Tag Archives: How to Become a Radiologic Technologist Jackson AL 36545

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Jackson AL 36545

How to Find an X-Ray Technician Program near Jackson Alabama

Jackson AL x-ray tech internship programCongrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Jackson AL in order to learn to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have chosen to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you undertake picking the right college and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And since the majority of states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you may require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the schools you are considering in order to compare each program. Many students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and typically gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while location and cost must be considered, there are other significant qualifications as well. For instance, you must find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are reviewing are provided later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic technician does and the degrees and training options that are available.

X-Ray Technician Career Description

There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the identical fundamental job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some opt to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for example mammography. They may practice in Jackson AL hospitals, clinics, 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 care for their equipment and frequently evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally required to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Jackson AL medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Jackson ALThe standard prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech college is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, usually takes 18 months to two years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to finish and is more extensive in scope. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are acceptable also. One thing to consider is that Jackson AL radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can typically be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Alabama 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 school, based on the state where you will be working you might need to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites differ so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but a number offer additional alternatives for testing as well. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. However, many Jackson AL employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it could increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technician Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Jackson 36545As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree colleges. So although you can still obtain your degree online, a substantial amount of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is typically performed in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Jackson AL home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree often discover that the online style of learning is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are generally less expensive than on-campus options. Along with lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials may be decreased as well. But just make certain that the online school you select is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online degree may be the best option for you.

Subjects to Ask X Ray Tech Programs

After you have selected the type of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of finding and assessing Jackson AL x-ray technician schools. You will also have to determine if you want to attend online classes or travel to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be an important variable also. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you factor in when evaluating colleges? Well, you should check out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these important details prior to making your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Tech Schools Accredited? A large number of xray technician colleges have earned some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still important to make sure that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly respected 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 an extensive examination of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it might also earn 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. In addition to ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Jackson AL employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level jobs.

Are Internships Offered? Find out if the Alabama xray tech programs you are evaluating have partnerships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific manner to obtain practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can help graduates and students develop professional connections in the Jackson AL medical community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the radiographer programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Jackson AL healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For many students, the school they choose will have to be within commuting distance of their Jackson AL residence. Individuals who have decided to attend classes online obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. Something to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit far in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Jackson AL colleges you are considering what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program as well.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the radiographer  college you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Jackson AL, make certain that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Radiologic Technologist?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to review questions you may be asked. One of the questions that recruiters frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What made you select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not merely the personal reasons you might have for becoming a radiology technician, but also what characteristics and skills you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will likely be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, along with a significant number of routine interview questions, so you should organize a number of ideas about how you want to address them. Because there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the abilities you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but write down some ideas and talking points that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can help you to prepare your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.

Pick the Best X-Ray Tech School near Jackson AL

Choosing the appropriate radiology technician college is a crucial first step toward initiating a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs often stand for the majority of the day and move and in some cases lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best possible patient care. As we have covered in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are assessing before making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you participate in an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each program so you can narrow down your options before making your decision. And with the appropriate education and your dedication to be successful, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiology tech in Jackson AL.

Some Background on Jackson Alabama

Jackson, Alabama

Jackson is a city in Clarke County, Alabama, United States. The population was 5,228 at the 2010 census.[4] It was one of three wet settlements in an otherwise-dry county.[5]

Jackson is located along the western border of Clarke County at coordinates 31°31′16″N 87°53′28″W / 31.521°N 87.891°W / 31.521; -87.891, on a rise overlooking east bank of the Tombigbee River. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 15.8 square miles (41.0 km2), of which 15.6 square miles (40.5 km2) is land and 0.19 square miles (0.5 km2), or 1.21%, is water.[4]

Jackson sits across the Tombigbee River from Washington County, Alabama.

As of the census[8] of 2010, there were 5,228 people, 2,112 households, and 1,446 families residing in the city. The population density was 334 people per square mile (129.1/km²). There were 2,426 housing units at an average density of 153.5 per square mile (59.1/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 54.9% White, 42.9% African American, 0.7% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 0.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.4% of the population.

There were 2,112 households out of which 28.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.6% were married couples living together, 17.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.5% were non-families. 29.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 3.00.

 

More Cities of Interest in Alabama

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