Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near San Antonio TX 78201

How to Pick a Radiologic Technician Program near San Antonio Texas

San Antonio TX x-ray tech internship program Congratulations on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near San Antonio TX in order to learn to be a radiologic technician. And now that you have chosen to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you set about choosing the ideal college and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And since the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you may need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you assess each of the schools you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. A number of potential students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and typically settle on the most affordable cost. But while expense and location need to be considered, there are other significant qualifiers as well. For instance, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are considering are provided later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and training options that are available.

Radiology Technician Job Summary

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, each has the same fundamental job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many opt to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for example mammography. They may practice in San Antonio TX clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech 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 regularly assess its performance and safety. They are also expected to keep in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As San Antonio TX health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degrees Available

x-ray machine in San Antonio TX The primary requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the option 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 finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to complete and is more comprehensive in scope. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be appropriate also. Something to keep in mind is that San Antonio TX radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can often be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After 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 working as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, depending on the state where you will be practicing you may need to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria differ so get in touch with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many offer other options for testing as well. Several states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, numerous San Antonio TX employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it could improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technologist Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in San Antonio 78201 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree schools. So although you can still earn your online degree, a significant amount of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is typically performed in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online section of the training can be attended in the comfort of your San Antonio TX residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree usually find that the online style of education is far more practical with their active schedules. Plus online schools are frequently more affordable than on-campus options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials may be lessened as well. But just make certain that the online program you choose is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online school may be the best choice for you.

Points to Ask X Ray Tech Programs

Once you have selected the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of looking for and evaluating San Antonio TX x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to decide if you want to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a material variable also. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you consider when reviewing colleges? Well, you should check out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details before you make your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are looking at.

Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? Most radiology technician schools have obtained some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still crucial to verify that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive assessment of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of San Antonio TX health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out if the Texas xray tech colleges you are evaluating have partnerships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent means to get hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are also a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help graduates and students establish professional connections in the San Antonio TX healthcare community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with San Antonio TX healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they decide on will need to be within commuting distance of their San Antonio TX home. Students who have opted to attend classes online naturally 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 school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit way in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the San Antonio TX colleges you are considering what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to speak with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program as well.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the x-ray tech program you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in San Antonio TX, verify that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an alternative 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 as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.

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

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to review questions you might be asked. Among the things that recruiters often ask radiographer prospects is "What drove you to select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not just the private reasons you might have for being an X-Ray tech, but additionally what characteristics and talents you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, as well as a certain number of routine interview questions, so you must prepare a number of strategies about how you would like to answer them. Considering there are several factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the abilities you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but jot down several concepts and topics that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can help you to formulate your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Pick the Right Radiology Tech Program near San Antonio TX

Selecting the ideal x-ray technician school is an important first step toward beginning a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs often stand for the majority of the workday and position and at times lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements 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 productive work environment and provide the best available patient care. As has been addressed in this report, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are looking at before making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you opt for an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each program so you can narrow down your choices before making your final choice. And with the proper training and your commitment to succeed, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiology tech in San Antonio TX.

Some Background on San Antonio Texas

San Antonio

San Antonio (/ˌsæn ænˈtoʊni.oʊ/ Spanish for "Saint Anthony"), officially the City of San Antonio, is the seventh most populous city in the United States and the second most populous city in both Texas and the Southern United States.[5] Founded as a Spanish mission and colonial outpost in 1718, the city became the first chartered civil settlement in Texas in 1731, making it the state's oldest municipality.[6][7] The city's deep history is contrasted with its rapid growth: it was the fastest-growing of the top ten largest cities in the United States from 2000 to 2010, and the second from 1990 to 2000.[8][9] Straddling the regional divide between South and Central Texas, San Antonio anchors the southwestern corner of an urban megaregion colloquially known as the "Texas Triangle".

San Antonio serves as the seat of Bexar County. Recent annexations[10] have extended the city's boundaries into Medina County and, for a tiny area near the city of Garden Ridge, into Comal County.[11] Since San Antonio was founded during the Spanish Colonial Era, it has a church (San Fernando Cathedral) in its center, located on the main civic plaza in front, a characteristic which is found in some other Spanish-founded cities, towns, and villages in Spain and Latin America. Due to its placement, the city is similar to other Western urban centers, in which areas outside the city limits are sparsely populated and have low density.

San Antonio is the center of the San Antonio–New Braunfels Metropolitan Statistical Area. Commonly referred to as Greater San Antonio, the metropolitan area has a population of 2,454,061 based on the 2017 US Census estimate, making it the 24th-largest metropolitan area in the United States and third-largest in the state of Texas. Growth along the Interstate 35 and Interstate 10 corridors to the north, west and east make it likely that the metropolitan area will continue to expand.

San Antonio was named by a 1691 Spanish expedition for Saint Anthony of Padua, whose feast day is on June 13. The city contains five 18th-century Spanish frontier missions, including The Alamo and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, which together were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.[12] Other notable attractions include the River Walk, the Tower of the Americas, SeaWorld, the Alamo Bowl, and Marriage Island. Commercial entertainment includes Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Morgan's Wonderland amusement parks. According to the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau, the city is visited by about 32 million tourists a year. The city is home to the five-time NBA champion San Antonio Spurs. It hosts the annual San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, one of the largest such events in the country.

The U.S. armed forces have numerous facilities in and around San Antonio; Fort Sam Houston being the only one within the city limits. Lackland Air Force Base, Randolph Air Force Base, Lackland AFB/Kelly Field Annex, Camp Bullis, and Camp Stanley are located outside the city limits. Kelly Air Force Base operated out of San Antonio until 2001, when the airfield was transferred to Lackland AFB. The remaining portions of the base were developed as Port San Antonio, an industrial/business park and aerospace complex. San Antonio is home to six Fortune 500 companies and the South Texas Medical Center, the only medical research and care provider in the South Texas region.