Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Houston TX 77001 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose a Radiology Technician College near Houston Texas

Houston TX x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Houston TX in order to become a radiologic technician. And now that you have chosen to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about picking the right school and program so that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And because the majority of states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you may need training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you assess each of the colleges you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. Many potential students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and frequently gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location should be taken into account, there are additional significant qualifications as well. For example, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are evaluating are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and training options that are available.

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X-Ray Tech Career Description

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, they all have 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 provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many elect to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They may work in Houston TX clinics, hospitals, 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 must care for their equipment and also routinely evaluate its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Houston TX health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Tech Degree Options

x-ray machine in Houston TX The primary prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice 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 2 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 finish and is more extensive in scope. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be appropriate also. One thing to keep in mind is that Houston TX radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can frequently be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which many colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in their region. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Texas or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an Radiologist program, depending on the state where you will be working you might have to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria differ so contact your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but several provide other alternatives for testing as well. Some states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. However, many Houston TX employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Tech Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Houston 77001 As a component 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 programs. So while you can still obtain your degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is often conducted in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online segment of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Houston TX home. Students who keep working while earning their degree often discover that the online style of education is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are generally less costly than on-campus alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting can be lessened as well. But just be sure that the online program you select is accredited (more on the benefits 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 ideal option for you.

Points to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges

When you have decided on the type of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of looking for and assessing Houston TX x-ray tech schools. You will also have to decide if you want to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a material variable also. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you consider when comparing schools? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Tech Programs Accredited? The majority of radiology tech colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still crucial to verify that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive review of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it may also receive 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 quality education, accreditation will also help in getting financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Houston TX employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Inquire if the Texas radiology tech schools you are assessing have partnerships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent manner to receive practical training in a clinical environment, they are also a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist students and graduates establish professional connections in the Houston TX health care community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the radiographer programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Houston TX healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the college they select will need to be within commuting distance of their Houston TX residence. Students who have opted to attend classes online obviously will not have to concern 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 decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit far in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Houston TX schools you are looking at what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with several of the instructors and students 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 program you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Houston TX, check that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Want to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to review questions you might be asked. One of the questions that recruiters frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to decide on radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not merely the personal reasons you might have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what characteristics and abilities you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, in addition to a certain number of routine interview questions, so you should organize a number of ideas about how you would like to answer them. Because there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, attempt 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 perfiect choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but jot down some concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Pick the Best X-Ray Tech College near Houston TX

Picking the ideal radiology technician school is a crucial first step toward starting a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs regularly stand for the majority of the day and move and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs 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 pleasant work environment and deliver the best possible patient care. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are assessing prior to making your ultimate selection. This is just as true whether you participate in an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can focus your options before making your decision. And with the proper education and your commitment to be successful, you can realize your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Houston TX.

Some Background on Houston Texas

Houston

Houston (/ˈhjuːstən/ ( listen) HYOO-stən) is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Texas and the fourth-most populous city in the United States, with a census-estimated 2016 population of 2.303 million[2] within a land area of 599.59 square miles (1,552.9 km2).[7] It is the largest city in the Southern United States,[8] and the seat of Harris County. Located in Southeast Texas near the Gulf of Mexico, it is the principal city of the Greater Houston metro area, which is the fifth-most populated MSA in the United States.

Houston was founded on August 30, 1836, near the banks of Buffalo Bayou (now known as Allen's Landing)[9][10] and incorporated as a city on June 5, 1837. The city was named after former General Sam Houston, who was president of the Republic of Texas and had commanded and won at the Battle of San Jacinto 25 miles (40 km) east of where the city was established.[10] The burgeoning port and railroad industry, combined with oil discovery in 1901 and Houston's replacement of Galveston as Texas's primary port following a devastating hurricane, has induced continual surges in the city's population. In the mid-20th century, Houston became the home of the Texas Medical Center—the world's largest concentration of healthcare and research institutions—and NASA's Johnson Space Center, where the Mission Control Center is located.

Houston's economy has a broad industrial base in energy, manufacturing, aeronautics, and transportation. Leading in health care sectors and building oilfield equipment, Houston has the second most Fortune 500 headquarters of any U.S. municipality within its city limits (after New York City).[11][12] The Port of Houston ranks first in the United States in international waterborne tonnage handled and second in total cargo tonnage handled.[13] Nicknamed the "Space City", Houston is a global city, with strengths in business, international trade, entertainment, culture, media, fashion, science, sports, technology, education, medicine, and research. The city has a population from various ethnic and religious backgrounds and a large and growing international community. Houston is the most diverse city in Texas and has been described as the most racially and ethnically diverse major metropolis in the U.S.[14] It is home to many cultural institutions and exhibits, which attract more than 7 million visitors a year to the Museum District. Houston has an active visual and performing arts scene in the Theater District and offers year-round resident companies in all major performing arts.[15]

On August 26, 1836, two real estate entrepreneurs from New York, Augustus Chapman Allen and John Kirby Allen, purchased 6,642 acres (26.88 km2) of land along Buffalo Bayou with the intent of founding a city.[16][17] According to historian, David McComb, "[T]he brothers, on August 26, 1836, bought from Elizabeth E. Parrott, wife of T.F.L. Parrott and widow of John Austin, the south half of the lower league [2,214 acres of land] granted to her by her late husband. They paid $5,000 total, but only $1,000 of this in cash; notes made up the remainder."[18] The Allen brothers decided to name the city after Sam Houston, the popular general at the Battle of San Jacinto,[17] who was elected President of Texas in September 1836. The great majority of slaves in Texas came with their owners from the older slave states. Sizable numbers, however, came through the domestic slave trade. New Orleans was the center of this trade in the Deep South, but slave dealers were in Houston. Thousands of enslaved blacks lived near the city before the Civil War. Many of them near the city worked on sugar and cotton plantations, while most of those in the city limits had domestic and artisan jobs. Houston was granted incorporation on June 5, 1837, with James S. Holman becoming its first mayor.[10] In the same year, Houston became the county seat of Harrisburg County (now Harris County) and the temporary capital of the Republic of Texas.[19] In 1840, the community established a chamber of commerce in part to promote shipping and waterborne business at the newly created port on Buffalo Bayou.[20]

By 1860, Houston had emerged as a commercial and railroad hub for the export of cotton.[19] Railroad spurs from the Texas inland converged in Houston, where they met rail lines to the ports of Galveston and Beaumont. During the American Civil War, Houston served as a headquarters for General John Bankhead Magruder, who used the city as an organization point for the Battle of Galveston.[21] After the Civil War, Houston businessmen initiated efforts to widen the city's extensive system of bayous so the city could accept more commerce between downtown and the nearby port of Galveston. By 1890, Houston was the railroad center of Texas.