Tag Archives: How to Become a Radiology Technician Calera AL 35040

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Calera AL 35040

How to Find an X-Ray Tech Program near Calera Alabama

Calera AL x-ray tech internship programBest wishes regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Calera AL so you can become a radiology technician. And now that you have decided to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you tackle picking the ideal school and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a skilled professional? And since the majority of states do require that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you might require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you assess each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. Most potential students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and typically settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location need to be taken into account, there are additional critical qualifications as well. For instance, you must ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the schools you are reviewing are provided later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and education choices that are offered.

X-Ray Tech Work Summary

There are multiple professional designations 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, each has the same fundamental job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They may work in Calera AL clinics, hospitals, family 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 regularly analyze its performance and safety. They are also expected to retain in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Calera AL medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Calera ALThe primary requirement for attending a radiology tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. 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 techs, normally takes 18 months to two years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to finish and is more comprehensive in scope. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be appropriate also. One thing to consider is that Calera AL 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 a large number of colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Alabama or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an Radiologist school, depending on the state where you will be employed you may need to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so contact your state. Currently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but a number offer other options for testing also. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Calera AL employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Tech Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Calera 35040As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree colleges. So while you can still earn your online degree, a substantial portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is typically performed 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 comfort of your Calera AL home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually discover that the online style of education is much more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are often more affordable than on-campus alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials may be reduced as well. But just make sure that the online program you choose is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online degree may be the right choice for you.

What to Ask X Ray Tech Programs

After you have decided on the type of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of locating and assessing Calera AL x-ray tech schools. You will also need to determine if you want to attend online classes or travel to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be an important variable also. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you consider when evaluating schools? Well, you need to find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are looking at.

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 imperative 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). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous assessment of their teachers and educational materials. If the college is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Calera AL employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level jobs.

Are Internships Provided? Ask if the Alabama xray technician schools you are assessing have associations with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific means to get practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist students and graduates establish professional connections in the Calera AL health care community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask 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 a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Calera AL healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the college they pick will have to be within driving distance of their Calera AL home. Individuals who have chosen to attend classes online naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. One thing to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit way in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Calera AL schools you are researching what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program also.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the radiographer  program you ultimately select can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Calera AL, confirm that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses 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 obligations.

Why Did You Desire to Become an Xray Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you may be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers often ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not only the personal reasons you may have for being an X-Ray tech, but additionally what qualities and talents you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, as well as a significant number of routine interview questions, so you need to ready a number of ideas about how you want to address them. Since there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you as well as the talents you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but take down some concepts and talking points that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Enroll in the Best X-Ray Technician College near Calera AL

Picking the appropriate radiology technician college is a crucial first step toward starting a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs typically stand for the greater part of the workday and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology technicians 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 good work environment and provide the best available care to patients. As has been covered in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each college you are reviewing before making your final selection. This is equally true whether you decide on an online school or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each program so you can focus your options and make your final choice. And with the proper education and your commitment to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiology tech in Calera AL.

Some Background on Calera Alabama

Calera, Alabama

Calera is a city in Shelby and Chilton counties in the U.S. state of Alabama. It is the location of the Shelby County Airport. Calera's population was 3,158 at the 2000 census.

As of the 2010 census the population had more than tripled to 11,620,[5] making it the fastest-growing city in Alabama. It is within the Birmingham-Hoover, Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area and positively affected by the growth in its economy.

Calera is located in southern Shelby County at 33°06′27″N 86°45′00″W / 33.107572°N 86.749964°W / 33.107572; -86.749964.[6] The city limits extend southward into Chilton County along U.S. Route 31, the main highway through the city. Interstate 65 passes through the eastern side of the city, with access from exits 228, 231, and 234.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 24.4 square miles (63.1 km2), of which 24.1 square miles (62.4 km2) is land and 0.27 square miles (0.7 km2), or 1.17%, is water.[5]

The city of Calera was incorporated in 1887, and named after the Spanish word for "limestone" for all of the limestone deposits located in the area.

 

More Cities of Interest in Alabama

  • Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Hanceville AL 35077
  • Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Saginaw AL 35137
  • Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Mobile AL 36601
  • Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Livingston AL 35470
  • Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Wedowee AL 36278
  • Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Sheffield AL 35660
  • Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Oxford AL 72565
  • Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Sulligent AL 35586
  • Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Summerdale AL 36580
  • Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Deatsville AL 36022
  •  

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 37

    American Family Care
    4 Reviews
    Phone:
    72 Hwy 304, Calera, AL 35040
    Middle Creek Medical Center
    3 Reviews
    Phone:
    4810 Bell Hill Rd, Bessemer, AL 35022
    Baptist Imaging Center
    3 Reviews
    Phone:
    5295 Preserve Pkwy, Hoover, AL 35244
    Children's of Alabama - Children's South Pediatric Outpatient
    3 Reviews
    Phone:
    1940 Elmer J Bissell Rd, Birmingham, AL 35243
    Hoover Urgent Care
    8 Reviews
    Phone:
    2467 John Hawkins Pkwy, Hoover, AL 35244
    MainStreet Family Urgent Care
    1 Reviews
    Phone:
    300 Big Mountain Cir, Pelham, AL 35124
    American Family Care
    18 Reviews
    Phone:
    5569 Grove Blvd, Ste 121, Hoover, AL 35226
    Camellia Women's Imaging
    2 Reviews
    Phone:
    2068 Valleydale Rd, Hoover, AL 35244
    St. Vincent's One Nineteen Outpatient Surgery Center
    1 Reviews
    Phone:
    7191 Cahaba Valley Rd, Suite 110, Hoover, AL 35242
    Baptist Health Center Chelsea
    1 Reviews
    Phone:
    15582 Hwy 280, Ste 110, Chelsea, AL 35043