Tag Archives: Accredited Radiology Tech Schools Urbandale IA 50322

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Urbandale IA 50322

How to Find a Radiology Tech Degree Program near Urbandale Iowa

Urbandale IA x-ray tech internship programBest wishes regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Urbandale IA so you can become a radiologic technologist. And now that you have made a decision to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you set about selecting the ideal college and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified professional? And considering that most states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you may require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering in order to evaluate each program. Most students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and frequently settle on the most affordable cost. But while location and cost need to be taken into consideration, there are additional important qualifications as well. For example, you should ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are examining are provided later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray technician does and the degrees and education choices that are offered.

X-Ray Tech Career 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, they all have the identical fundamental job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective 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 specialty, for example mammography. They can work in Urbandale IA clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech might utilize include:

  • Traditional and specialized X-Rays
  • Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Sonography or ultrasound
  • Fluoroscopy

Radiographers must maintain their equipment and also frequently assess its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to keep complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Urbandale IA health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Technician Degrees

x-ray machine in Urbandale IAThe standard requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech program is to have earned 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, generally takes 18 months to two years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to complete and is more extensive in scope. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be acceptable as well. Something to keep in mind is that Urbandale IA radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can frequently be fulfilled by taking part in an externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Iowa or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an Radiologist program, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might have to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements vary so contact your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but a number provide other options for testing as well. Several states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, many Urbandale IA employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it might enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technologist Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Urbandale 50322As a component 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 schools. So even though you can still obtain your degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is usually conducted in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Urbandale IA residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually discover that the online style of education is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are generally cheaper than on-campus options. Along with lower tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials may be decreased as well. But just confirm that the online college you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then online classes may be the ideal option for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiographer Colleges

After you have selected the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can initiate the process of looking for and evaluating Urbandale IA x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be an important factor as well. But along with cost and location, what else should you look at when comparing colleges? Well, you need to find out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details before you make your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are looking at.

Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? A large number of xray tech colleges have obtained some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still important to confirm that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive review of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial aid and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Urbandale IA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level openings.

Are Internships Sponsored? Ask if the Iowa xray technician programs you are reviewing have associations with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great means to obtain hands on training in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist students and graduates develop professional connections in the Urbandale IA medical community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Urbandale IA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the college they decide on will need to be within travelling distance of their Urbandale IA residence. Individuals who have chosen to attend online classes obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to keep 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 might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit way in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Urbandale IA schools you are considering what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to converse with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program also.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the radiographer  college you ultimately select can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Urbandale IA, check that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Become an Xray Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to reflect on questions you may be asked. Among the things that recruiters frequently ask radiographer prospects is "What drove you to select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not merely the personal reasons you might have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but additionally what qualities and talents you possess that make you good at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, in addition to a significant number of general interview questions, so you should organize several approaches about how you would like to address them. Given that there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but take down several concepts and topics that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Pick the Right Radiology Technician School near Urbandale IA

Selecting the ideal x-ray tech degree program is a crucial first step toward starting a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs typically stand for the greater part of the day and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best possible patient care. As we have discussed in this report, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each college you are assessing before making your final decision. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices and make your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your dedication to succeed, you can realize your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Urbandale IA.

Some Background on Urbandale Iowa

Urbandale, Iowa

Urbandale is a city in Polk County and Dallas County, Iowa, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city population was 39,463. It is part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Urbandale was incorporated as a city on April 16, 1917. In its early days, Urbandale served as a streetcar suburb of Des Moines with four coal mines. Urbandale served as the end of the "Urbandale Line" after plans to build a railroad from Des Moines to Woodward were abandoned because of right-of-way issues. The coal mines had closed by the end of the 1940s while streetcar service ended in 1951.

In 1920, shortly after the city incorporated, Urbandale had 298 people. Its population in 1950 was 1,777, but the city grew rapidly after that along with the rest of Des Moines' suburbs. By 1970 Urbandale had 14,434 people, and in 2000 it had 29,072.[4] Although most of the city's developed area is in Polk County, Urbandale has expanded westward into Dallas County in recent years.

In 2012, Urbandale gained national attention after President Barack Obama held a reelection campaign meeting downtown.[5]

Urbandale is located in the northwest part of the Des Moines Metro Area at the intersections of Interstate 35, Interstate 80, and Iowa 141. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 21.94 square miles (56.82 km2), of which, 21.92 square miles (56.77 km2) is land and 0.02 square miles (0.05 km2) is water.[1]

 

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