Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Racine WI 53401 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select an Xray Technician Degree Program near Racine Wisconsin

Racine WI x-ray tech internship program Congratulations regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Racine WI in order to learn to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have made a decision to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you set about picking the right school and program so that you will obtain the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do require that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you might require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you research each of the colleges you are considering so that you can compare each program. Many students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and frequently gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while cost and location must be taken into consideration, there are other important qualifications as well. For instance, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the colleges you are evaluating are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and training choices that are offered.

X-Ray Technician Occupation Summary

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, each has the identical fundamental job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some choose to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for instance mammography. They may work in Racine WI hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist might utilize 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 frequently evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also required to keep in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Racine WI health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Tech Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Racine WI The standard prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech college is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, normally requires 18 months to two years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to complete and is more comprehensive in scope. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be appropriate also. Something to bear in mind is that Racine WI radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may often be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Wisconsin or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, based on the state where you will be practicing you may need to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria vary so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but several accept additional options for testing also. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, numerous Racine WI employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification 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 examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technician Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Racine 53401 As a part of every 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 programs. So although you can still earn 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 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 Racine WI home. Students who continue working while earning their degree usually find that the online style of education is much more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently cheaper than conventional options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials may be reduced also. But just confirm that the online program you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online school may be the ideal choice for you.

Questions to Ask Radiologic Tech Schools

When you have chosen the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of searching for and evaluating Racine WI x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or travel to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be critical. The price of tuition and secondary expenses will be a material variable also. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you factor in when reviewing colleges? Well, you should ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? A large number of xray tech schools have obtained some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to make sure 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 earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive evaluation of their teachers and educational materials. If the program is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Racine WI health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry-level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask if the Wisconsin xray technician programs you are evaluating have relationships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great means to receive practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can help students and graduates develop professional relationships in the Racine WI healthcare community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Racine WI healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the school they pick will need to be within driving distance of their Racine WI residence. Individuals who have opted 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 concern. Something to bear in mind is that if you choose 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 typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently 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 far in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Racine WI colleges you are researching what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to converse with some of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program also.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the x-ray tech college you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Racine WI, make sure that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Choose to Be an Xray Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to review questions you could be asked. One of the things that recruiters often ask radiographer prospects is "What made you pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not merely the personal reasons you may have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what characteristics and skills you possess that make you good at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, along with a certain number of standard interview questions, so you should ready several approaches about how you want to respond to them. Considering there are several factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you as well as the strengths you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the best choice for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down several ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Pick the Ideal Radiology Tech Program near Racine WI

Selecting the ideal x-ray technician degree program is a crucial first step toward beginning a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs often stand for the majority of the working day and move and in some cases lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and furnish the best available care to patients. As has been discussed in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each program you are assessing before making your final selection. This is similarly true whether you decide on an online school or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each school so you can narrow down your options and make your final choice. And with the right training and your dedication to succeed, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiology tech in Racine WI.

Some Background on Racine Wisconsin

Racine, Wisconsin

Racine (/rəˈsiːn/ rə-SEEN)[8] is a city in and the county seat of Racine County, Wisconsin, United States. It is located on the shore of Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Root River.[9] Racine is located 22 miles south of Milwaukee. As of the 2013 U.S. census, the city had a population of 78,199,[10] making it the fifth-largest city in Wisconsin. Its median home price of $103,625[11] makes it one of the most affordable cities in Wisconsin to buy a home. In January 2017, it was rated "the most affordable place to live in the world" by the Demographia International Housing Affordability survey.[12]

Racine is the headquarters of a number of industries, including J. I. Case (heavy equipment), S. C. Johnson & Son (cleaning and chemical products), Dremel Corporation, Reliance Controls Corporation (time controls and transfer switches), Twin Disc, and Arthur B. Modine (Heat Exchangers). The Mitchell & Lewis Company, a wagonmaker in the 19th century, began making motorcycles and automobiles as Mitchell-Lewis Motor Company at the start of the 20th century. Racine is also home to InSinkErator, the first garbage disposal.[13]Malted milk balls were developed in Racine. Architects of the city included A. Arthur Guilbert and Edmund Bailey Funston. It has several immigrant communities.

Native Americans inhabited the area of Racine as early as 10,000 BCE, but most of the artifacts that have survived, such as the burial mounds in what is now Mound Cemetery, date back only to 500 BCE or later. Historians separate the natives living in the Root watershed at that time into Woodland people, who were more common, and Hopewell people, who were more advanced. After European contact, the Miami and later the Potawatomi expanded into the area, taking part in the French fur trade.

In November 1674, while traveling from Green Bay to the territory of the Illinois Confederation, Father Jacques Marquette and his assistants, Jacques Largillier and Pierre Porteret, camped at the mouth of the Root River.[14] These were the first Europeans known to visit what is now Racine County. Further expeditions were made in the area by René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle in 1679 and by François Jolliet De Montigny and Jean Baptiste Bissot, Sieur de Vincennes in 1698. Nearly a century later, in 1791, a trading post would be established along Lake Michigan near where the Root River empties into it.

Following the Blackhawk War, the area surrounding Racine, which had previously been off-limits, was settled by Yankees from upstate New York and New England. In 1834 Captain Gilbert Knapp USRM, who was from Chatham, Massachusetts, founded the settlement of "Port Gilbert" at the place where the Root River empties into Lake Michigan.[15] Knapp had first explored the area of the Root River valley in 1818, and returned with financial backing when the war ended. Within a year of Knapp's settlement hundreds of other settlers from New England and western New York had arrived and built log cabins in the area surrounding his own. Some of the settlers were from the town of Derby, Connecticut, and others came from the New England states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.[16] The area was previously called "Kipi Kawi" and "Chippecotton" by the indigenous peoples, both names for the Root River. The name "Port Gilbert" was never really accepted, and in 1841 the community was incorporated as the village of Racine, after the French word for "root". After Wisconsin was admitted to the Union in 1848, the new legislature voted in August to incorporate Racine as a city.