Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Lexington TN 38351 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select a Radiologic Tech Degree Program near Lexington Tennessee

Lexington TN x-ray tech internship program Best wishes regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Lexington TN in order to become a radiologic technologist. But now that you have made a decision to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about selecting the ideal school and program to ensure that you will get the proper training to become a qualified professional? And considering that the majority of states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you might need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the colleges you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Many potential students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and often settle on the most affordable cost. But while expense and location should be considered, there are additional significant qualifiers also. For example, you should find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are evaluating are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray tech does and the degrees and education choices that are available.

X-Ray Tech Occupation Description

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the same primary job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They can practice in Lexington TN clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may utilize 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 frequently assess its functionality and safety. They are also required to keep complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Lexington TN health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Lexington TN The standard prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech college 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 prevalent among techs, generally requires 18 months to two years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to complete and is more comprehensive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be appropriate as well. One thing to consider is that Lexington TN radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may often be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Tennessee or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, depending on the state where you will be working you may have to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites differ so check with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but several offer additional options for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. However, numerous Lexington TN employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it could 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 comprehensive exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technician Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Lexington 38351 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree colleges. So although you can still earn your degree online, a large portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is often conducted in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online section of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Lexington TN residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically find that the online style of education is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are generally less expensive than conventional options. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials may be reduced also. But just be sure that the online school you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online degree may be the ideal choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges

As soon as you have decided on the type of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of looking for and assessing Lexington TN x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to decide if you want to attend online classes or travel to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the college will be important. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a determining variable also. But along with location and cost, what else should you look at when comparing schools? Well, you need to ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these important details prior to making your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are considering.

Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? Most radiology tech schools have acquired some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to confirm that the school and program 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 obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous assessment of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Lexington TN employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level openings.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Find out if the Tennessee radiology technician schools you are reviewing have relationships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific way to obtain hands on training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist students and graduates form professional connections in the Lexington TN health care community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Lexington TN healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For many students, the school they decide on will have to be within travelling distance of their Lexington TN home. Individuals who have opted to attend classes online obviously 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 keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit way in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Lexington TN schools you are considering what the average teacher to student 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 an opportunity to converse with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program also.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the x-ray tech school you finally select can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Lexington TN, confirm that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, learn what the protocol 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 preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to review questions you may be asked. Among the things that hiring managers typically ask radiographer prospects is "What drove you to choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not only the personal reasons you may have for becoming an Xray technician, but also what qualities and abilities you possess that make you good at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, in addition to a significant number of standard interview questions, so you should ready some ideas about how you would like to respond to them. Considering there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the talents you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but jot down several concepts and anecdotes that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can help you to formulate your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Select the Best X-Ray Tech College near Lexington TN

Selecting the right radiology technician school is a critical first step toward launching a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the greater part of the working day and position and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best available care to patients. As we have addressed in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are looking at prior to making your ultimate selection. This is similarly true whether you enroll in an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each program so you can focus your choices and make your decision. And with the proper education and your motivation to be successful, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiographer in Lexington TN.

Some Background on Lexington Tennessee

Lexington, Tennessee

Lexington is a city in Henderson County, Tennessee, United States. Lexington is midway between Memphis and Nashville, lying ten miles (16 km) south of Interstate 40, which connects the two cities. The population was 7,473 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Henderson County.[4]

Shortly after the 1821 creation of Henderson County, a site near its center was chosen as a county seat, and was named Lexington in honor of Lexington, Massachusetts, site of the first battle of the American Revolution. The first county courthouse was built in 1823; Lexington was incorporated in 1824 and by 1830 had a population of 260.

As the lead-up to the American Civil War began, Henderson County voted against secession. As the war progressed, both Union and Confederate regiments were recruited in the county. The area in and around Lexington was the site of a skirmish on December 18, 1862. Union Colonel Robert Ingersoll sent his troops to destroy a bridge over the Beech Creek to disallow Confederate army to move into the area. However, Ingersoll's troops did not destroy the bridge and General Nathan Bedford Forrest's troops headed into Lexington. Forrest's troops overtook the Union soldiers, taking over 140 men, including Colonel Ingersoll, and collected artillery and supplies left behind by Union soldiers who escaped.[5]

In 1918, an African-American man called Berry Noyse who was accused of killing the sheriff was lynched by a mob in the courthouse square and burned in the street.[6]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.7 square miles (30 km2), of which 11.5 square miles (30 km2) is land and 0.2-square-mile (0.52 km2) (1.45%) is water. Lexington is six miles (9.7 km) south of Natchez Trace State Park.