Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Weslaco TX 78596 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select an X-Ray Tech Program near Weslaco Texas

Weslaco TX x-ray tech internship program Congratulations on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Weslaco TX in order to learn to be a radiologic technician. And now that you have decided to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you tackle picking the right college and program to ensure that you will get the proper training to become a qualified professional? And since the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you might need training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can compare each program. A number of potential students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and usually gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location should be taken into consideration, there are other critical qualifiers as well. For instance, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are examining are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiology tech does and the credentials and training choices that are offered.

Radiology Technician Career Description

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

Radiology Technician Degrees

x-ray machine in Weslaco TX The standard requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech school is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, usually takes 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 complete and is more extensive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are appropriate as well. One thing to keep in mind is that Weslaco TX radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can frequently be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which many colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After 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.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, depending on the state where you will be employed you might have to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria differ so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many offer additional options for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Weslaco TX employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might enhance 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 examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technician Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Weslaco 78596 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree colleges. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a significant amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is typically performed in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Weslaco TX home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree often find that the online style of education is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are generally more affordable than traditional options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be decreased as well. But just make certain that the online school you select 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 degree may be the ideal option for you.

Points to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges

As soon as you have chosen the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of looking for and assessing Weslaco TX x-ray tech schools. You will also have to determine if you want to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be important. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be a determining variable as well. But along with cost and location, what more should you look at when comparing colleges? 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 prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? A large number of xray technician colleges have earned some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, 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). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed examination of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Weslaco TX employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level jobs.

Are Internships Provided? Ask if the Texas xray technician colleges you are reviewing have partnerships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent manner to obtain hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Weslaco TX medical community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the radiographer programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Weslaco TX healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For many students, the school they pick will have to be within driving distance of their Weslaco TX home. Students who have decided to attend online classes obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. 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 be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit way in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a smaller class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Weslaco TX schools you are considering what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program also.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the x-ray tech program you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Weslaco TX, make certain that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Become an Xray Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to review questions you may be asked. One of the things that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What made you select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not only the personal reasons you may have for becoming a radiology technician, but also what characteristics and skills you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, in addition to a certain number of routine interview questions, so you must organize some strategies about how you would like to respond to them. Because there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the abilities you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but take down a few ideas and topics that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can help you to develop your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.

Choose the Right Radiology Tech School near Weslaco TX

Choosing the appropriate radiology technician degree program is an important first step toward beginning a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs often stand for the majority of the day and move and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best available care to patients. As we have discussed in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are considering before making your final selection. This is just as true whether you opt for an online school or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each school so you can narrow down your choices and make your decision. And with the appropriate training and your commitment to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Weslaco TX.

Some Background on Weslaco Texas

Weslaco, Texas

Weslaco /ˈwɛsləˌkoʊ/ is a city in Hidalgo County, Texas. The population was estimated to be at 37,601 as of the 2014 United States Census. It is located at the southern tip of Texas in the Rio Grande Valley and is near the Rio Grande, across the border from the Mexican city of Nuevo Progreso, Rio Bravo, Tamaulipas, and is about 59 miles (95 km) west of South Padre Island and the Gulf of Mexico.

Weslaco derives its name from the W.E. Stewart Land Company.[3] It was the hometown of Harlon Block, one of the Marines photographed raising the flag at Iwo Jima, and of film and television actor David Spielberg.

Streets north of the railroad tracks have Spanish names, and streets south of the railroad tracks bear names in English as a consequence of a 1921 municipal ordinance which declared that land north of the tracks be reserved for Hispanic residences and businesses, and land south of the tracks be reserved for “Anglo” residences and businesses. During World War II, sandbag production reached a peak in Weslaco, and the town declared itself the "sandbagging capital of the world."

Weslaco is part of the McAllen–Edinburg–Mission and Reynosa–McAllen metropolitan areas.

The present location of Weslaco was originally part of the Llano Grande land grant to Juan José Ynojosa de Ballí in 1790. After Ynojosa's death the grant was allocated to his children. Manuela and María received the land on which Weslaco is located today. The Ballí family ranched and maintained ownership of the land until 1852. In 1904, the Hidalgo and San Miguel extension of the St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway made its way to the site. It was promoted by Uriah Lott, Lon C. Hill, Jr. and others interested in developing the area through farming as opposed to ranching. The American Rio Grande Land and Irrigation Company of neighboring Mercedes purchased a major portion of the Llano Grande grant and platted the West Tract in 1913. In an effort to control raids from Mexico, the United States government stationed troops along the Rio Grande in 1916. A camp was established at the Llano Grande railroad depot. This camp was located between Mercedes and the current site of Weslaco. A watchtower was constructed at Progreso by these troops.