Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Electra TX 76360 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Pick a Radiologic Tech Degree Program near Electra Texas

Electra TX x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Electra TX so you can become a radiologic technologist. And now that you have chosen to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you undertake selecting the right college and program so that you will receive the proper training to become a skilled professional? And since the majority of states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you may require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you research each of the colleges you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Many students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while location and cost must be taken into consideration, there are other critical qualifiers also. For example, you must find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are reviewing are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic technician does and the degrees and training choices that are available.

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X-Ray Tech Job Description

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, each has the identical primary job description, 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 treating cancer. Some opt to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for instance mammography. They can practice in Electra TX clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician 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 and regularly evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to retain in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Electra TX medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Tech Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Electra TX The standard requirement for attending an x-ray tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, generally requires 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to complete and is more comprehensive in scope. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are appropriate also. One thing to keep in mind is that Electra TX radiographer programs 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 a large number of colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Texas or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an Radiologist program, based on the state where you will be practicing you might need to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so contact your state. Presently, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many offer additional options for testing also. A number of states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. However, many Electra TX employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it could increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Tech Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Electra 76360 As a component of any 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 even though you can still obtain your online degree, a large portion of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is usually provided in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online segment of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Electra TX home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree often discover that the online approach to education is much more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are generally more affordable than conventional options. In addition to lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting can be lessened as well. But just confirm that the online school you select is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online school may be the best choice for you.

What to Ask Radiographer Programs

After you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of searching for and assessing Electra TX x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or travel to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a material variable as well. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you look at when evaluating schools? Well, you should ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are considering.

Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? The majority of xray technician colleges have earned some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still important to confirm 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 undergone an extensive assessment of their teachers and educational materials. If the college is online it may also obtain 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. Along with ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Electra TX employers will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry level jobs.

Are Internships Offered? Find out if the Texas radiology technician colleges you are evaluating have relationships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific way to get hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Electra TX medical community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the radiographer schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Electra TX healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the college they pick will need to be within commuting distance of their Electra TX residence. Students who have opted to attend online classes obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to bear 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 generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually 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 student that prefers to sit way 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 personalized instruction. Ask the Electra TX colleges you are reviewing what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the radiographer college you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Electra TX, make certain that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option 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 may miss due to illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Radiologic Technologist?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to consider questions you might be asked. One of the questions that recruiters frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to decide on radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not just the personal reasons you may have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but also what qualities and skills you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, as well as a certain number of general interview questions, so you need to ready a number of ideas about how you want to address them. Considering there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the strengths you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but write down some ideas and anecdotes that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can assist you to prepare your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.

Enroll in the Right X-Ray Technician Program near Electra TX

Selecting the best x-ray tech college is an important first step toward beginning a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs frequently stand for the greater part of the day and move and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best possible care to patients. As has been discussed in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you opt for an online school or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each school so you can focus your options before making your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your dedication to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Electra TX.

Some Background on Electra Texas

Lockheed L-188 Electra

The Lockheed L-188 Electra is an American turboprop airliner built by Lockheed. First flown in 1957, it was the first large turboprop airliner built in the United States. Initial sales were good, but after two fatal crashes that led to expensive modifications to fix a design defect, no more were ordered. With its unique high power-to-weight ratio, huge propellers and very short wings (resulting in the majority of the wingspan being enveloped in propwash), large Fowler flaps which significantly increased effective wing area when extended, and four-engined design, the airplane had airfield performance capabilities unmatched by many jet transport aircraft even today—particularly on short runways and high field elevations.[citation needed] Jet airliners soon supplanted turboprops for many purposes, and many Electras were modified as freighters. Some Electras are still being used in various roles into the 21st century.[1][2] The airframe was also used as the basis for the much more successful Lockheed P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft.

Lockheed had established a strong position in commercial airliner production with its piston-engine Constellation series. Further development brought turboprop engines to the Constellation airframe with the Lockheed L-1249 Super Constellation. In 1951, Lockheed was approached by Capital Airlines to develop a new turboprop airliner which was designated the YC-130, however there was no interest from any other carriers, so the design was dropped. Subsequently, Capital Airlines went on to order 60 British Vickers Viscounts.[3] In 1954, as a result of American Airlines' interest in developing a twin engine aircraft, the idea resurfaced and the company offered a twin-engine design now designated the CL-303. This newer design was a high-wing type and would allow for 60 to 70 passengers. This design was also shelved for lack of interest from other carriers.[3]

The following year, American Airlines revised its requirement to a four-engine design for 75 passengers with 2,000 miles (3,200 km) range.[3] Lockheed proposed a new design, the CL-310 with a low wing and four Rolls-Royce Darts or Napier Elands.[3] The CL-310 design met the American Airlines requirements, but failed to meet those of another interested carrier, Eastern Air Lines. Its requirements were for a longer range; a minimum cruising speed of 350 miles per hour (560 km/h); and increased seating capacity to the 85-to-90-passenger level.[3] Lockheed redesigned the CL-310 to use the Allison 501-D13, a civilian version of the T56 developed for the Lockheed C-130 Hercules military transport.[3] The airframe was stretched to allow for more seats and handle the increased performance. This design was launched as the Model 188 with an order for 35 by American Airlines on June 8, 1955. This was followed by Eastern Air Lines with an order for 40 on September 27, 1955.[3] The first aircraft took 26 months to complete and by that time Lockheed had orders for 129. The prototype, a Model 188A, first flew on December 6, 1957, two months ahead of schedule.[4][5] Lockheed was awarded a type certificate by the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) on 22 August 1958. The first delivery – to Eastern Air Lines – was on October 8, 1958, but it did not enter service until January 12, 1959.[3][6]

In 1957 the United States Navy issued a requirement for an advanced maritime patrol aircraft. Lockheed proposed a development of the Electra that was later placed into production as the P-3 Orion, which saw much greater success — the Orion has been in continual front-line service for more than 50 years.

The Model 188 Electra is a low-wing cantilever monoplane powered by four wing-mounted Allison 501-D13 turboprops. It has a retractable tricycle landing gear and a conventional tail. It has a cockpit crew of three and can carry 66 to 80 passengers in a mixed-class arrangement, although 98 could be carried in a high-density layout. The first variant was the Model 188A, followed by the longer-range 188C with room for 1,000 US gallons (3,800 L) more fuel and maximum take-off weight 3,000 pounds (1,400 kg) higher.