How to Select an Xray Technician Degree Program near Stratford Wisconsin
Congratulations on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Stratford WI in order to learn to be a radiology technician. But now that you have chosen to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you undertake picking the ideal school and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And because most states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you might need training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the schools you are looking at in order to compare each program. Many students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location must be taken into account, there are other significant qualifications also. For instance, you must ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are reviewing are provided later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic technician does and the degrees and education options that are available.
Radiology Tech Work Summary
There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the identical primary job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some elect to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They may work in Stratford WI clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may utilize include:
- Traditional and specialized X-Rays
- Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Sonography or ultrasound
- Fluoroscopy
Radiographers have to maintain their equipment and also frequently assess its functionality and safety. They are also required to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Stratford WI health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
Radiology Tech Degrees
The basic prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, usually 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 four years to complete and is more extensive in nature. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable also. One thing to keep in mind is that Stratford WI radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may often be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which many schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics 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 practicing in as applicable.
X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing
After you have graduated from an Radiologist school, depending on the state where you will be working you might have to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites differ so check with your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number provide additional alternatives for testing also. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, numerous Stratford WI employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it could improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online Radiology Technologist Schools
As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree programs. So although you can still earn your degree online, a large portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is usually conducted in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Stratford WI home. Students who continue working while earning their degree usually discover that the online style of learning is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online programs are frequently less expensive than traditional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be reduced also. But just make certain that the online school you choose is accredited (more on the benefits 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 ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Radiology Tech Colleges
When you have chosen the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of finding and evaluating Stratford WI x-ray technician schools. You will also have to decide if you want to attend classes online or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a material factor as well. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you factor in when reviewing colleges? Well, you need to ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details before you make your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are looking at.
Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? Most xray technician schools have received some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still important to confirm 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 obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous assessment of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it might 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. Besides ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Stratford WI health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level jobs.
Are Internships Sponsored? Ask if the Wisconsin radiology technician colleges you are assessing have partnerships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific way to obtain practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help graduates and students form professional relationships in the Stratford WI health care community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Stratford WI healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For many students, the college they decide on will need to be within driving distance of their Stratford WI home. Students who have opted to attend online classes obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. Something to consider is that if you decide 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 usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit way in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Stratford WI schools you are considering what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to speak with some of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program also.
Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the radiographer program you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Stratford WI, check that they are offered. 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 carry. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family obligations.
Why Did You Desire to Become a Radiologic Technologist?
When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to reflect on questions you could be asked. One of the things that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not just the private reasons you might have for becoming a radiology technician, but additionally what characteristics and skills you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, along with a certain number of standard interview questions, so you must organize a number of ideas about how you would like to address them. Because there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the talents you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down some ideas and topics that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can help you to formulate your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.Choose the Ideal X-Ray Tech College near Stratford WI
Selecting the appropriate x-ray tech college is a critical first step toward beginning a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs typically stand for the greater part of the workday and position and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best available care to patients. As we have covered in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are looking at prior to making your final selection. This is equally true whether you opt for an online program or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each school so you can narrow down your options and make your decision. And with the right training and your motivation to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a radiographer in Stratford WI.
Some Background on Stratford Wisconsin
Stratford, Wisconsin
Stratford is a village in Marathon County, Wisconsin, United States. It is part of the Wausau, Wisconsin Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 1,578 at the 2010 census.[6]
Stratford was platted in 1891 when the railroad was extended to that point.[7] The village was named after Stratford-upon-Avon, in England.[7]
Stratford is located at 44°48′7″N 90°4′26″W / 44.80194°N 90.07389°W / 44.80194; -90.07389 (44.801971, -90.073829).[8] According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 5.35 square miles (13.86 km2), of which, 5.31 square miles (13.75 km2) of it is land and 0.04 square miles (0.10 km2) is water.[1]
As of the census[3] of 2010, there were 1,578 people, 666 households, and 433 families residing in the village. The population density was 297.2 inhabitants per square mile (114.7/km2). There were 713 housing units at an average density of 134.3 per square mile (51.9/km2). The racial makeup of the village was 98.5% White, 0.2% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 0.4% from other races, and 0.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.6% of the population.
There were 666 households of which 33.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.8% were married couples living together, 8.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 35.0% were non-families. 31.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.97.
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