Accredited X Ray Tech Schools Riley KS 66531 Archives - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose an X-Ray Technician Program near Riley Kansas

Riley KS x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Riley KS so you can become a radiologic technician. But now that you have decided to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about choosing the right college and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you might need training to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you research each of the colleges you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. A number of potential students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and frequently settle on the most affordable cost. But while expense and location should be considered, there are additional critical qualifiers also. For example, you should find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you should 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 offered.

X-Ray Technician Work Description

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, they all have the identical principal job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They can practice in Riley KS clinics, hospitals, private 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 have to maintain their equipment plus routinely assess its performance and safety. They are additionally required to keep in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Riley KS medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Technician Degree Options

x-ray machine in Riley KS The standard requirement for attending a radiology tech college is to have received 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 techs, usually takes 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to finish and is more extensive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable also. One thing to consider is that Riley KS radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may frequently be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification mandates in Kansas or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, based on the state where you will be working you may need to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria vary so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but several accept other alternatives for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, numerous Riley KS employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it may increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technologist Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Riley 66531 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree colleges. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a considerable portion of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is typically carried out in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online segment of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Riley KS home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree often discover that the online style of learning is much more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently more affordable than on-campus options. Along with lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting can be lessened as well. But just make certain that the online school you enroll in 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 an online school may be the right choice for you.

Questions to Ask Radiologic Tech Schools

When you have chosen the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can start the process of searching for and assessing Riley KS x-ray tech schools. You will also need 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 important. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a determining factor as well. But along with location and cost, what else should you consider when comparing schools? Well, you need to find out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details before you make your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are reviewing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? The majority of radiology technician schools have earned some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to confirm 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 obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous review of their teachers and educational materials. If the college is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Riley KS health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level openings.

Are Internships Provided? Inquire if the Kansas xray technician programs you are evaluating have relationships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific means to obtain hands on training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist graduates and students form professional relationships in the Riley KS healthcare community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Riley KS healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the college they select will need to be within travelling distance of their Riley KS home. Students who have chosen to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. One thing to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may need 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 don’t reside within their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Riley KS colleges 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 ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program also.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the radiographer college you ultimately pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Riley KS, check that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.

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

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you may be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers often ask radiographer prospects is "What drove you to choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not just the private reasons you might have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what qualities and abilities you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, as well as a significant number of general interview questions, so you should prepare a number of approaches about how you would like to address them. Since there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the abilities you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but jot down several ideas and topics that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can help you to prepare your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Choose the Best X-Ray Tech Program near Riley KS

Selecting the ideal radiology technician school is a crucial first step toward initiating a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs typically stand for the majority of the workday and position and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best available patient care. As we have addressed in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are assessing prior to making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you decide on an online program or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each school so you can narrow down your choices and make your final choice. And with the appropriate education and your commitment to be successful, you can reach your goal to work as a radiographer in Riley KS.

Some Background on Riley Kansas

Fort Riley

Fort Riley is a United States Army installation located in North Central Kansas, on the Kansas River, also known as the Kaw, between Junction City and Manhattan. The Fort Riley Military Reservation covers 101,733 acres (41,170 ha) in Geary and Riley counties.[1] The portion of the fort that contains housing development is part of the Fort Riley census-designated place, with a residential population of 7,761 as of the 2010 census.[2] The fort has a daytime population of nearly 25,000. The ZIP code is 66442.

Fort Riley is named in honor of Major General Bennett C. Riley who led the first military escort along the Santa Fe Trail. The fort was established in 1853 as a military post to protect the movement of people and trade over the Oregon, California, and Santa Fe trails. In the years after the Civil War, Fort Riley served as a major United States Cavalry post and school for cavalry tactics and practice. The post was a base for skirmishes with Native Americans after the Civil War ended in 1865, during which time George Custer was stationed at the fort.

In 1887, Fort Riley became the site of the United States Cavalry School. The famous all-black 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments, the soldiers of which were called "Buffalo Soldiers", were stationed at Fort Riley at various times in the 19th and early 20th centuries. During World War I, the fort was home to 50,000 soldiers, and it is sometimes identified as ground zero for the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, which its soldiers were said to have spread all over the world. Since the end of World War II, various infantry divisions have been assigned there. Most notably, from 1955–1996 the post was home to the famed Big Red One. Between 1999–2006, the post was headquarters to the 24th Infantry Division (Mechanized) and known as "America's Warfighting Center". In August 2006, the Big Red One relocated its headquarters to Fort Riley from Leighton Barracks, Germany.

Camp Whitside is named in honor of Brigadier General Samuel M. Whitside, who served as commander of Company B, 6th Cavalry Regiment, at Fort Riley, between the years of 1871 and 1874.

1st Infantry Division[3]