How to Choose an Xray Tech College in Utah
Congrats regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school in Utah so you can become a radiologic technologist. And now that you have made a decision to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle picking the right college and program so that you will receive the proper training to become a qualified professional? And considering that most states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you may require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the schools you are considering so that you can compare each program. Most students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and frequently gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location must be taken into account, there are other important qualifiers as well. For example, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are examining are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiology technician does and the credentials and training choices that are available.
X-Ray Technician Work Summary
There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, each has the same principal job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They can work in Utah clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist might work with include:
- Traditional and specialized X-Rays
- Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Sonography or ultrasound
- Fluoroscopy
Radiographers have to care for their equipment and also regularly evaluate its functionality and safety. They are additionally required to retain in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Utah health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
X-Ray Technician Degree Options
The primary prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech program is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, usually takes 18 months to two years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to finish and is more extensive in scope. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be acceptable as well. One thing to consider is that Utah radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may often be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Utah or the state you will be working as applicable.
X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification
After you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, based on the state where you will be employed you might have to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but many approve other options for testing also. Some states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. However, many Utah employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Technician Colleges
As a part of every degree program, Utah x-ray tech colleges 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 obtain your online degree, a considerable amount of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is often carried out in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Utah residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online approach to education is far more practical with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are often more affordable than conventional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be decreased as well. But just make certain that the online program you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then online classes may be the best choice for you.
Subjects to Ask X Ray Tech Programs
When you have chosen the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of searching for and evaluating Utah x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to decide if you want to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a determining variable also. But along with location and cost, what else should you factor in when comparing schools? Well, you need to ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details before you make your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are looking at.
Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? The majority of radiology technician colleges have earned some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still crucial to verify that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed review of their teachers and educational materials. If the program is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to 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 a number of Utah health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level jobs.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask if the Utah radiology technician colleges you are interested in have relationships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific means to receive hands on training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist students and graduates form professional connections in the Utah health care community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Utah healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For many students, the school they decide on will need to be within commuting distance of their Utah residence. Individuals who have chosen to attend online classes naturally 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 consider is that if you choose 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 normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit far in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Utah schools you are reviewing 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 determination. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with some of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program as well.
Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the radiographer college you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Utah, check that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family obligations.
Enroll in the Ideal X-Ray Technician School in Utah
Choosing the best x-ray technician degree program is a crucial first step toward launching a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs frequently stand for the majority of the working day and move and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best possible patient care. As has been addressed in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are considering before making your ultimate selection. This is just as true whether you opt for an online school or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each school so you can narrow down your options and make your decision. And with the right education and your commitment to be successful, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Utah.