Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Lehi UT 84043 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select a Radiology Tech School near Lehi Utah

Lehi UT x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Lehi UT so you can learn to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have chosen to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about choosing the right school and program to ensure that you will get the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And because the majority of states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you may require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the schools you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Many students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and frequently settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location should be taken into consideration, there are additional critical qualifications as well. For instance, you must ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are evaluating are presented later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray tech does and the degrees and training options that are offered.

Radiology Technician Career Summary

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). 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 employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for example mammography. They can practice in Lehi UT hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician 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 also routinely analyze its functionality and safety. They are also required to retain in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Lehi UT medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Tech Degree Options

x-ray machine in Lehi UT The standard prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, generally requires 18 months to two years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to complete and is more extensive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are appropriate also. One thing to keep in mind is that Lehi UT radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may often be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which many colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Utah or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an Radiologist college, depending on the state where you will be working you may have to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements vary so check with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but a number offer additional options for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. However, many Lehi UT employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technologist Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Lehi 84043 As a part of any 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 substantial portion of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is typically performed in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Lehi UT home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online style of learning is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are often cheaper than on-campus options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting can be decreased as well. But just make certain that the online school you choose is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online school may be the right option for you.

What to Ask Radiographer Schools

After you have chosen the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of searching for and assessing Lehi UT x-ray technician schools. You will also have to decide if you want to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be critical. The price of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a determining factor as well. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you factor in when comparing colleges? Well, you need to find out if the schools 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 assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are reviewing.

Are the X-Ray Tech Programs Accredited? Most radiology technician schools have received some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still crucial to confirm that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive examination of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations 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 assist in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Lehi UT health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level positions.

Are Internships Sponsored? Find out if the Utah radiology technician colleges you are interested in have relationships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great means to obtain hands on training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist graduates and students form professional connections in the Lehi UT health care community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Lehi UT healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the school they choose will have to be within commuting distance of their Lehi UT residence. Those who have decided to attend online classes obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the kind of student that prefers to sit way in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Lehi UT colleges you are looking at what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program also.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the x-ray tech college you ultimately pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Lehi UT, check that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.

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

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to consider questions you could be asked. One of the questions that interviewers frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not merely the personal reasons you may have for becoming a radiology technician, but also what attributes and abilities you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, along with a significant number of typical interview questions, so you should organize several strategies about how you want to address them. Since there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the strengths you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down a few concepts and anecdotes that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Select the Ideal Radiology Tech Program near Lehi UT

Picking the appropriate x-ray technician college is a critical first step toward beginning a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs typically stand for the majority of the working day and move and at times lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best available patient care. As we have addressed in this report, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each college you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you decide on an online program or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each school so you can focus your options before making your decision. And with the proper training and your commitment to be successful, you can achieve your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Lehi UT.

Some Background on Lehi Utah

Lehi, Utah

Lehi (/ˈliːhaɪ/ LEE-hy) is a city in Utah County, Utah, United States. It is named after Lehi, a prophet in the Book of Mormon. The population was 47,407 at the 2010 census,[3] up from 19,028 in 2000. The center of population of Utah is located in Lehi.[4]

Lehi is part of the Provo−Orem Metropolitan Statistical Area.

A group of Mormon pioneers settled the area now known as Lehi in the fall of 1850, at a place called Dry Creek, in the northernmost part of Utah Valley. It was renamed Evansville in 1851, after David Evans, a local bishop in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Other historical names include Sulphur Springs and Snow's Springs.[5]

The land was organized into parcels of 40 acres (160,000 m2), and new settlers received a plot of this size until the entire tract was exhausted. There was little water to irrigate the rich soil, so it became necessary to divert a portion of American Fork Creek. Evansville consumed up to one-third of the creek's water as authorized by the Utah Territorial Legislature.

The settlement grew so rapidly that in early 1852, Bishop David Evans petitioned the Utah Territorial Legislature to incorporate the settlement. Lehi City was incorporated by legislative act on February 5, 1852. It was the sixth city incorporated in Utah. The legislature also approved a request to call the new city Lehi, after a Book of Mormon prophet of the same name.[6]