Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Franklin WI 53132 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select a Radiologic Technician School near Franklin Wisconsin

Franklin WI x-ray tech internship program Congratulations regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Franklin WI so you can learn to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have chosen to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you tackle selecting the ideal school and program so that you will obtain the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And since most states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you may require training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the colleges you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Most students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and frequently gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location should be taken into consideration, there are other significant qualifications as well. For instance, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the colleges you are examining are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiology tech does and the credentials and education choices that are available.

X-Ray Technician Career Summary

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, each has the same fundamental job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some choose to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for example mammography. They may practice in Franklin WI clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech may utilize include:

Traditional and specialized X-Rays
Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Sonography or ultrasound
Fluoroscopy

Radiographers must maintain their equipment and frequently analyze its functionality and safety. They are also required to retain detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Franklin WI health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Franklin WI The basic requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, generally takes 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to complete and is more extensive in scope. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are acceptable also. One thing to consider is that Franklin WI radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may often be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Wisconsin or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiographer Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, based on the state where you will be employed you might need to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their criteria vary so contact your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many provide other options for testing as well. A number of states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is optional. Having said that, many Franklin WI employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technician Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Franklin 53132 As a part of any 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 even though you can still obtain your online degree, a large portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is often carried out in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online segment of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Franklin WI home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually discover that the online approach to education is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are often more affordable than on-campus options. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be reduced as well. But just confirm that the online program you choose 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 an online school may be the ideal option for you.

Topics to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs

Once you have selected the type of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of finding and assessing Franklin WI x-ray technician schools. You will also have to determine if you want to attend online classes or travel to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the college will be critical. The price of tuition and secondary expenses will be a determining factor also. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you factor in when evaluating schools? Well, you should check out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details before you make your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are looking at.

Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? The majority of radiology technician colleges have received some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still crucial to make sure that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting agencies 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 detailed evaluation of their instructors and educational materials. If the college 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 guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also help in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Franklin WI employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level jobs.

Are Internships Sponsored? Find out if the Wisconsin xray tech colleges you are interested in have associations with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent means to receive practical training in a clinical environment, they are also a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help graduates and students form professional connections in the Franklin WI healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Franklin WI healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For many students, the college they select will have to be within travelling distance of their Franklin WI residence. Those who have opted to attend classes online obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. Something to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit way in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Franklin WI colleges you are reviewing what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program as well.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the radiographer college you ultimately select can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Franklin WI, verify that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Radiologic Technologist?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to consider questions you may be asked. Among the things that recruiters often ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to select radiography as a profession?". 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 abilities you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, as well as a certain number of general interview questions, so you should organize some approaches about how you want to respond to them. Because there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the ideal candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but take down some ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can help you to develop your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Pick the Best Radiology Technician School near Franklin WI

Selecting the right radiology technician degree program 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 workday and position and in some cases lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best available patient care. As we have discussed in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are assessing prior to making your final decision. 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 evaluate and compare each college so you can focus your choices and make your decision. And with the appropriate training and your motivation to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Franklin WI.

Some Background on Franklin Wisconsin

Franklin, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin

Franklin is a city in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, United States. It is a suburb of Milwaukee with a population of 35,451 as of the 2010 census.

On December 20, 1839, the south portion of the Town of Kinnikennick was split off to form the town of Franklin. The town consisted of a 36-square-mile area that was originally covered with heavy timber, which was mostly hardwoods such as hickory, walnut, and butternut. Most of the town's drainage was delivered by the Root River and there was an abundance of wildlife including bears, deer, and wolves.[4] As of the 1840 census, the population of the Town of Franklin was 248.[5] The name "Franklin" was given in homage to Benjamin Franklin.

By the 1950s, Franklin was known as a "City of Homes" for its growing residential areas, which served as a suburb of the city of Milwaukee. In 1956, town officials were concerned by the possibility that the city of Milwaukee might attempt to annex portions of Franklin. In response, the town was incorporated as a fourth-class city on August 15, 1956.

Franklin is located at 42°53′57″N 88°00′08″W / 42.899166°N 88.002204°W / 42.899166; -88.002204 (42.899166, -88.002204).[6] It is bounded by the city of Oak Creek to the east, the villages of Greendale and Hales Corners to the north, the county of Racine to the south, and the county of Waukesha to the west.[7] The city of Milwaukee lies adjacent to the Franklin city limits in the northeast.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 34.69 square miles (89.85 km2), of which, 34.58 square miles (89.56 km2) is land and 0.11 square miles (0.28 km2) is water.[1]