Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Lewisville TX 75029 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find an X-Ray Technician School near Lewisville Texas

Lewisville TX x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Lewisville TX so you can become a radiology technologist. But now that you have made a decision to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you tackle selecting the right school and program so that you will receive the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do mandate 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 in order to compare each program. Many students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and frequently settle on the lowest cost. But while location and cost should be taken into consideration, there are additional important qualifications as well. For instance, you must find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the schools you are reviewing are provided later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology tech does and the credentials and training options that are offered.

[campusexplorer header_text=”Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools!” aos=”75346615″ concentration=”8671ABD2″ tracking=”XRAY-CW”]

Radiology Tech Career Summary

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the same major 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 administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some opt to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They can practice in Lewisville TX hospitals, clinics, 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 have to take care of their equipment plus regularly evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally required to retain in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Lewisville TX health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Lewisville TX The primary requirement for attending a radiology tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, normally takes 18 months to two years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to complete and is more extensive in scope. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are appropriate also. One thing to consider is that Lewisville TX radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any certification or licensing mandates in Texas or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an Radiologist school, based on the state where you will be working you may have to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites differ so contact your state. Currently, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but several offer additional alternatives for testing as well. Some states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is optional. Having said that, many Lewisville TX employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technician Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Lewisville 75029 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree programs. So while you can still obtain your online degree, a large amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is often conducted in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online segment of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Lewisville TX residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online style of learning is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are often less expensive than traditional options. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials may be lessened as well. But just be sure 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 formalized type of training, then an online degree may be the best choice for you.

Topics to Ask Radiologic Tech Schools

When you have decided on the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of locating and assessing Lewisville TX x-ray technician schools. You will also need to decide if you want to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the school will be important. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a material factor also. But along with location and cost, what else should you factor in when reviewing schools? Well, you should ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? A large number of radiology technician colleges have received some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still important to confirm that the program and school 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 gone through an extensive review of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Lewisville TX employers will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Inquire if the Texas radiology tech programs you are reviewing have relationships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific manner to get practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Lewisville TX health care community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Lewisville TX healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the college they pick will have to be within commuting distance of their Lewisville TX residence. Students who have opted to attend online classes naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit way in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Lewisville TX schools you are considering 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 ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the x-ray tech college you ultimately select can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Lewisville TX, make sure that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Decide to Be an X-Ray Tech?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to consider questions you may be asked. One of the questions that recruiters often ask radiographer candidates is "What made you decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not just the private reasons you might have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but additionally what qualities and talents you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, as well as a certain number of standard interview questions, so you must ready several ideas about how you would like to address them. Considering there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the abilities you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the best choice for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but jot down several concepts and talking points that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can help you to develop your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.

Choose the Best X-Ray Technician Program near Lewisville TX

Selecting the appropriate radiology technician school is a crucial first step toward launching a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs typically stand for the greater part of the workday and position and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. As has been covered in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each program you are considering before making your final decision. 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 examine and compare each program so you can focus your options before making your final choice. And with the appropriate education and your commitment to be successful, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Lewisville TX.

Some Background on Lewisville Texas

Lewisville, Texas

Lewisville (/ˈljuː.ɪs.vɪl/ LEW-iss-vil) is a city in Denton County, Texas, United States. It is a northwestern suburb of Dallas. The 2000 United States Census placed the city's population at 77,737 and the 2010 Census placed it at 95,290, making it one of the fastest-growing city populations in the United States and the 33rd most populous in Texas.[6] It occupies 36.4 square miles (94 km2) of land and includes 6.07 square miles (15.7 km2) of Lewisville Lake.[3]

Originally called Holford's Prairie, Lewisville dates back to the early 1840s.[7] The arrival of the town's first railroad in 1881 engendered its initial growth, and the expansion of the area's transportation infrastructure spurred further development in the early part of the 20th century.[8] Lewisville incorporated in 1925, and when construction of Lewisville Lake was completed in the 1950s, the city began to expand rapidly.

Lewisville's consistently warm climate and proximity to Lewisville Lake have made it a recreational hub of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. The city's municipal government, led by a nonpartisan city council, focuses its recreational and cultural investments on facilities such as Toyota of Lewisville Park and the MCL Grand Theater. The area's transportation infrastructure has evolved around the I-35 Corridor along Interstate 35E. The diversity of its population and industry has created a stable economic climate. Lewisville Independent School District provides most of the area's public education programs.

In 1841, the Republic of Texas chartered the Peters Colony Land Grant Company (named for William Smalling Peters, publisher of the song "Oh! Susanna")[7] to settle the North Texas area.[8] In 1844, John W. King and his wife settled on the east side of the prairie, where the city now lies. Baptist settlers from Platte County, Missouri, settled on the west side; among them were John and James Holford, who named the area Holford's Prairie.[9][10] Further south, Presbyterians established a church and called it Flower Mound.[11] In the confusion over land ownership after the Hedgcoxe War, Basdeal Lewis purchased Holford's Prairie in 1853 and renamed it after himself.[12]

In 1845, the Fox family, which owned about a dozen slaves, buried a slave child called Melinda on the family farm, which eventually became the town's cemetery for black residents. Named Fox–Hembry Cemetery, the plot still exists today.[13] After it had fallen into disrepair, local residents and businesses gathered to restore it in 2011.[14] Though Abraham Lincoln was not on the ballot in the area for the 1860 Presidential election, residents of Lewisville (listed as "Hollforts" on election results) still gave John C. Breckinridge only a 44–31 majority over an electoral fusion option.[15]