How to Choose an Xray Technician Program near Shamrock Texas
Congratulations regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Shamrock TX so you can learn to be a radiologic technician. And now that you have decided to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you go about picking the ideal college and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And because most states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you may need training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you research each of the colleges you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. Many potential students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and usually settle on the most affordable cost. But while location and cost should be taken into account, there are other critical qualifiers also. For example, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are reviewing are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic technician does and the degrees and training options that are offered.
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X-Ray Tech Work Summary
There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, each has the identical fundamental job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective 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 specialty, such as mammography. They may work in Shamrock TX hospitals, clinics, family 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 must care for their equipment plus regularly evaluate its performance and safety. They are also expected to retain complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Shamrock TX medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
Radiology Technician Degrees Available
The standard prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech school is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. 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, normally takes 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to complete and is more expansive in scope. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are appropriate also. One thing to bear in mind is that Shamrock TX radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may often be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which many schools offer 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 practicing in as applicable.
Radiographer Certification and Licensing
After you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, based on the state where you will be practicing you may have to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites differ so check with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but several accept other alternatives for testing also. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. However, many Shamrock TX employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it may enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Tech Schools
As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree colleges. So although you can still earn your degree online, a significant portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is often performed in area 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 Shamrock TX home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree often discover that the online approach to learning is much more practical with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are generally less expensive than traditional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be lessened also. But just confirm that the online college you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then online classes may be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges
Once you have chosen the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of looking for and evaluating Shamrock TX x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be critical. The price of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a material factor as well. But along with cost and location, what more should you look at when reviewing schools? Well, you should check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details prior to making your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are assessing.
Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? Most radiology tech schools have received some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still important to make sure that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed assessment of their instructors and educational materials. If the program is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Shamrock TX employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level openings.
Are Internships Sponsored? Inquire if the Texas radiology tech schools you are interested in have partnerships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific way to receive practical training in a clinical environment, they are also a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist students and graduates develop professional relationships in the Shamrock TX healthcare community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want 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 considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Shamrock TX healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the school they choose will need to be within commuting distance of their Shamrock TX home. Individuals who have opted to attend online classes obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.
What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Shamrock TX colleges you are researching what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program also.
Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the x-ray tech college you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Shamrock TX, verify that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family obligations.
Why Did You Decide to Be a Radiology Technician?
When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's advantageous to review questions you might be asked. Among the things that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to pick radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not only the personal reasons you may have for being an Xray technician, but also what qualities and skills you have that make you good at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, as well as a certain number of typical interview questions, so you must prepare several ideas about how you would like to address them. Because there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the talents you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the best choice for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down a few concepts and talking points that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can assist you to develop your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.Select the Right Radiology Tech College near Shamrock TX
Enrolling in the best radiology technician degree program is a critical first step toward beginning a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the majority of the day and move and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best available patient care. As has been covered in this report, there are a number of questions that you should ask each program you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate selection. This is similarly true whether you opt for an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each school so you can narrow down your options and make your decision. And with the appropriate training and your dedication to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Shamrock TX.
Some Background on Shamrock Texas
Shamrock, Texas
Shamrock is a city in Wheeler County, Texas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 1,910.[3] The city is located in the eastern portion of the Texas Panhandle centered along the crossroads of Interstate 40 (formerly U.S. Route 66) and U.S. Route 83. It is 110 miles (180 km) east of Amarillo, 188 miles (303 km) west of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and 291 miles (468 km) northwest of Dallas.[4]
Located in south central Wheeler County, Shamrock was the largest town in the county in the late 19th century. George and Dora Nickel consented to keep the first post office in their dugout there in 1890. The mail was to be carried once a week from Mobeetie. The neighbors decided to let George name the office. His Irish mother had told him always to depend on a shamrock to bring him good luck, so he suggested "Shamrock" for the name of the office. But when a mysterious fire destroyed his dugout, George Nickel's post office never opened. Mary Ruth Jones became Shamrock's first postmistress, running the Shamrock post office out of the Jones family home. In 1902 the Chicago, Rock Island and Gulf Railway set up a station in the town, calling it "Wheeler" like the county, but changing it back to the original name of Shamrock in 1903, which prompted the reopening of the Shamrock post office. By 1907, the town was competing with the towns of Story and Benonine as trade centers.[5]
The town continued its growth as other businesses moved into the city, including the county newspaper, which moved from Story and renamed itself from the Wheeler County Texan to the Shamrock Texan, several banks, and Shamrock Cotton Oil Mill. In 1911, E. L. Woodley became the mayor of the newly incorporated city. In 1926, the discovery of oil and the operation of natural gas wells by Shamrock Gas Company helped spur the city's continuing growth. A decline in the oil industry caused the population to drop in the 1940s, but it rebounded in the next decade with the improvement of Route 66. By the 1980s, the town was home to an established modern school system, a chemical plant, oil and gas processing plants, and a hospital.[5]
At its peak, in 1930, Shamrock had a population of 3,778. Despite some rebounds, the city population continues to fluctuate. According to the 2000 census, the city population has dropped to its lowest recorded point with 2,029 residents.[5]
Shamrock holds an annual St. Patrick's Day observance. Astronaut Alan Bean, a native of nearby Wheeler, visited the community on March 13 as the kickoff for the 2015 ceremony. He became the fourth man to walk on the moon, a feat that he once described as "almost like I couldn't believe it myself."
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