Category Archives: Kansas

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Westmoreland KS 66549

How to Select a Radiologic Tech Program near Westmoreland Kansas

Westmoreland KS x-ray tech internship programCongrats regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Westmoreland KS in order to become a radiologic technician. And now that you have chosen to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about selecting the right college and program so that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified professional? And because the majority of states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you may require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the colleges you are considering in order to compare each program. Most prospective students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and often settle on the most affordable cost. But while expense and location should be taken into consideration, there are additional critical qualifiers as well. For example, you should ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are considering are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiology technician does and the credentials and education choices that are available.

X-Ray Tech Occupation Summary

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, they all have the identical major job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some opt to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They can work in Westmoreland KS hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist may 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 also routinely analyze its performance and safety. They are also expected to retain detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Westmoreland KS health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Westmoreland KSThe primary prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech school is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, usually requires 18 months to two years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to complete and is more comprehensive in scope. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be acceptable also. Something to consider is that Westmoreland KS radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can frequently be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which many schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification requirements in Kansas or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiographer Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, based on the state where you will be employed you may need to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their requirements vary so contact your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number approve other options for testing as well. Some states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. However, numerous Westmoreland KS employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it might increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Tech Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Westmoreland 66549As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree colleges. So although you can still earn your online degree, a substantial amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is usually performed in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online segment of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Westmoreland KS residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically discover that the online style of learning is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are generally cheaper than conventional alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials may be decreased also. But just be sure that the online college you choose is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then online classes may be the best option for you.

Points to Ask Radiographer Programs

When you have selected the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of searching for and evaluating Westmoreland KS x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to determine if you want to attend online classes or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be an important factor also. But along with location and cost, what more should you look at when reviewing schools? Well, you need to find 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 should ask the programs you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Tech Programs Accredited? A large number of radiology tech colleges have obtained some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to verify that the school and program 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 earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed examination of their teachers and educational materials. If the college is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. 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 premium education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial aid and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Westmoreland KS health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level jobs.

Are Internships Provided? Ask if the Kansas radiology tech colleges you are interested in have partnerships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great manner to receive hands on training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help students and graduates form professional relationships in the Westmoreland KS medical community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the radiographer schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Westmoreland KS healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the school they select will need to be within commuting distance of their Westmoreland KS residence. Students who have opted to attend online classes naturally will not have to trouble 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 program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally 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.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that likes to sit far in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Westmoreland KS schools you are reviewing what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the x-ray tech  school you finally select can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Westmoreland KS, verify that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check 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 because of illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Desire to Be an X-Ray Tech?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to consider questions you may be asked. One of the questions that interviewers often ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not just the personal reasons you might have for being an X-Ray tech, but additionally what characteristics and talents you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, as well as a certain number of typical interview questions, so you should ready a number of ideas about how you want to respond to them. Since there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the abilities you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but jot down several ideas and talking points that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can help you to prepare your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Choose the Ideal X-Ray Tech School near Westmoreland KS

Enrolling in the ideal x-ray tech degree program is a crucial first step toward launching a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs typically stand for the majority of the working day and move and at times lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best possible care to patients. As we have addressed in this report, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are reviewing before making your final decision. This is just as true whether you opt for an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each program so you can focus your options and make your decision. And with the proper training and your motivation to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as a radiology tech in Westmoreland KS.

Some Background on Westmoreland Kansas

Westmoreland, Kansas

Westmoreland is a city in and the county seat of Pottawatomie County, Kansas, United States.[6] As of the 2010 census, the city population was 778.[7]

Westmoreland was platted in 1871.[8] It was named after Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.[9]

Westmoreland is located at 39°23′41″N 96°24′51″W / 39.39472°N 96.41417°W / 39.39472; -96.41417 (39.394770, -96.414154).[10] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.52 square miles (1.35 km2), all of it land.[1]

Westmoreland is part of the Manhattan, Kansas Metropolitan Statistical Area.

As of the census[2] of 2010, there were 778 people, 301 households, and 192 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,496.2 inhabitants per square mile (577.7/km2). There were 337 housing units at an average density of 648.1 per square mile (250.2/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 96.5% White, 0.4% African American, 0.9% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 0.3% Pacific Islander, 0.9% from other races, and 0.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.4% of the population.

 

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