Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Prescott WI 54021 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find a Radiology Tech Program near Prescott Wisconsin

Prescott WI x-ray tech internship program Best wishes on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Prescott WI in order to learn to be a radiologic technician. And now that you have chosen to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you undertake selecting the right college and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you may need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the schools you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. A number of students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and usually settle on the lowest cost. But while location and cost should be considered, there are additional critical qualifications also. For example, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are reviewing are presented later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic technician does and the degrees and training options that are offered.

X-Ray Tech Occupation Description

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the same fundamental job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They can work in Prescott WI clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician 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 care for their equipment and routinely evaluate its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to keep in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Prescott WI health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degree Options

x-ray machine in Prescott WI The primary prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, generally requires 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to complete and is more extensive in nature. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be acceptable also. Something to consider is that Prescott 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 colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Wisconsin or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an Radiologist college, based on the state where you will be working you may have to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so contact your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but several offer additional alternatives for testing also. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, many Prescott WI employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technologist Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Prescott 54021 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree schools. So while you can still obtain your degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is typically carried out in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online portion of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Prescott WI residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically find that the online approach to learning is far more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are frequently cheaper than on-campus options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be lessened also. But just make certain that the online college you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online degree may be the right choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiology Tech Schools

As soon as you have chosen the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can initiate the process of locating and evaluating Prescott WI x-ray tech schools. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or travel to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the college will be critical. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be an important factor also. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you look at when evaluating colleges? Well, you should check out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details prior to making your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? A large number of radiology technician colleges have acquired some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still important to make sure that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed examination of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies 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 assist in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Prescott WI health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level positions.

Are Internships Provided? Find out if the Wisconsin xray technician colleges you are assessing have partnerships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent means to obtain hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help students and graduates develop professional connections in the Prescott WI healthcare community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Prescott WI healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they decide on will need to be within driving distance of their Prescott WI home. Individuals who have chosen to attend online classes naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. One thing 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 need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit way in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Prescott WI schools you are considering what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to speak with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program also.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the x-ray tech school you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Prescott WI, make certain that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Radiology Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's advantageous to consider questions you could be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What made you choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not merely the personal reasons you might have for being a radiology technician, but additionally what qualities and talents you possess that make you outstanding at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, along with a significant number of typical interview questions, so you need to organize a number of ideas about how you would like to address them. Considering there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the abilities you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the ideal candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down several ideas and anecdotes that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can help you to develop your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.

Pick the Right X-Ray Technician Program near Prescott WI

Enrolling in the right x-ray tech college is an important first step toward starting a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the greater part of the day and move and at times lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to 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 social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. As has been addressed in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are assessing prior to making your final decision. This is similarly true whether you opt for an online program or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each school so you can narrow down your choices and make your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your motivation to be successful, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Prescott WI.

Some Background on Prescott Wisconsin

Prescott, Wisconsin

Prescott is a city in Pierce County, Wisconsin at the confluence of the St. Croix River and Mississippi River. The population was 4,258 at the 2010 census, making it the second-largest city in the county after River Falls, and the largest entirely within Pierce County.

Prescott was home to the mother house of the Franciscan Servants of Jesus. The town was first settled by (and named for) Philander Prescott, who opened a trading post there in 1839.

Prescott is located at 44°45′6″N 92°47′35″W / 44.75167°N 92.79306°W / 44.75167; -92.79306 (44.751567, -92.793141).[6] It is the westernmost incorporated community in Wisconsin, although rural portions of Burnett and Polk counties are further west. Prescott, along with the rest of Pierce County, is officially a part of the Minneapolis-St Paul-Bloomington MN-WI Metropolitan Statistical Area, with many residents of Prescott commuting to Minneapolis or Saint Paul for employment or education.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.96 square miles (7.67 km2), of which, 2.59 square miles (6.71 km2) is land and 0.37 square miles (0.96 km2) is water.[1]

Prescott is served by US 10, WIS 35 and WIS 29. US 10 runs west to the Twin Cities and east to the county seat in Ellsworth. WIS 35 runs along Wisconsin's western border. From Prescott, it runs north toward River Falls and Hudson, although County Road F provides a more direct connection to Hudson. WIS 35 runs south along the Mississippi River through rural areas all the way to La Crosse, although the highway provides easy access to Red Wing, Minnesota via US 63. WIS 29 has its western terminus at Prescott. It runs east to River Falls, Menomonie, Chippewa Falls, Wausau, and Green Bay before ending in Kewaunee.