Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Garland TX 75040 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose a Radiology Tech School near Garland Texas

Garland TX x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Garland TX in order to train to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have made a decision to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you undertake picking the ideal college and program to ensure that you will get the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And considering that most states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you may require preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. A number of students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and frequently settle on the most affordable cost. But while location and cost need to be considered, there are additional important qualifiers as well. For instance, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are evaluating are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiology technician does and the degrees and education options that are offered.

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X-Ray Tech Career Description

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have the same fundamental job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many choose to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, such as mammography. They may practice in Garland TX hospitals, clinics, family 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 have to take care of their equipment plus routinely evaluate its functionality and safety. They are additionally required to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Garland TX medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Tech Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Garland TX The primary requirement for attending an x-ray tech school is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, usually requires 18 months to two years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to finish and is more comprehensive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be acceptable as well. One thing to bear in mind is that Garland TX radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may typically be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification requirements in Texas or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiographer Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, depending on the state where you will be employed you might need to become licensed. Most states do mandate 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 exam for the licensing application, but many accept additional alternatives for testing also. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. However, many Garland TX employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Tech Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Garland 75040 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree schools. So even though you can still obtain your online degree, a large portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is typically provided 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 Garland TX residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree typically discover that the online style of learning is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are generally cheaper than conventional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials may be decreased as well. But just confirm that the online program you select is accredited (more on the benefits 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 right choice for you.

Points to Ask Radiology Tech Colleges

Once you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of locating and assessing Garland TX x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to determine if you want to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a material factor as well. But along with location and cost, what more should you look at when comparing colleges? 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 assembled a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are looking at.

Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? The majority of xray technician schools have received some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still imperative to confirm that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly regarded 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 a detailed assessment of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. 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 help in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Garland TX employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry-level positions.

Are Internships Sponsored? Ask if the Texas xray technician colleges you are assessing have partnerships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent manner to obtain hands on training in a clinical environment, they are also a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can help students and graduates form professional relationships in the Garland TX health care community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Garland TX 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 college they choose will have to be within travelling distance of their Garland TX residence. Individuals who have chosen to attend classes online naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit way in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Garland TX colleges you are researching what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with some of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the radiographer program you finally select can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Garland TX, make certain that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Become a Radiology Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's a good idea to review questions you could be asked. Among the questions that recruiters often ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not just the private reasons you may have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what qualities and talents you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, in addition to a certain number of routine interview questions, so you must ready several strategies about how you would like to address them. Given that there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the strengths you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the best choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but write down several ideas and topics that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can help you to develop your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Select the Ideal X-Ray Technician Program near Garland TX

Choosing the ideal x-ray tech school is a crucial first step toward initiating a rewarding 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 workday and move 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 guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best possible patient care. As we have discussed in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are assessing prior to making your final decision. This is just as true whether you opt for an online school or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can narrow down your options and make your final choice. And with the appropriate education and your motivation to be successful, you can realize your goal to work as a radiographer in Garland TX.

Some Background on Garland Texas

Garland, Texas

Garland is a city in the U.S. state of Texas. It is a large city northeast of Dallas and is a part of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. It is located almost entirely within Dallas County, except a small portion located in Collin and Rockwall Counties.[5][6] As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 226,876, making it the 87th-most populous city in the United States of America and the 12th-most populous city in the state of Texas. Garland is second only to the City of Dallas in Dallas County by population and has easy access to downtown Dallas via public transportation including two Dart Blue line stations and buses.

In 2008, Garland was ranked #67 on CNN and Money magazine's list of the "Top 100 Places to Live".[7] As of 2014 the city was considered the 6th "Best City for Working Parents".[8] In 2014 Garland was ranked the 7th best City for saving money. This ranked Garland 2nd best in Texas.[9] In 2015, Garland was listed #17 overall and #5 best mid-sized city to purchase a home for "First-Time Home Buyers".[10] In 2015, Garland was labeled the 8th "Best Run City in America".[11] Move.org rated Garland as the "8th best city in America to raise a family".[12] In 2017 Garland was named the "2nd best City in Texas and 17th overall for jobs".[13] Smartasset ranked Garland as the "3rd best City for living the American Dream in 2017".[14] In 2018, Garland will have the "5th highest employment growth in the country".[15]

Immigrants began arriving in the Peters colony area around 1850, but a community was not created until 1874. Two communities sprang up in the area: Embree, named for the physician K. H. Embree, and Duck Creek, named for the local creek of the same name. A rivalry between the two towns ensued as the area began to grow around the Santa Fe Railroad depot. Eventually, to settle a dispute regarding which town should have the local post office, Dallas County Judge Thomas A. Nash asked visiting Congressman Joe Abbott to move the post office between the two towns. The move was completed in 1887. The new location was named Garland after U.S. Attorney General Augustus Hill Garland. Soon after, the towns of Embree and Duck Creek were combined, and the three areas combined to form the city of Garland, which was incorporated in 1891. By 1904, the town had a population of 819 people.[2]

In 1920, local businessmen financed a new electrical generator plant (sold by Fairbanks-Morse) for the town. This later led to the formation of Garland Power and Light, the municipal electric provider that still powers the city today.[2][16]

On May 9, 1927, a devastating F4 tornado struck the town and killed 15 people,[17] including the former mayor, S. E. Nicholson.