming an Xray technician, but additionally what characteristics and abilities you possess that make you good at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, along with a significant number of standard interview questions, so you need to ready several ideas about how you want to answer them. Because there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary 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 have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but write down several ideas and topics that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can help you to formulate your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Enroll in the Right Radiology Tech School near Guymon OK

Selecting the appropriate radiology technician school is a critical first step toward launching a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs regularly stand for the majority of the day and move and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best possible care to patients. As we have covered in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each college you are assessing before making your final selection. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online school or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices before making your final choice. And with the appropriate education and your motivation to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Guymon OK.

Some Background on Guymon Oklahoma

Guymon, Oklahoma

Guymon is a city in and the county seat of Texas County, Oklahoma.[1][5] As of the 2010 census, the city population was 11,442,[2] an increase of 6.5 percent from 10,472 in 2000.[6] The 2012 census estimate grew to 11,930.[3] Cattle feedlots, corporate pork farms, and natural gas dominate its economy, with wind energy production and transmission recently diversifying landowners' farms.

Guymon promotes itself with the slogan, "Queen City of the Panhandle." Some cynics apparently have coined another slogan, "Home of the Most Lied-About Weather in the U.S."[7]

In the 1890s, Edward T. “E.T.” Guymon, president of the Inter-State Land and Town Company, purchased a section of land west of the Beaver River, also known as the North Canadian River. The site grew very rapidly after the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway (Rock Island) built a line from Liberal, Kansas to Texhoma, Texas in 1901. A community, first named Sanford by the U.S. Post Office Department, was situated along the line. It was renamed Guymon a month later by postal officials to avoid confusion with the town of Stratford, Texas, which was further down the line. Guymon incorporated in 1901. The town plat was filed in Beaver County, Oklahoma Territory, in 1904.[6]

Guymon's growth was helped when most of the businesses moved there from the nearby town of Hardesty. One of these was the newspaper, Hardesty Herald, which owner Richard B. Quinn quickly renamed as the Guymon Herald. When Oklahoma became a state in 1907, Guymon claimed 839 residents, and was named county seat of the newly created Texas County. By the 1910 U.S. census, the town had 1,342 residents. It also had three banks, three hotels, four doctors, a flour mill, a grain company and several retail establishments. A second newspaper, the Guymon Democrat, was in business. Agriculture became the basis of Guymon's economy. The 1920 census recorded 1,507 residents, which grew to 2,181 in 1930. By 1932, the town had two cream stations and five grain elevators.[6]

The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl of the 1930s had a negative effect on Guymon. Some old-time residents remember "Black Sunday", April 14, 1935, as the day of the worst dust storm in the area's history. However, discovery of the nearby Hugoton-Panhandle gas field created many new jobs, and brought Guymon's population to 2,290 in 1940.[6]