Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Wausau WI 54401

How to Choose a Radiology Technician Degree Program near Wausau Wisconsin

Wausau WI x-ray tech internship programCongrats regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Wausau WI in order to learn to be a radiologic technician. And now that you have chosen to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you tackle choosing the right college and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And because most states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you might require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the schools you are considering in order to evaluate each program. Most students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and frequently gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location should be taken into account, there are additional critical qualifications also. For instance, you should ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are reviewing are provided later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and training choices that are offered.

Radiology Technician Occupation Description

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, each has the identical primary job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some elect to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for example mammography. They may practice in Wausau WI hospitals, clinics, family 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 have to take care of their equipment plus regularly assess its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to keep complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Wausau WI health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degrees

x-ray machine in Wausau WIThe 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 prevalent among techs, normally requires 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to finish and is more comprehensive in scope. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are acceptable as well. Something to bear in mind is that Wausau WI radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which many colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Wisconsin or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, based on the state where you will be employed you may need to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites differ so contact your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many accept additional options for testing also. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. However, many Wausau WI employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it may enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technologist Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Wausau 54401As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree programs. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a substantial amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is usually conducted in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Wausau WI residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online approach to learning is far more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are often less costly than traditional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be reduced also. But just confirm that the online program you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online school may be the right option for you.

Points to Ask Radiology Tech Programs

As soon as you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the process of finding and evaluating Wausau WI x-ray tech schools. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or drive to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a material factor as well. But along with location and cost, what more should you factor in when comparing colleges? Well, you should check out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these crucial details before you make your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? Most radiology technician colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to make sure that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting organizations 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 detailed evaluation of their teachers and course materials. If the college is online it may also obtain 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 guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Wausau WI health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Inquire if the Wisconsin radiology tech schools you are reviewing have partnerships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent means to obtain hands on training in a clinical environment, they are also a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help students and graduates form professional connections in the Wausau WI health care community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Wausau WI healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For many students, the school they pick will need to be within driving distance of their Wausau WI home. Individuals who have chosen to attend classes online naturally 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 program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically 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 likes to sit way in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Wausau WI schools you are researching 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 an opportunity to converse with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the x-ray tech  college you ultimately select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Wausau WI, confirm that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Become an Xray Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to review questions you might be asked. One of 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 just the personal reasons you might have for becoming a radiology technician, but also what attributes and abilities you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, in addition to a significant number of standard interview questions, so you should ready a number of approaches about how you want to answer them. Because there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the strengths you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but write down a few concepts and anecdotes that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.

Choose the Ideal Radiology Technician Program near Wausau WI

Choosing the best radiology tech college is a crucial first step toward starting a fulfilling new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the majority of the day and move and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best possible patient care. As we have discussed in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are looking at prior to making your ultimate decision. This is equally true whether you participate in an online program or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each program so you can narrow down your options before making your decision. And with the proper education and your dedication to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Wausau WI.

Some Background on Wausau Wisconsin

Wausau, Wisconsin

Wausau is a city in and the county seat of Marathon County, Wisconsin, United States. The Wisconsin River divides the city into east and west. The city is adjacent to the Town of Wausau.

As of the 2010 census, Wausau had a population of 39,106.[4] It is the core city of the Wausau Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which includes all of Marathon County and had a population of 134,063 at the 2010 census.

This area was occupied for thousands of years by succeeding cultures of indigenous peoples. The historic Ojibwe (also known in the United States as the Chippewa) occupied it in the period of European encounter. They had a lucrative fur trade for decades with French colonists and French Canadians. After the French and Indian War this trade was dominated by British-American trappers from the eastern seaboard.

The Wisconsin River first drew European-American settlers to the area during the mid-19th century as they migrated west into the Great Lakes region following construction of the Erie Canal in New York State. This provided a route for products from the region to the large New York and other eastern markets. The area had been called "Big Bull Flats" or "Big Bull Falls" by French explorers, who were the first Europeans here.[5] They named it for the long rapids in the river, which created many bubbles, called bulle in French. By an 1836 treaty with the United States, the Ojibwe ceded much of their lands in the area to federal ownership. It was sold to non-Native peoples. Wausau, from Ojibwe “waasa” means "a faraway place"[5] or "a place from which one can see far away" in the Ojibwe language.[citation needed]

George Stevens, the namesake for the city of Stevens Point located south of Wausau, began harvesting the pine forests for lumber in 1840 and built a saw mill. Lumbering was the first major industry in this area, and other sawmills along the Wisconsin River were quickly constructed by entrepreneurs.[5] By 1846, Walter McIndoe arrived and took the lead in the local business and community. His efforts helped to establish Marathon County in 1850.[5] Word of Stevens' success in the region spread across the country throughout the logging industry. Loggers came from Cortland County, New York, Carroll County, New Hampshire, Orange County, Vermont and Down East Maine in what is now Washington County, Maine and Hancock County, Maine. These were "Yankee" migrants, that is to say they were descended from the English Puritans who had settled New England during the 1600s.[6]

 

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