Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Salt Lake City UT 84101

How to Find a Radiology Tech Degree Program near Salt Lake City Utah

Salt Lake City UT x-ray tech internship program Congratulations regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Salt Lake City UT in order to train to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have made a decision to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you set about picking the right school and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And since the majority of states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you may require preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you research each of the schools you are considering in order to evaluate each program. Most students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and frequently settle on the lowest cost. But while cost and location must be taken into account, there are other important qualifiers also. For example, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the schools you are examining are presented later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and training choices that are offered.

X-Ray Technician Occupation Description

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the same principal job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some opt to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, such as mammography. They may work in Salt Lake City UT 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 take care of their equipment plus regularly assess its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Salt Lake City UT health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Technician Degree Options

x-ray machine in Salt Lake City UT The standard requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have attained 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 typical among techs, usually takes 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to finish and is more expansive in scope. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are appropriate also. Something to keep in mind is that Salt Lake City UT radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may frequently be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Utah or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiographer Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, depending on the state where you will be employed you might need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so contact your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but several approve other options for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, numerous Salt Lake City UT employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it may increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technician Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Salt Lake City 84101 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree schools. So although you can still earn your online degree, a considerable amount of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is often provided in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Salt Lake City UT residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually discover that the online style of learning is far more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are generally less expensive than on-campus options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be lessened also. But just be sure that the online school you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online degree may be the right choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs

As soon as you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of searching for and assessing Salt Lake City UT x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to determine if you want to attend online classes or drive to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be relevant. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a material variable as well. But along with cost and location, what else should you consider when comparing colleges? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these important details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Tech Schools Accredited? Most xray technician schools have acquired some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still crucial to confirm that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly respected 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 gone through a rigorous examination of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Salt Lake City UT employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Inquire if the Utah radiology tech programs you are evaluating have relationships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great way to get practical training in a clinical environment, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist students and graduates develop professional relationships in the Salt Lake City UT medical community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the radiographer programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Salt Lake City UT healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For many students, the school they pick will have to be within travelling distance of their Salt Lake City UT home. Those who have decided to attend classes online obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area 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 perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit way in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely prefer a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Salt Lake City UT schools you are reviewing what the typical student to teacher 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 a chance to speak with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the x-ray tech school you ultimately pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Salt Lake City UT, make sure 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 procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of illness, work or family obligations.

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

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to consider questions you might be asked. One of the things that recruiters frequently ask radiographer prospects is "What made you select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not merely the personal reasons you might have for being an Xray technician, but additionally what characteristics and skills you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, as well as a significant number of typical interview questions, so you must ready several approaches about how you would like to answer them. Given that there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down several concepts and topics that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can help you to formulate your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Choose the Right X-Ray Tech Program near Salt Lake City UT

Enrolling in the right radiology technician degree program is a crucial first step toward beginning a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the greater part of the day and position and at times lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and provide the best available care to patients. As has been covered in this report, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are looking at prior to making your ultimate selection. This is just as 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 school so you can narrow down your options and make your final choice. And with the right training and your commitment to be successful, you can reach your goal to work as a radiology tech in Salt Lake City UT.

Some Background on Salt Lake City 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.