How to Choose a Radiology Tech Degree Program near Pewaukee Wisconsin

Congratulations regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Pewaukee WI so you can train to be a radiologic technologist. But now that you have decided to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about choosing 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 mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you may require preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you research each of the schools you are considering in order to evaluate each program. A number of prospective students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and often settle on the lowest cost. But while location and cost must be considered, there are other important qualifications also. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are reviewing are provided later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology technician does and the degrees and training options that are available.

X-Ray Tech Job Description

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, they all have the same primary job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some elect to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They may work in Pewaukee WI hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech may work with include:

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

Radiographers must take care of their equipment and routinely evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also expected to retain in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Pewaukee WI health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Tech Degree Options

The standard prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, generally takes 18 months to two years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to complete and is more expansive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are acceptable as well. Something to consider is that Pewaukee WI radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can often be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which a large number of schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any certification or licensing mandates in Wisconsin or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an Radiologist school, based on the state where you will be working you may have to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so check with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number approve additional alternatives for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, many Pewaukee WI employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technologist Colleges

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 amount of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is usually provided in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online section of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Pewaukee WI residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually find that the online approach to education is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are often cheaper than conventional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be decreased as well. But just confirm that the online program you choose is accredited (more on the benefits 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 choice for you.

Points to Ask X Ray Tech Programs

As soon as you have chosen the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of locating and evaluating Pewaukee WI x-ray tech schools. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be important. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a determining factor also. But along with location and cost, what more should you look at when reviewing schools? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are considering.

Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? A large number of xray tech schools have acquired some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still important to make sure that the school and program 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 gone through a rigorous evaluation of their teachers and course materials. If the college is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Pewaukee WI employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Inquire if the Wisconsin radiology technician schools you are evaluating have relationships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great means to obtain hands on training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Pewaukee WI health care community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the radiographer programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Pewaukee WI healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they pick will need to be within commuting distance of their Pewaukee WI residence. Those who have decided to attend classes online naturally will not have to concern 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 program 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 commonly charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Pewaukee WI colleges you are considering what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program also.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the x-ray tech  college you finally choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Pewaukee WI, confirm that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.

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

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you might be asked. Among the questions that recruiters frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not only the private reasons you may have for becoming a radiology technician, but also what attributes and talents you possess that make you good at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, along with a significant number of standard interview questions, so you should ready several ideas about how you would like to answer them. Considering there are several factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a number of ways. When formulating 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 best choice for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down some ideas and talking points that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.

Pick the Ideal X-Ray Technician School near Pewaukee WI

Choosing the best x-ray technician college is a crucial first step toward initiating a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs often stand for the majority of the workday and move and at times lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best available care to patients. As has been addressed in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are looking at prior to making your final decision. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online school or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each school so you can focus your options and make your final choice. And with the appropriate education and your dedication to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Pewaukee WI.

Some Background on Pewaukee Wisconsin

 

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