How to Find a Radiology Technician Program near Clio Alabama
Congratulations on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Clio AL so you can train to be a radiologic technician. And now that you have made a decision to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about choosing the right school and program so that you will receive the proper training to become a skilled professional? And because most states do require that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you might require preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you research each of the schools you are considering in order to compare each program. A number of prospective students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location must be considered, there are other critical qualifiers also. For instance, you need to find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are examining are provided later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology tech does and the degrees and education choices that are offered.
Radiology Technician Job Description
There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, each has the same major job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They may work in Clio AL clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician 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 take care of their equipment and routinely analyze its performance and safety. They are also expected to keep complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Clio AL health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
X-Ray Technician Degrees Offered
The standard requirement for attending an x-ray tech college is to have earned 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 prevalent among techs, usually takes 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to complete and is more extensive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable as well. Something to bear in mind is that Clio AL radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Alabama or the state you will be working as applicable.
Radiographer Certification and Licensing
Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, based on the state where you will be employed you may have to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so check with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but several provide other alternatives for testing as well. Several states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. However, many Clio AL employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it may enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Technician Programs
As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree programs. So while you can still obtain your degree online, a significant portion of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is typically provided in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online portion of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Clio AL residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree usually discover that the online approach to learning is far more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are frequently less expensive than traditional alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting can be reduced as well. But just be sure that the online college you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online school may be the ideal choice for you.
Topics to Ask X Ray Tech Schools
As soon as you have selected the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of searching for and assessing Clio AL x-ray technician schools. You will also need to decide if you want to attend online classes or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be critical. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a determining factor as well. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you consider when comparing colleges? Well, you need to find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship 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 assessing.
Are the Radiology Technician Colleges Accredited? The majority of xray tech colleges have obtained some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still crucial to confirm that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly regarded 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 gone through a detailed review of their teachers and educational materials. If the program is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on 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 guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also help in getting 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 Clio AL health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level positions.
Are Internships Provided? Inquire if the Alabama xray tech colleges you are evaluating have associations with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great means to get practical experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help students and graduates form professional relationships in the Clio AL health care community and assist with job placement.
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 challenging without support. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Clio AL healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For many students, the college they choose will need to be within driving distance of their Clio AL residence. Students who have chosen to attend classes online naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. Something to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit way in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Clio AL colleges you are researching what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program as well.
Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the x-ray tech college you finally choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Clio AL, confirm that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family obligations.
Why Did You Want to Be an Xray Technician?
When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to consider questions you might be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer prospects is "What compelled you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not merely the private reasons you may have for becoming a radiology technician, but also what attributes and talents you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, in addition to a significant number of routine interview questions, so you need to organize a number of strategies about how you want to answer them. Given that there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the abilities you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but take down a few ideas and talking points that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.Select the Best X-Ray Tech College near Clio AL
Picking the ideal radiology technician college is a crucial first step toward initiating a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs often stand for the majority of the day and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and provide the best available patient care. As we have covered in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are assessing prior to making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you participate in an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each program so you can focus your options and make your final choice. And with the appropriate education and your commitment to be successful, you can realize your goal to practice as a radiographer in Clio AL.
Some Background on Clio Alabama
Clio, Alabama
Clio is a city[3] in Barbour County, Alabama, United States. The population was 1,399 at the 2010 census,[4] down from 2,206 in 2000, at which time it was a town. It is the birthplace of former Alabama governor George C. Wallace, as well as Baseball Hall of Famer and current Atlanta Braves broadcaster Don Sutton.
Clio is located in southwestern Barbour County at 31°42′36″N 85°36′24″W / 31.71000°N 85.60667°W / 31.71000; -85.60667 (31.709922, -85.606708).[5]
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.1 square miles (26.1 km2), of which 0.008 square miles (0.02 km2), or 0.09%, is water.[4]
As of the census[8] of 2010, there were 1,399 people, 514 households, and 321 families residing in the town. The population density was 139 people per square mile (53.7/km2). There were 634 housing units at an average density of 62.7 per square mile (24.3/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 36.5% Black or African American, 32.0% White, 0.4% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 30.2% from other races, and .4% from two or more races. 36.0% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 514 households out of which 28.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.4% were married couples living together, 19.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.5% were non-families. 30.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.37.
More Cities of Interest in Alabama