How to Find a Radiology Technician School near Haileyville Oklahoma
Congrats regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Haileyville OK so you can learn to be a radiology technician. And now that you have decided to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you set about picking the right school and program to ensure that you will receive the proper training to become a qualified professional? And because most states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you might require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you assess each of the colleges you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. A number of students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and usually gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location should be considered, there are other important qualifiers also. For instance, you must find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the schools you are considering are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiology technician does and the degrees and training options that are offered.
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X-Ray Tech Occupation Description
There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the identical principal job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some opt to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for example mammography. They may practice in Haileyville OK clinics, hospitals, private 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 take care of their equipment and regularly assess its functionality and safety. They are also expected to keep complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Haileyville OK health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
X-Ray Tech Degrees Available
The standard prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech program is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, usually takes 18 months to two years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to finish and is more extensive in nature. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are appropriate also. Something to keep in mind is that Haileyville OK radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may frequently be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which many schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Oklahoma or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification
Once you have graduated from an Radiologist program, based on the state where you will be working you may need to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so check with your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but a number accept other alternatives for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, many Haileyville OK employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it could increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Tech Degrees
As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree colleges. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a significant amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is usually performed in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online segment of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Haileyville OK residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree often find that the online style of learning is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are often cheaper than traditional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be lessened as well. But just confirm that the online college you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then online classes may be the best option for you.
What to Ask Radiology Tech Colleges
After you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of locating and assessing Haileyville OK x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenses will be an important variable also. But along with location and cost, what more should you factor in when evaluating schools? Well, you should find out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details before you make your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are looking at.
Are the Radiology Technician Schools Accredited? Most radiology tech colleges have earned some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still crucial to verify that the program and school are accredited. One of 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 rigorous review of their instructors and educational materials. If the program is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Haileyville OK health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level openings.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask if the Oklahoma radiology technician schools you are evaluating have relationships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific manner to get hands on training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help students and graduates establish professional connections in the Haileyville OK healthcare community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Haileyville OK healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? For many students, the school they select will need to be within travelling distance of their Haileyville OK residence. Those who have decided to attend classes online naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.
What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit far in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Haileyville OK schools you are considering what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program as well.
Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the x-ray tech school you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Haileyville OK, verify that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family obligations.
Why Did You Desire to Be an X-Ray Tech?
When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's a good idea to consider questions you might be asked. One of the things that recruiters frequently ask radiographer prospects is "What drove you to choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not only the private reasons you may have for becoming an Xray technician, but additionally what qualities and abilities you have that make you good at your profession. You will likely be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, as well as a certain number of typical interview questions, so you should ready several strategies about how you want to respond to them. Because there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the abilities you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but take down some ideas and topics that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.Pick the Right Radiology Technician School near Haileyville OK
Selecting the right x-ray tech degree program is a crucial first step toward starting a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs typically stand for the greater part of the workday and move and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and provide the best available patient care. As has been discussed in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each program you are reviewing prior to making your final selection. This is similarly true whether you decide on an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each school so you can focus your options and make your decision. And with the appropriate training and your commitment to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Haileyville OK.
Some Background on Haileyville Oklahoma
Haileyville, Oklahoma
Haileyville is a city in Pittsburg County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 891 at the 2000 census.
Located in Pittsburg County, Haileyville lies at the junction of U.S. Route 270/State Highway 1 and State Highway 63, fourteen miles east of McAlester and a little more than one mile west of Hartshorne. The French explorer Jean Baptiste Bénard de La Harpe first mapped the site of Haileyville in 1719 during his expedition to the Arkansas River. In 1898 D. M. Hailey, M.D., established the town of Haileyville, when he claimed a tract of land east of McAlester and opened the area's first coal mines. A confederate veteran, Hailey had first moved into Indian Territory in 1868 to practice medicine and before long had become involved in several business ventures. His mining investments began when he and James Elliot started the Hailey-Ola Mining Company, leasing coal land from the Choctaw, Oklahoma and Gulf Railroad, which laid tracks in the area in 1889-90. The first mine, named Number One Slope, began production on St. Patrick's Day in 1899.
Haileyville, in the Choctaw Nation, was a company town, which was a common feature of coal-mining communities. Italians, American Indians, Russians, and Americans comprised most of Haileyville, and many worked in the mines or on the railroads. Coal from the area was only profitable due to the railroad junction. The town was home to the freight and passenger offices of the Choctaw, Oklahoma, and Gulf Railroad, which later became the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway Company (Rock Island). By 1902 the railroad had 1,052 miles of track, including a branch from the town that ran to Ardmore. Haileyville remained the division point of the Rock Island Railroad until 1958, when the offices moved to El Reno.
On April 20, 1901, the U.S. Post Office Department designated a Haileyville post office. The 1907 population stood at 1,452, and it climbed to 2,024 in 1910. In 1911 a bank, the New State newspaper, five hotels, three doctors, and several retail and other businesses served the residents. The community and its close neighbor, Hartshorne, are known as the "twin cities" of Pittsburg County due to their proximity. Gov. Lee Cruce proclaimed Haileyville a first class city on February 12, 1912. After a 2,067 population in 1920, the number of residents declined to 1,801 in 1930, 1,183 in 1940, and 922 in 1960. In 1946 one coal company, a bank, and an ice plant were the main businesses, with gas stations, grocery stores, and a hardware store. After the coal mines closed, lumber, farming, and ranching became the primary modes of production.
Haileyville is located at 34°51′14″N 95°34′44″W / 34.853929°N 95.578778°W / 34.853929; -95.578778.[3] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.0 square mile (2.6 km2), all of it land.
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