Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Alexander City AL 35010

How to Find a Radiology Tech College near Alexander City Alabama

Alexander City AL x-ray tech internship programCongrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Alexander City AL so you can become a radiology technologist. And now that you have chosen to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you undertake picking the right school and program to ensure that you will get the proper training to become a qualified professional? And considering that the majority of states do require that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you may require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering in order to compare each program. Most potential students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and usually settle on the lowest cost. But while location and cost should be considered, there are other significant qualifiers also. For example, you need to ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the schools you are examining are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and education choices that are offered.

X-Ray Tech Occupation 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 same primary job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some opt to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for example mammography. They can work in Alexander City AL 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 must care for their equipment plus frequently evaluate its performance and safety. They are also expected to keep complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Alexander City AL health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Alexander City ALThe basic prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, normally requires 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 4 years to finish and is more expansive in scope. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be appropriate as well. Something to consider is that Alexander City AL radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can often be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which many colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Alabama or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiographer Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an Radiologist college, based on the state where you will be employed you may need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but a number provide other options for testing as well. A number of states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is optional. Having said that, many Alexander City AL employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it could increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technologist Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Alexander City 35010As 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 programs. So although you can still obtain your online degree, a considerable portion of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is often conducted in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Alexander City AL home. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically discover that the online style of education is far more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are often cheaper than on-campus options. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting can be lessened as well. But just confirm 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 structured style of training, then online classes may be the right option for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs

As soon as you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of searching for and evaluating Alexander City AL x-ray tech schools. You will also need to decide if you want to attend classes online or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a determining factor also. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you factor in when reviewing schools? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? A large number of xray tech schools have received some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still important to verify 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 receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous review of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting agencies 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 help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Alexander City AL employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask if the Alabama xray tech programs you are reviewing have partnerships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to get practical experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist students and graduates develop professional relationships in the Alexander City AL medical community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the radiographer schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Alexander City AL healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the college they select will have to be within travelling distance of their Alexander City AL home. Individuals who have opted to attend online classes 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 consider is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit far in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Alexander City AL schools you are looking at what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program also.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the x-ray tech  program you finally choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Alexander City AL, check that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Choose to Become a Radiologic Technologist?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to consider questions you may be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not merely the personal reasons you may have for being a radiology technician, but additionally what attributes and skills you have that make you good at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, as well as a certain number of standard interview questions, so you should prepare some ideas about how you would like to answer them. Because there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you as well as the abilities you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the best choice for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but write down a few ideas and topics that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.

Select the Best X-Ray Tech Program near Alexander City AL

Enrolling in the appropriate radiology tech degree program is an important first step toward starting a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the greater part of the working day and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best available care to patients. As has been discussed in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are reviewing before making your final decision. This is equally true whether you opt for an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each college so you can narrow down your options and make your final choice. And with the proper education and your motivation to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Alexander City AL.

Some Background on Alexander City Alabama

Alexander City, Alabama

Alexander City, known to locals as "Alex City", is a city in Tallapoosa County, Alabama, United States, with a population of some 14,875. It is known for Lake Martin with its 750 miles (1,210 km) of wooded shoreline and 44,000 acres (180 km2) of water. Lake Martin stands on the Tallapoosa River and offers boating, swimming, fishing, golfing, and camping. Many neighborhoods and luxury homes are located on the lake.

The city's economy was traditionally based on the textile industry, but in recent times its economic base has become more diversified as textile jobs have gone elsewhere.

Alexander City was incorporated in 1872 as Youngsville, after its founder James Young. In 1873, the Savannah and Memphis Railroad came to the city. The city was renamed in honor of the railroad's President Edward Porter Alexander, hero of the Battle of Gettysburg for the Confederate States.[4]

On June 13, 1902, at 1 pm, a fire broke out in the Alexander City Machine shop and destroyed much of the town. At the time, Alexander City did not have a water system and all buildings, including the telegraph office, post office and three banks were burned.[5]

The Southern Poverty Law Center reached a $680,000 settlement in March, 2017, in its lawsuit against the Alabama city of Alexander and its police Chief Willie Robinson. The settlement was for depriving 190 of its residents their rights to due process (6th Amendment) and the unlawful seizure of their property (4th Amendment). Chief Robinson has even been asked to resign by lawyers representing their client, and was effectively fired by the City Council in January 2017.

 

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