How to Become a Radiologic Technologist Piqua KS 66761 Archives

How to Choose a Radiology Technician College near Piqua Kansas

Piqua KS x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Piqua KS so you can learn to be a radiologic technician. And now that you have decided to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you tackle choosing the right school and program to ensure that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And because the majority of states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you might require training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you assess each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. Most students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and typically gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while location and cost need to be considered, there are additional significant qualifiers as well. For example, you must find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. 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 radiology tech does and the credentials and training options that are available.

X-Ray Technician Job Description

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have the identical fundamental job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some elect to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, such as mammography. They may work in Piqua KS clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist might 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 take care of their equipment and also regularly analyze its performance and safety. They are also expected to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Piqua KS medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Tech Degrees

x-ray machine in Piqua KS The primary prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech school is to have attained 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 common among technicians, generally requires 18 months to two 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 complete and is more expansive in nature. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are appropriate also. Something to consider is that Piqua KS radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can frequently be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which many colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Kansas or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, based on the state where you will be employed you may have to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so check with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many accept other alternatives for testing also. Several states also require certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. However, numerous Piqua KS employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Tech Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Piqua 66761 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree schools. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a significant portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is typically conducted in area 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 Piqua KS home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically discover that the online style of education is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are frequently cheaper than on-campus options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be decreased also. But just make sure that the online school you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then online classes may be the right option for you.

Points to Ask Radiology Tech Schools

After you have selected the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of locating and evaluating Piqua KS x-ray tech schools. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or commute 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 secondary expenses will be an important factor as well. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you look at when comparing colleges? Well, you should check out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? The majority of radiology technician schools have obtained some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to verify that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting agencies 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 assessment of their instructors 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 agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Piqua KS health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level openings.

Are Internships Sponsored? Ask if the Kansas radiology tech schools you are evaluating have relationships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great manner to get hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Piqua KS medical community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Piqua KS healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the school they select will have to be within travelling distance of their Piqua KS residence. Those who have opted to attend online classes naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Piqua KS colleges you are researching what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to converse with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the radiographer college you finally choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Piqua KS, make certain that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Become an X-Ray Tech?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to consider questions you may be asked. Among the things that interviewers often ask radiographer candidates is "What made you choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not only the private reasons you may have for becoming an Xray technician, but additionally what qualities and abilities you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, along with a certain number of typical interview questions, so you must ready several ideas about how you would like to answer them. Considering there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but write down several concepts and topics that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can assist you to prepare your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.

Enroll in the Best Radiology Tech School near Piqua KS

Choosing the appropriate radiology tech school is a critical first step toward launching a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs regularly stand for the majority of the workday and move and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay close 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 techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best available care to patients. As has been discussed in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each program you are looking at before making your ultimate selection. This is similarly true whether you opt for an online program or drive to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each program so you can focus your options before making your decision. And with the proper training and your commitment to be successful, you can realize your goal to practice as a radiographer in Piqua KS.

Some Background on Piqua Kansas

Piqua, Kansas

Piqua is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Woodson County, Kansas, United States.[4] Its population was 107 as of the 2010 census.[3]

Piqua had its start in the year 1882 by the building of the railroad through that territory.[5] It was named after the city of Piqua, Ohio.[6] The first post office in Piqua was established in March 1882.[7]

Latitude of Piqua is 37.922N and longitude is -95.535W. Piqua is located on U.S. Route 54 and is east of U.S. Route 75.[8] Piqua is located between the cities of Yates Center and Iola.