Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Stephenville TX 76401

How to Pick an Xray Tech School near Stephenville Texas

Stephenville TX x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Stephenville TX in order to become a radiologic technician. And now that you have made a decision to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you go about selecting the ideal college and program so that you will obtain the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that most states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you might need training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you research each of the schools you are looking at so that you can compare each program. Many students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and typically gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while location and cost must be considered, there are additional critical qualifiers also. For instance, you need to find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are evaluating are provided later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and training choices that are offered.

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X-Ray Technician Occupation Description

There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, each has the identical major job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some choose to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, such as mammography. They can practice in Stephenville 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 and frequently analyze its performance and safety. They are also expected to keep in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Stephenville TX health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Technician Degrees

x-ray machine in Stephenville TX The primary prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech college is to have attained 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 techs, generally takes 18 months to two 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 finish and is more comprehensive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be acceptable as well. Something to consider is that Stephenville TX radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may frequently be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which many schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Texas or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, depending on the state where you will be practicing you may need to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their requirements vary so get in touch with your state. At present, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but several offer other options for testing also. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. However, numerous Stephenville TX employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it may improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Tech Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Stephenville 76401 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree programs. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a considerable portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is typically carried out in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Stephenville TX home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online approach to education is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are often less expensive than conventional options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials may be lessened as well. But just make sure that the online program you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online school may be the best choice for you.

What to Ask Radiographer Colleges

When you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of looking for and evaluating Stephenville TX x-ray technician schools. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be important. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a determining variable as well. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you factor in when comparing schools? Well, you need to 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 decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are reviewing.

Are the Radiology Technician Schools Accredited? The majority of xray tech schools have obtained some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial 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 receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous assessment of their instructors and educational materials. If the school 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. Besides ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Stephenville TX employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry-level openings.

Are Internships Offered? Find out if the Texas xray technician programs you are evaluating have relationships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great manner to receive practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help graduates and students form professional relationships in the Stephenville TX healthcare community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Stephenville TX healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they pick will need to be within commuting distance of their Stephenville TX home. Students who have chosen to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit far in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Stephenville TX schools you are reviewing what the average student to teacher 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 an opportunity to speak with some of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program also.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the x-ray tech college you ultimately pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Stephenville TX, confirm that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family obligations.

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

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to consider questions you might be asked. One of the questions that interviewers frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What drove you to select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not only the personal reasons you might have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what qualities and skills you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, along with a significant number of typical interview questions, so you need to organize several strategies about how you want to respond to them. Given that there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you in addition to the abilities you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but take down several ideas and talking points that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can assist you to develop your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.

Pick the Right Radiology Technician Program near Stephenville TX

Choosing the right x-ray technician degree program is a critical first step toward beginning a fulfilling new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist 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 get 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 medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and furnish the best possible patient care. As we have covered in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are considering prior to making your final decision. This is equally true whether you participate in an online school or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each college so you can focus your choices and make your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your motivation to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as a radiology tech in Stephenville TX.

Some Background on Stephenville Texas

Stephenville, Texas

Stephenville is a city in and the county seat of Erath County, Texas, United States.[3] The population was 17,123 at the 2010 census. Founded in 1856, it is home to Tarleton State University. Stephenville is among several communities that call themselves the "Cowboy Capital of the World".

Stephenville is named after John M. Stephen, who settled there in 1854 and donated the land for the townsite laid out by George B. Erath when the county was organized in 1856. In the first two years of its settlement, the townsite was successful; by 1858 the population reached 776. However the townsite was located in Comanche territory and raids were common. Also the hardships of the American Civil War forced citizens to leave. The population declined until 1871 when it grew after Stephenville became an agriculture and livestock center. Coal mining also became important to the area in 1886 and was a major segment of the economy for the following three decades.

Stephenville was incorporated in 1889, with the arrival of the Fort Worth and Rio Grande Railway. In the 1890s, many of the buildings around the town square were built, Tarleton State University opened, and the community's two newspapers merged to become the Empire-Tribune, which is still in existence. In February 1907 the Stephenville North and South Texas Railway was chartered by Stephenville and Hamilton business interests which later sold the line in 1910 to the historic St. Louis Southwestern Railway of Texas system. In the 20th century industry became an important part of Stephenville, and the population has steadily increased since the 1920s.

Stephenville is located at 32°13′13″N 98°12′49″W / 32.22028°N 98.21361°W / 32.22028; -98.21361 (32.220168, -98.213630).[4]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.89 square miles (30.8 km2), of which 11.89 square miles (30.8 km2) is land and 0.04 square miles (0.10 km2) is water.