How to Choose an X-Ray Technician Program near Watertown South Dakota
Congrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Watertown SD so you can learn to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have decided to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you set about selecting the ideal school and program so that you will get the proper training to become a skilled professional? And since most states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you might require training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you research each of the colleges you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Most prospective students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and typically gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while location and cost must be taken into account, there are additional significant qualifications also. For instance, you should find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are evaluating are presented later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and education options that are available.
Radiology Tech Career Summary
There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, they all have the same principal job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They may work in Watertown SD 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 take care of their equipment plus regularly assess its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Watertown SD health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
X-Ray Technician Degrees
The primary prerequisite for attending a radiology tech school is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, usually takes 18 months to two years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to finish and is more comprehensive in nature. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are appropriate also. Something to consider is that Watertown SD radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may frequently be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification requirements in South Dakota or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing
After you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, based on the state where you will be practicing you may have to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites differ so check with your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but many approve additional alternatives for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is optional. Having said that, numerous Watertown SD employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online Radiology Technologist Classes
As a part 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 colleges. So although you can still earn your online degree, a substantial portion of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is often conducted in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online section of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Watertown SD home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree often find that the online style of education is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online schools are frequently less expensive than on-campus options. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be lessened also. But just be sure that the online program you select is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online degree may be the best option for you.
Questions to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges
As soon as you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can start the process of finding and assessing Watertown SD x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to determine if you prefer 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 secondary expenditures will be a determining variable also. But along with cost and location, what more should you factor in when evaluating colleges? Well, you should check out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details before you make your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are assessing.
Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? Most xray tech colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still crucial to verify that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive assessment of their instructors and educational materials. If the college 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 recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Watertown SD health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level positions.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask if the South Dakota radiology tech colleges you are evaluating have associations with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent way to get practical experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist students and graduates establish professional connections in the Watertown SD health care community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the radiographer programs 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 Watertown SD healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the school they select will have to be within travelling distance of their Watertown SD residence. Individuals who have opted 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. Something to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit far in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Watertown SD colleges you are looking at what the typical 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 decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program also.
Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the radiographer program you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you decide to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Watertown SD, check that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family obligations.
Why Did You Choose to Be a Radiology Technician?
When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to reflect on questions you might be asked. Among the questions that interviewers typically ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not only the personal reasons you may have for becoming a radiology technician, but also what attributes and talents you have that make you good at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, along with a significant number of general interview questions, so you need to prepare some ideas about how you would like to answer them. Considering there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the abilities you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the ideal candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down a few concepts and topics that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.Choose the Right Radiology Technician Program near Watertown SD
Selecting the appropriate x-ray tech degree program is a crucial first step toward beginning a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs often stand for the majority of the day and move and at times lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and provide the best possible patient care. As we have addressed in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are considering before making your final decision. This is similarly true whether you decide on an online program or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each school so you can focus your choices and make your decision. And with the right training and your motivation to be successful, you can realize your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Watertown SD.
Some Background on Watertown South Dakota
Watertown, South Dakota
Watertown is a city in and the county seat of Codington County, South Dakota, United States.[8] The population was 21,482 at the 2010 census. It is the fifth largest city in South Dakota. It is also the principal city of the Watertown Micropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Codington and Hamlin counties.
Watertown is home to the Redlin Art Center which houses many of the original art works produced by Terry Redlin, one of America's most popular wildlife artists. Watertown also is home to the Bramble Park Zoo and the Watertown Regional Library. The Watertown Public Opinion is a six-day daily newspaper published in Watertown.
Watertown's residential real estate is considered the most expensive in South Dakota for cities of its size; the median price for a home in Watertown is around $200,000.[9]
Watertown is located at 44°54′12″N 97°7′14″W / 44.90333°N 97.12056°W / 44.90333; -97.12056 (44.903433, -97.120437),[10] along the Big Sioux River.[11]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 25.04 square miles (64.85 km2), of which, 17.45 square miles (45.20 km2) is land and 7.59 square miles (19.66 km2) is water.[4] Watertown sits on the Big Sioux River and two major lakes, Lake Pelican and Lake Kampeska. Most of Watertown also sits upon a short plateau. Elevation at Watertown Regional Airport is 1,745 feet.
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