Tag Archives: How to Become a Radiologic Technologist West des Moines IA 50265

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near West des Moines IA 50265

How to Select a Radiologic Technician College near West des Moines Iowa

West des Moines IA x-ray tech internship programBest wishes on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near West des Moines IA in order to learn to be a radiologic technician. And now that you have decided to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you undertake choosing the right school and program to ensure that you will get the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you might require preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you research each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. Many students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and frequently gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while cost and location must be taken into account, there are additional important qualifiers also. For example, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are reviewing are provided later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology technician does and the degrees and training options that are offered.

Radiology Tech Career Description

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the identical major job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some opt to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They can practice in West des Moines IA hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may utilize 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 and regularly evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As West des Moines IA health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degree Options

x-ray machine in West des Moines IAThe primary requirement for attending a radiology tech school is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, generally takes 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon 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 select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are appropriate also. Something to bear in mind is that West des Moines IA radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can frequently be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which many schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any licensing or certification mandates in Iowa or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, based on the state where you will be employed you might need to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so contact your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many offer other options for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, many West des Moines IA employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it may increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technician Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in West des Moines 50265As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree colleges. So while you can still obtain your degree online, a considerable portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is usually conducted in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online section of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your West des Moines IA residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree typically discover that the online approach to education is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are generally more affordable than traditional options. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be decreased also. But just confirm that the online school you select is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online degree may be the ideal choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiology Tech Colleges

Once you have chosen the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of searching for and evaluating West des Moines IA x-ray tech schools. You will also need to decide if you want to attend online classes or drive to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be critical. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a material factor as well. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you consider when reviewing schools? Well, you need to find out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are reviewing.

Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? Most xray tech schools have received some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still important to verify that the school and program 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 receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed evaluation of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also help in getting financial aid and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many West des Moines IA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out if the Iowa xray technician programs you are interested in have relationships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific means to get hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist graduates and students develop professional relationships in the West des Moines IA health care community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the radiographer programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with West des Moines IA healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the college they choose will need to be within commuting distance of their West des Moines IA residence. Those who have opted to attend classes online obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area 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 be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the West des Moines IA colleges you are considering what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program also.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the radiographer  school you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in West des Moines IA, verify that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure 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 advantageous to review questions you may be asked. One of the questions that recruiters often ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not only the personal reasons you might have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what qualities and talents you possess that make you good at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, along with a significant number of typical interview questions, so you must organize a number of approaches about how you would like to respond to them. Because there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you along with the talents you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but write down some concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.

Enroll in the Ideal X-Ray Technician College near West des Moines IA

Picking the appropriate radiology tech school is a crucial first step toward beginning a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs typically 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 strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best possible patient care. As has been discussed in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are looking at before making your final decision. This is just as true whether you opt for an online program or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each program so you can narrow down your choices and make your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your commitment to succeed, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in West des Moines IA.

Some Background on West des Moines Iowa

Des Moines metropolitan area

Coordinates: 41°33′19″N 93°50′09″W / 41.555147°N 93.835831°W / 41.555147; -93.835831

The Des Moines metropolitan area, officially known as the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), consists of five counties in central Iowa, United States: Polk, Dallas, Warren, Madison, and Guthrie. The 2010 census population of these counties was 569,633, and the 2014 estimated population was 611,549.[1][2]

Three additional counties, Boone, Jasper, and Story, are part of the Des Moines-Ames-West Des Moines Combined Statistical Area (CSA). The area encompasses the separate metropolitan area of Ames (Story County), and the separate micropolitan areas of Boone, (Boone County), and Newton (Jasper County). The total population of the CSA was 722,323 in the 2010 census and 742,936 based on 2012 estimates.[3]

The lowest geographical point in the metropolitan area is the Des Moines River, where it passes the northeast corner of Warren County, and the southeast corner of Polk County.

Polk County was originally the only county in the Des Moines metropolitan area when the United States Bureau of the Budget (now the United States Office of Management and Budget) began defining metropolitan areas in 1950. Warren County was added in 1973 and Dallas County was added in 1983.[4] Guthrie and Madison counties were added in 2003 after metropolitan areas were redefined. In 2005 the area was renamed the Des Moines-West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area after a special census showed that West Des Moines had topped the 50,000 mark in population.[5]

 

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