How to Choose an Xray Technician College near Jefferson Alabama
Congratulations regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Jefferson AL so you can train to be a radiologic technologist. But now that you have made a decision to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle picking the ideal college and program to ensure that you will get the proper training to become a skilled professional? And since most states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you might need training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you investigate each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. Most students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and usually gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location should be taken into account, there are additional critical qualifications also. For instance, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are considering are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology technician does and the credentials and education options that are available.
X-Ray Technician Career Description
There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, each has the identical 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 choose to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for example mammography. They may work in Jefferson AL clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist 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 care for their equipment and also routinely analyze its performance and safety. They are also required to keep detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Jefferson AL health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
X-Ray Tech Degrees
The primary prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, normally takes 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to finish and is more extensive in scope. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be appropriate as well. One thing to keep in mind is that Jefferson AL radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may frequently be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which many colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. 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.
X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing
After you have graduated from an Radiologist college, based on the state where you will be practicing you may need to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so contact your state. Currently, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but many accept other alternatives for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, many Jefferson AL employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it could improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Technician Classes
As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree programs. So although you can still earn your online degree, a significant portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is often conducted in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online segment of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Jefferson AL home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically discover that the online style of education is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are generally less expensive than conventional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be reduced also. But just make certain that the online school you choose is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then online classes may be the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Radiology Tech Programs
After you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of searching for and assessing Jefferson AL x-ray tech schools. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the school will be important. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a material factor as well. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you look at when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details prior to making your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are assessing.
Are the Radiology Technician Schools Accredited? The majority of xray technician schools have acquired some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still important to verify that the program and school 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). Schools earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous evaluation of their teachers and course materials. If the college is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. 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 assist in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Jefferson AL employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level jobs.
Are Internships Offered? Find out if the Alabama radiology tech schools you are evaluating have partnerships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent manner to obtain hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Jefferson AL health care community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Jefferson AL healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? For many students, the college they decide on will have to be within commuting distance of their Jefferson AL home. Those who have decided to attend online classes naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition to 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 back of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Jefferson AL colleges you are researching what the average 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 converse with several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program as well.
Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the radiographer program you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Jefferson AL, make certain that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss due to work, illness or family obligations.
Why Did You Decide to Be a Radiologic Technologist?
When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to review questions you might be asked. Among the things that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer prospects is "What drove you to pick radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not merely the private reasons you might have for becoming an Xray technician, but also what attributes and talents you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will likely be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, along with a certain number of typical interview questions, so you must prepare some strategies about how you would like to address them. Because there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the abilities you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but take down a few concepts and topics that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can help you to develop your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.Pick the Ideal Radiology Technician College near Jefferson AL
Selecting the ideal radiology tech school is an important first step toward initiating a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs typically stand for the greater part of the day and position and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing social skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best available patient care. As we have covered in this report, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are considering prior to making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you enroll in an online program or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each college so you can focus your choices before making your final choice. And with the proper training and your motivation to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Jefferson AL.
Some Background on Jefferson Alabama
Al Jefferson
Al Ricardo Jefferson (born January 4, 1985)[1] is an American professional basketball player for the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played high school basketball for Prentiss High School in Mississippi before skipping college to enter the 2004 NBA draft, where he was drafted 15th overall by the Boston Celtics. He has previously played for the Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz and Charlotte Hornets.
Born in Monticello, Mississippi, Jefferson attended Prentiss High School in the small nearby town of Prentiss from 2000 to 2004. After starting for his varsity team as a freshman at Prentiss, he became one of the elite players in the country as a junior, drawing the attention of both college coaches around the country, and the scouts of the NBA. In his senior year for the Bulldogs, he averaged an astounding 42.6 points, 18 rebounds and seven blocks per game as his Bulldogs team went on to lose in the Mississippi state class 3A semi-finals to Byhalia High School 88-73, in which Jefferson finished with 56 points.[2]
Considered a five-star recruit by Rivals.com, Jefferson was listed as the No. 1 center and the No. 4 player in the nation in 2004.[3] He had originally committed to Arkansas, but opted instead to make the jump to the NBA straight out of high school.
Jefferson was drafted with the 15th overall pick by the Boston Celtics in the 2004 NBA draft, becoming the first high school player to be drafted by the Celtics (Kendrick Perkins was drafted by the Grizzlies, then traded to Boston on draft day in the 2003 NBA draft). He played primarily as a power forward and averaged 6.7 points and 4.4 rebounds in 14.8 minutes per game during his rookie season.
Jefferson's 2005–06 season was widely considered a disappointment, mostly due to a series of ankle injuries and a torn meniscus in his right knee which limited him to playing in 59 games. He averaged 7.9 points and 5.1 rebounds in 18.0 minutes per game during his sophomore season.
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