Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Stevens Point WI 54481

How to Pick a Radiology Tech Degree Program near Stevens Point Wisconsin

Stevens Point WI x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Stevens Point WI in order to learn to be a radiology technician. And now that you have made a decision to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you tackle selecting the right college and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And because the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you may require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the colleges you are looking at in order to compare each program. A number of potential students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and often settle on the most affordable cost. But while location and cost must be considered, there are additional important qualifiers as well. For example, you should ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are reviewing are presented later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology technician does and the degrees and education options that are available.

Radiology Technician Occupation Description

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what 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 might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many choose to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They may practice in Stevens Point WI hospitals, clinics, 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 must care for their equipment and frequently evaluate its functionality and safety. They are additionally required to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Stevens Point WI health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Tech Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Stevens Point WI The primary prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech program is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, usually takes 18 months to two years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to complete and is more comprehensive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be acceptable as well. One thing to consider is that Stevens Point WI radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can typically be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which many colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Wisconsin or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, based on the state where you will be working you may need to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria differ so check with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many approve other alternatives for testing also. A number of states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. However, many Stevens Point WI employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it could improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technician Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Stevens Point 54481 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree colleges. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a significant portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is usually conducted in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online section of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Stevens Point WI residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree often find that the online approach to education is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are often less expensive than traditional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be decreased as well. But just make certain 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 structured type of training, then an online school may be the right choice for you.

What to Ask Radiographer Schools

Once you have selected the type of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of searching for and evaluating Stevens Point WI x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to determine if you want to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be important. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a determining factor as well. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you look at when comparing schools? Well, you should check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? Most xray technician schools have received some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still imperative to verify 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). Programs earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive review of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Stevens Point WI employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Find out if the Wisconsin radiology tech colleges you are assessing have associations with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great means to obtain hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist graduates and students form professional relationships in the Stevens Point WI health care community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the radiographer programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Stevens Point WI healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For many students, the college they decide on will have to be within commuting distance of their Stevens Point WI home. Students who have chosen to attend online classes naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. 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 might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the sort of student that likes to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Stevens Point WI colleges you are looking at what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program as well.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the x-ray tech college you ultimately pick can furnish 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 Stevens Point WI, make sure that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Be an Xray Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's advantageous to review questions you could be asked. Among the things that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What made you decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not just the personal reasons you may have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but additionally what characteristics and abilities you possess that make you good at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, along with a significant number of standard interview questions, so you must prepare some strategies about how you want to address them. Given that there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the strengths you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but take down some concepts and topics that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.

Select the Right X-Ray Tech School near Stevens Point WI

Enrolling in the best x-ray tech school is a critical first step toward starting a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs regularly stand for the greater part of the day and position and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and provide the best available care to patients. As we have discussed in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each college you are reviewing prior to making your final selection. This is just as true whether you participate in an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can focus your options before making your decision. And with the appropriate education and your dedication to be successful, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiographer in Stevens Point WI.

Some Background on Stevens Point Wisconsin

Stevens Point, Wisconsin

Stevens Point is the county seat of Portage County, Wisconsin, United States.[6] The city was incorporated in 1858.

Its 2010 population of 26,717 makes it the largest city in the county.[7] Stevens Point forms the core of the United States Census Bureau's Stevens Point Micropolitan Statistical Area, which had a 2010 population of 69,916.

Stevens Point is home to the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point and a campus of Mid-State Technical College.

Historically part of the Menominee homelands, a three-mile strip along the Wisconsin River was ceded to the United States in an 1836 treaty. In 1854 the Menominee made its last treaty with the U.S., gathering on a reservation on the Wolf River.

Stevens Point was named after George Stevens, who operated a grocery and supply business on the Wisconsin River during the extensive logging of interior Wisconsin. The river was used by logging companies to float logs to market. Loggers on the river found this a convenient stopping point, as the river bends slightly and the operation was from far upstream. The town developed from Stevens's post and was named for him.[8]