Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Antioch TN 37011 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find an X-Ray Technician Program near Antioch Tennessee

Antioch TN x-ray tech internship program Congratulations on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Antioch TN in order to learn to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have made a decision to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you undertake picking the ideal school and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And because most states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you may require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you research each of the colleges you are considering in order to evaluate each program. A number of prospective students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and usually gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while location and cost should be considered, there are additional significant qualifications also. For example, you should ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the schools you are considering are provided later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray technician does and the degrees and education choices that are offered.

Radiology Tech Work Description

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, they all have the same principal job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some opt to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They can work in Antioch TN hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician might work with 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 also regularly assess its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to retain complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Antioch TN medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Technician Degree Options

x-ray machine in Antioch TN The primary prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech college is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, normally takes 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to finish and is more extensive in nature. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be appropriate also. One thing to keep in mind is that Antioch TN radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may often be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which many schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Tennessee or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiographer Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, depending on the state where you will be employed you may have to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria differ so contact your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but a number offer additional options for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is optional. However, numerous Antioch TN employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it might enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous 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 Radiology Tech Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Antioch 37011 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree colleges. So even though you can still obtain your online degree, a substantial amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is usually provided in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online section of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Antioch TN residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online approach to education is far more practical with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently less costly than conventional alternatives. Along with lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials may be reduced as well. But just make certain that the online college you select is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online degree may be the right option for you.

Points to Ask Radiologic Tech Schools

As soon as you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of locating and evaluating Antioch TN x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to determine 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 relevant. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a material variable also. But along with cost and location, what else should you consider when evaluating schools? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details before you make your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are reviewing.

Are the Radiology Technician Colleges Accredited? Most radiology tech colleges have earned some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still imperative to make sure that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous evaluation of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Antioch TN health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Inquire if the Tennessee radiology tech programs you are interested in have relationships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific means to obtain practical training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help students and graduates develop professional connections in the Antioch TN health care community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the radiographer programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Antioch TN healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the school they select will have to be within commuting distance of their Antioch TN residence. Individuals who have decided to attend classes online obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. One thing to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may have 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 Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit way in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Antioch TN colleges you are reviewing what the typical teacher to student 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 a chance to talk with some of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program also.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the x-ray tech college you ultimately select can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you decide to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Antioch TN, verify that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Decide to Be an Xray Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to consider questions you may be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not only the private reasons you might have for becoming a radiology technician, but additionally what attributes and skills you possess that make you good at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, along with a certain number of standard interview questions, so you need to prepare several ideas about how you want to address them. Given that there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the strengths you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but jot down a few ideas and topics that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Select the Right Radiology Technician College near Antioch TN

Enrolling in the best x-ray tech college is a critical first step toward starting a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs regularly stand for the majority of the workday and move and in some cases lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology 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 deliver the best available care to patients. As has been discussed in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are looking at before making your final selection. This is equally true whether you decide on an online program or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each program so you can focus your choices and make your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your dedication to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as a radiographer in Antioch TN.

Some Background on Antioch Tennessee

Antioch, Tennessee

Antioch is a neighborhood in southeastern Davidson County, Tennessee governed by the Nashville metropolitan government. The area is assigned to postal zip code 37013.

The community known as Antioch began at the convergence of Antioch Pike, Hickory Hollow Parkway, Blue Hole Road, and Mt. View Road. The original town of Antioch began as a church located by Mill Creek in 1810. Antioch was a commuter town because workers traveled to and from downtown Nashville. From the beginning, the town provided immediate services like a post office and general store. For planning purposes, the community was given the name Antioch–Priest Lake because the study area encompassed areas near J. Percy Priest Lake and the neighborhoods that grew from the heart of Antioch in the early 1800s.

In 1810, The First Baptist Church was organized in the area near Mill Creek. Then in 1820, a large landowner by the name of Charles Hays donated land for the church to build on, and began referring to it as the Church at Antioch, giving the town its name. Charles Hays based the name change on Bible scripture (Acts 11:26 KJV) which states "...and the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." The village was known as Antioch from 1820 onward. For a short time in the 1870s and 1880s, the post office designation for the village was Oneyville, named after the post master of that time—Dr. J. H. Oney. However it was later changed back to the name Antioch.

Now a town featuring a post office, Antioch began to grow covering an area of one to two miles in either direction. The Antioch mail route itself also covered additional areas outside of those communities. Beyond that initial two mile boundary were the communities of Una, Mt. View, Cane Ridge, Tusculum, and Bakertown.

Much of the land in the town of Antioch was owned by Charles Hays and he remained the largest land owner through the first few decades of Antioch's existence. By the end of the 1840s, however, road construction had begun on Mill Creek Valley Pike (now known as Antioch Pike), and the road opened for use in 1846. Construction also began on a rail road that would change the face of the community.