How to Select a Radiology Technician Program near Evergreen Alabama
Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Evergreen AL in order to become a radiologic technician. And now that you have chosen to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about picking the right school and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And because most states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you might require preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you assess each of the schools you are considering so that you can compare each program. Most students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and typically gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while location and cost should be taken into account, there are other significant qualifiers also. For instance, you must find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are examining are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and training choices that are available.
Radiology Technician Job Description
There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have the identical principal job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many choose to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for example mammography. They may practice in Evergreen AL clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist might utilize include:
- Traditional and specialized X-Rays
- Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Sonography or ultrasound
- Fluoroscopy
Radiographers have to care for their equipment and also routinely evaluate its functionality and safety. They are additionally required to retain detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Evergreen AL health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
X-Ray Tech Degree Options
The primary requirement for attending an x-ray tech program is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, generally requires 18 months to two years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to complete and is more extensive in scope. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are acceptable as well. Something to bear in mind is that Evergreen AL radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may often be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from any 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.
Radiographer Licensing and Certification
When you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, based on the state where you will be employed you might have to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so contact your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but several accept other options for testing also. A number of states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is optional. However, numerous Evergreen AL employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it could improve 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 examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online Radiology Technologist Degrees
As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree programs. So while you can still obtain your online degree, a substantial amount of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is typically carried out in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Evergreen AL residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically discover that the online approach to learning is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are often less expensive than traditional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting can be lessened also. But just make certain that the online college you pick is accredited (more on the advantages 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 choice for you.
Points to Ask Radiographer Schools
When you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of looking for and assessing Evergreen AL x-ray tech schools. You will also need to determine if you want to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be critical. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a determining variable as well. But along with location and cost, what more should you factor in when reviewing schools? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details prior to making your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are looking at.
Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? A large number of xray tech schools have obtained some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still important to verify that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous examination of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged 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 obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Evergreen AL employers will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry-level jobs.
Are Internships Offered? Find out if the Alabama xray tech programs you are evaluating have relationships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific manner to obtain practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist students and graduates form professional connections in the Evergreen AL medical community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the radiographer schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Evergreen AL healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the school they select will need to be within commuting distance of their Evergreen AL home. Individuals who have chosen to attend classes online obviously will not have to concern 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 college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit far in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Evergreen AL colleges you are looking at what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with some of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program also.
Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the x-ray tech college you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Evergreen AL, confirm that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out 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 due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Why Did You Choose to Be a Radiology Technician?
When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to consider questions you might be asked. One of the things that interviewers typically ask radiographer candidates is "What made you decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not just the private reasons you might have for being an Xray technician, but also what attributes and abilities you have that make you good at your profession. You will likely be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, as well as a certain number of general interview questions, so you need to ready some ideas about how you want to answer them. Because there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the strengths you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but take down a few concepts and talking points that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.Select the Best X-Ray Technician Program near Evergreen AL
Selecting the right x-ray technician school is an important first step toward launching a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs often stand for the greater part of the working day and position and in some cases 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 designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best possible patient care. As has been discussed in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are assessing before making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you decide on an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can focus your options and make your decision. And with the appropriate education and your dedication to be successful, you can realize your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Evergreen AL.
Some Background on Evergreen Alabama
Evergreen, Conecuh County, Alabama
Evergreen is a city in Conecuh County, Alabama, United States. As of the 2010 census the population was 3,944.[3] The city is the county seat of Conecuh County.
Early settlers to the area came from Georgia and South Carolina beginning in 1818. Evergreen was founded officially in 1819 when Revolutionary War veteran James Cosey and several other men settled within the present limits of the city. The Reverend Alexander Travis first called the town by its present name of Evergreen for the abundance of surrounding green foliage, plants, and ferns.[4]
The former county seat of Sparta was burned in a federal raid during the Civil War. In 1866, the county seat was moved to Evergreen as it was more centrally located in the county. Evergreen was incorporated as a city on March 28, 1873.[4]
In 1882, a tornado hit the city, destroying every building except for the Episcopal church. On November 7, 1895, fire destroyed every business and house located on the east side of the railroad. Five days later, fire destroyed every business and house on the west side. The Conecuh County Courthouse burned in 1868, 1875, 1885, and 1895.[4]
The first female pilot in the U. S. Navy, Barbara Allen Rainey, crashed and died in 1982 near Evergreen.
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