Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near West Jordan UT 84084

How to Select a Radiologic Technician Program near West Jordan Utah

West Jordan UT x-ray tech internship program Congratulations on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near West Jordan UT so you can become a radiologic technician. But now that you have decided to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you tackle picking the right college and program to ensure that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And since the majority of states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you may need preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you assess each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can compare each program. Many prospective students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location need to be taken into account, there are other important qualifiers also. For instance, you should ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are examining are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and education choices that are offered.

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X-Ray Technician Occupation Description

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, each has the same primary job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some opt to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They can practice in West Jordan UT clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician might utilize 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 analyze its performance and safety. They are also required to keep detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As West Jordan UT medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degrees Available

x-ray machine in West Jordan UT The standard requirement for attending an x-ray tech college is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, normally 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 extensive in nature. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are acceptable also. One thing to keep in mind is that West Jordan UT radiographer programs have a practical 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 many schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their region. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Utah or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, based on the state where you will be practicing you might need to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their criteria vary so get in touch with your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but a number approve other alternatives for testing also. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is optional. However, many West Jordan UT employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technician Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in West Jordan 84084 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree programs. So while you can still earn your degree online, a large portion of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is usually performed in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online portion of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your West Jordan UT residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually find that the online approach to learning is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are often less costly than on-campus options. Along with lower tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be decreased as well. But just be sure that the online college you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then online classes may be the best choice for you.

What to Ask Radiographer Schools

After you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of looking for and evaluating West Jordan UT x-ray technician 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 college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a determining variable as well. But along with cost and location, what more should you consider when reviewing colleges? Well, you should ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these crucial details prior to making your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Tech Programs Accredited? Most radiology technician colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to verify 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). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive review of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also help in getting financial aid and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many West Jordan UT employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask if the Utah radiology technician programs you are reviewing have partnerships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent 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 can assist graduates and students establish professional connections in the West Jordan UT healthcare community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the radiographer programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with West Jordan UT healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the college they pick will have to be within driving distance of their West Jordan UT residence. Students who have chosen to attend classes online obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the West Jordan UT schools you are researching what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program also.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the radiographer school you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in West Jordan UT, make sure that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of 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 helpful to consider questions you might be asked. One of the things that recruiters often ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not merely the private reasons you might have for being a radiology technician, but also what characteristics and talents you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, as well as a certain number of standard interview questions, so you should prepare several strategies about how you would like to address them. Considering there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the abilities you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but jot down several concepts and topics that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Pick the Ideal X-Ray Tech School near West Jordan UT

Choosing the right x-ray technician college is an important first step toward starting a fulfilling new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs often stand for the greater part of the day and move and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines designed 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 interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and provide the best available care to patients. As has been discussed in this report, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are reviewing before making your ultimate selection. This is just as true whether you participate in an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each program so you can narrow down your choices before making your decision. And with the appropriate education and your commitment to succeed, you can realize your goal to work as a radiology tech in West Jordan UT.

Some Background on West Jordan Utah

West Jordan, Utah

West Jordan is a city in Salt Lake County, Utah, United States. West Jordan is a rapidly growing suburb of Salt Lake City and has a mixed economy. According to the 2010 Census, the city had a population of 103,712, placing it as the fourth most populous in the state.[3] The city occupies the southwest end of the Salt Lake Valley at an elevation of 4,330 feet (1,320 m). Named after the nearby Jordan River, the limits of the city begin on the river's western bank and end in the eastern foothills of the Oquirrh Mountains, where Kennecott Copper Mine, the world's largest man-made excavation is located.

Settled in the mid-19th century, the city has developed into its own regional center. As of 2012, the city has four major retail centers; with Jordan Landing being one of the largest mixed-use planned developments in the Intermountain West.[4] Companies headquartered in West Jordan include Mountain America Credit Union, Lynco Sales & Service, SME Steel, and Cyprus Credit Union. The city has one major hospital, Jordan Valley Medical Center, and a campus of Salt Lake Community College, which is designed to become the main campus by 2020.

City landmarks include Gardner Village, established in 1850, and South Valley Regional Airport, formerly known as "Salt Lake Airport #2." The airport serves general aviation operations as well as a base for the Utah Army National Guard for Apache and Black Hawk helicopters.

West Jordan received its name from Mormon settlers who entered the Salt Lake Valley in 1847 under the leadership of their prophet, Brigham Young. These first European-Americans thought of the area to be their Zion, or Holy Land, and thus named the river flowing west of their first settlement, Salt Lake City, the Western Jordan, a reference to the River Jordan in Israel. The name was later simplified to "Jordan River". Like its Middle Eastern namesake, the Jordan River flows from a fresh water lake (Utah Lake) to an inland salt sea (Great Salt Lake). West Jordan was founded around 1849 on the western banks of the Jordan River.

One of the first sawmills in the area was built in 1850 in the city by Archibald Gardner. Gardner was a devout Mormon whose legacy can still be seen in modern West Jordan. His collection of mills and houses, now historic, have been renovated into a specialty shopping district known as Gardner Village.