Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near North Salt Lake UT 84054

How to Select an Xray Technician Degree Program near North Salt Lake Utah

North Salt Lake UT x-ray tech internship program Congratulations on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near North Salt Lake UT in order to train to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have made a decision to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you go about selecting the ideal school and program so that you will obtain the proper training to become a skilled professional? And since the majority of states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you might require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you research each of the colleges you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Many potential students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and often settle on the lowest cost. But while location and cost need to be taken into account, there are other important qualifiers as well. For example, you need to find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are evaluating are provided later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and education options that are offered.

[campusexplorer header_text=”Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools!” aos=”75346615″ concentration=”8671ABD2″ tracking=”XRAY-CW”]

Radiology Tech Career Summary

There are a number of 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, they all have the same major job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some elect to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They can work in North Salt Lake UT clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech 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 regularly evaluate its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As North Salt Lake UT health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degrees Available

x-ray machine in North Salt Lake UT The basic prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, generally requires 18 months to 2 years to complete 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 other similar majors that may be appropriate as well. Something to bear in mind is that North Salt Lake UT radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may frequently be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools 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.

Radiographer Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, based on the state where you will be employed you may need to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria differ so check with your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many accept other options for testing as well. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is optional. However, numerous North Salt Lake UT employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it could 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 rigorous examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technologist Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in North Salt Lake 84054 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree schools. So although you can still obtain your online degree, a considerable portion of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is usually provided in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online section of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your North Salt Lake UT home. Students who keep working while earning their degree often find that the online style of learning is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are often less expensive than conventional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, costs for commuting and study materials can be decreased as well. But just confirm that the online program you enroll in 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 online classes may be the best option for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiology Tech Programs

Once you have selected the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can start the process of looking for and assessing North Salt Lake UT x-ray tech schools. You will also have to decide if you want to attend online classes or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be an important variable as well. But along with cost and location, what else should you factor in when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to check out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details before you make your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are considering.

Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? Most xray technician colleges have earned some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still imperative to make sure that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly respected 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 undergone a rigorous evaluation of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets 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 guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also help in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many North Salt Lake UT health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry level jobs.

Are Internships Provided? Ask if the Utah xray technician programs you are evaluating have associations with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific manner to obtain practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help students and graduates establish professional relationships in the North Salt Lake UT medical community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the radiographer schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with North Salt Lake UT healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the college they decide on will have to be within commuting distance of their North Salt Lake UT residence. Those who have opted to attend classes online obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps 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 typically charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the North Salt Lake UT colleges you are reviewing what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want 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 School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the radiographer school you finally select can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in North Salt Lake UT, make sure that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Become a Radiologic Technologist?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you could be asked. Among the questions that interviewers often ask radiographer prospects is "What made you pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not merely the personal reasons you might have for being a radiology technician, but additionally what characteristics and abilities you have that make you good at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, in addition to a certain number of general interview questions, so you must ready a number of strategies about how you want to answer them. Considering there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the talents you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the ideal candidate for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but take down several ideas and topics that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Pick the Best Radiology Technician Program near North Salt Lake UT

Choosing the ideal x-ray tech school is a critical first step toward launching a fulfilling new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs regularly stand for the greater part of the workday and move and at times lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines 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 social skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best available care to patients. As has been addressed in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are assessing prior to making your final selection. This is similarly true whether you opt for an online program or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices before making your final choice. And with the proper education and your commitment to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiology tech in North Salt Lake UT.

Some Background on North Salt Lake Utah

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City (often shortened to Salt Lake and abbreviated as SLC) is the capital and the most populous municipality of the U.S. state of Utah. With an estimated population of 190,884 in 2014,[7] the city is the core of the Salt Lake City metropolitan area, which has a population of 1,153,340 (2014 estimate). Salt Lake City is further situated within a larger metropolis known as the Salt Lake City–Ogden–Provo Combined Statistical Area. This region is a corridor of contiguous urban and suburban development stretched along an approximately 120-mile (190 km) segment of the Wasatch Front, comprising a population of 2,423,912 as of 2014[update].[8] It is one of only two major urban areas in the Great Basin (the other is Reno, Nevada).

The world headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) is located in Salt Lake City and the city's street grid system is based on the temple constructed by the Church at its center. The city was originally founded in 1847 by Brigham Young, and other followers of the Church, who were seeking to escape religious persecution in the mid-western United States. These Mormon pioneers, as they would come to be known, at first encountered an arid, inhospitable valley that they then extensively irrigated and cultivated, thereby establishing the foundation to sustain the area's large population of today.

Due to its proximity to the Great Salt Lake, the city was originally named "Great Salt Lake City"; however, the word "great" was dropped from the official name in 1868 by the 17th Utah Territorial Legislature.[9]

Immigration of international LDS members, mining booms, and the construction of the first transcontinental railroad initially brought economic growth, and the city was nicknamed the Crossroads of the West. It was traversed by the Lincoln Highway, the first transcontinental highway, in 1913, and presently two major cross-country freeways, I-15 and I-80, intersect in the city. Salt Lake City has since developed a strong outdoor recreation tourist industry based primarily on skiing, and hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics. It is the industrial banking center of the United States.[10]

Before Mormon settlement, the Shoshone, Ute, and Paiute had dwelt in the Salt Lake Valley for thousands of years. At the time of Salt Lake City's founding, the valley was within the territory of the Northwestern Shoshone;[12] however, occupation was seasonal, near streams emptying from canyons into the Salt Lake Valley. One of the local Shoshone tribes, the Western Goshute tribe, referred to the Great Salt Lake as Pi'a-pa, meaning "big water", or Ti'tsa-pa, meaning "bad water".[13][14] The land was treated by the United States as public domain; no aboriginal title by the Northwestern Shoshone was ever recognized by the United States or extinguished by treaty with the United States.[15] The first U.S. explorer in the Salt Lake area is believed to be Jim Bridger in 1825, although others had been in Utah earlier, some as far north as the nearby Utah Valley (the Dominguez-Escalante expedition of 1776 were undoubtedly aware of Salt Lake Valley's existence). U.S. Army officer John C. Frémont surveyed the Great Salt Lake and the Salt Lake Valley in 1843 and 1845.[16] The Donner Party, a group of ill-fated pioneers, had traveled through the Great Salt Lake Valley in August 1846.