Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Highlands TX 77562 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find a Radiologic Tech School near Highlands Texas

Highlands TX x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Highlands TX so you can train to be a radiology technician. But now that you have chosen to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you go about selecting the ideal college and program to ensure that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And because the majority of states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you might require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you assess each of the colleges you are considering in order to evaluate each program. Most potential students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and usually gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while location and cost should be taken into account, there are other critical qualifiers as well. For instance, you must ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are reviewing are provided later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray tech does and the degrees and education choices that are offered.

Radiology Technician Job Summary

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, each has the same fundamental job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some choose to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, such as mammography. They may practice in Highlands TX hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist 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 care for their equipment and frequently analyze its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to keep in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Highlands TX medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degrees

x-ray machine in Highlands TX The primary requirement for attending an x-ray tech program is to have earned 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 techs, normally takes 18 months to two years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to complete and is more extensive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are appropriate also. Something to keep in mind is that Highlands TX radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can often be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any certification or licensing mandates in Texas or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an Radiologist college, based on the state where you will be employed you might need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements vary so check with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but a number approve other alternatives for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. However, numerous Highlands TX employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might enhance 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 demands re-certification every other year, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technician Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Highlands 77562 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree colleges. So although you can still obtain your online degree, a large amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is typically conducted in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online portion of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Highlands TX residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree often discover that the online approach to education is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online programs are often less expensive than conventional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be lessened as well. But just confirm that the online college you choose is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then online classes may be the ideal option for you.

Questions to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges

Once you have decided on the type of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of finding and evaluating Highlands TX x-ray technician schools. You will also need to determine if you prefer 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 critical. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be an important variable also. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you factor in when comparing colleges? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details before you make your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Technician Schools Accredited? Most xray tech colleges have earned some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still important to confirm that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous examination of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it might also obtain 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. Along with guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also help in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Highlands TX employers will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry-level positions.

Are Internships Offered? Ask if the Texas radiology tech programs you are evaluating have relationships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to get hands on training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Highlands TX medical community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the radiographer programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Highlands TX healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For many students, the college they choose will have to be within travelling distance of their Highlands TX home. Those who have chosen to attend classes online naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. One thing 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 normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Highlands TX schools you are researching what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with some of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the radiographer school you finally choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Highlands TX, verify that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Become a Radiology Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to consider questions you could be asked. Among the things that recruiters frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What made you decide on radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not only the private reasons you may have for becoming an Xray technician, but additionally what attributes and abilities you have that make you good at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, as well as a certain number of general interview questions, so you should organize some strategies about how you would like to respond to them. Because there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the talents 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 a few concepts and talking points that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can help you to develop your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.

Enroll in the Ideal X-Ray Technician College near Highlands TX

Enrolling in the best x-ray technician degree program is an important first step toward initiating a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs typically stand for the majority of the working day and position and at times lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and provide the best available patient care. As we have covered in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are considering before making your final selection. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online program or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each program so you can narrow down your choices and make your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your dedication to be successful, you can reach your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Highlands TX.

Some Background on Highlands Texas

Lake Highlands High School

Lake Highlands High School (LHHS) is a secondary school serving grades 9-12 located in the Lake Highlands area of northeastern Dallas, Texas, United States, primarily serving the Lake Highlands community. The school is part of the Richardson Independent School District and is located centrally within Lake Highlands near the DART Blue Line. The Lake Highlands Freshman Center (which sits on the same property as LHHS) houses the 9th grade students. As of the beginning of the 2016-2017 school year, the center still houses the 9th grade but is no longer a separate school. The first graduating class of Lake Highlands High School was in 1964.

In 2002, the school received a Blue Ribbon award from the U.S. Department of Education.[2] It was also named by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best high schools in America in 2001.[citation needed]

The school is the home of the Wildcat Band. It has accumulated many state and national honors. Under the direction of Eddie Green, the Symphonic Band made its first trip to the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in December 1971 and performed at the Honor Concert. Later that school year, the band was selected as the Texas Music Educators Association Honor Band leading to an Honor Concert performance at the TMEA convention in February 1973. There have been repeat appearances at both venues. The band is now directed by Levi Chavis, assisted by James Rees and Aaron Singleton. The band has received "Sweepstakes", which is the highest rating possible, for both marching band and concert band for several years in a row.

The school is home of the "Wildcat Wranglers", one of the few high school Country/Western dance teams existing in the United States. The group performed for the 1997, 2001, 2005, and 2009 presidential inaugurations, including at the Black Tie and Boots Balls and in the Inaugural Parades associated with the aforementioned inaugurations; in the 2005 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade; and in the 2008, 2012, and 2015 New Year's Day Parade in London.[citation needed]

The school is also the home of the "Highlandettes", a Texas-style dance squad. They have performed in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade numerous times, as well as at many Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Stars, and Dallas Mavericks games. They have also danced in Dublin, Ireland for the St. Patrick's Day parade; in Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii; and Italy.