How to Choose an X-Ray Tech School near Lincoln Alabama
Best wishes on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Lincoln AL so you can learn to be a radiologic technologist. But now that you have chosen to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you undertake picking the ideal school and program so that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And because the majority of states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you might require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the schools you are considering in order to evaluate each program. Most students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and frequently settle on the most affordable cost. But while expense and location should be taken into account, there are additional important qualifications as well. For instance, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are evaluating are presented later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and education options that are available.
Radiology Tech Career Summary
There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, each has the same fundamental job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, such as mammography. They can work in Lincoln 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 maintain their equipment and also regularly evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also expected to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Lincoln AL health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
X-Ray Tech Degrees Available
The basic prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, generally requires 18 months to two years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to finish and is more extensive in nature. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be appropriate as well. Something to keep in mind is that Lincoln AL radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be fulfilled 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 will need to abide by any licensing or certification mandates in Alabama or the state you will be working as applicable.
Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification
After you have graduated from an Radiologist school, depending on the state where you will be working you might have to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements vary so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but a number offer other alternatives for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, many Lincoln AL employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it might increase 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 satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Technologist Classes
As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree programs. So although you can still earn your degree online, a large amount of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is typically conducted in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online portion of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Lincoln AL home. Students who continue working while earning their degree usually discover that the online approach to education is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are often more affordable than conventional options. Along with lower tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials may be lessened as well. But just confirm that the online school you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online school may be the best choice for you.
Questions to Ask Radiologic Tech Schools
After you have selected the type of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of searching for and evaluating Lincoln AL x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to determine if you want to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be important. The price of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a material variable also. But along with location and cost, what else should you factor in when evaluating schools? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship 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 should ask the schools you are looking at.
Are the Radiology Tech Colleges Accredited? Most radiology technician schools have earned some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still crucial to verify that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous evaluation of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it can also receive 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 ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Lincoln AL health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level openings.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Inquire if the Alabama xray tech schools you are assessing have associations with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent way to obtain practical experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help students and graduates develop professional connections in the Lincoln AL healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Lincoln AL healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the college they decide on will have to be within travelling distance of their Lincoln AL home. Individuals who have opted to attend online classes obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit far in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Lincoln AL schools you are reviewing 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 ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to converse with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program as well.
Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the x-ray tech school you finally pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Lincoln AL, make sure that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family obligations.
Why Did You Want to Become a Radiologic Technologist?
When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to review questions you could be asked. One of the questions that interviewers typically ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not just the personal reasons you may have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but additionally what qualities and talents you possess that make you good at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, along with a certain number of typical interview questions, so you must organize a number of approaches about how you would like to address them. Since there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the strengths you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down a few ideas and anecdotes that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can help you to develop your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.Select the Right X-Ray Tech College near Lincoln AL
Choosing the ideal radiology technician college is a crucial first step toward starting a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs typically stand for the greater part of the workday and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best available care to patients. As we have covered in this report, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each program you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate selection. This is just as true whether you participate in an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each college so you can focus your options and make your final choice. And with the proper education and your motivation to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Lincoln AL.
Some Background on Lincoln Alabama
Al Roker
Albert Lincoln "Al" Roker Jr. (born August 20, 1954) is an American television personality, weatherman, actor, and book author. He is best known as being the weather anchor on NBC's Today.[1] Roker also appears occasionally on NBC Nightly News. He holds an expired American Meteorological Society Television Seal #238.[2]
On November 12, 2014, 10 PM EST, Roker attempted to beat the previous unofficial world record for an uninterrupted live weather report of 33 hours held by Norwegian weather broadcaster Eli Kari Gjengedal. On November 14, 2014, 8 AM EST, Roker set the new official Guinness World Record by reporting for 34 hours.[3]
Al Roker was born in Queens, New York,[4] the son of Isabel, of Jamaican descent, and Albert Lincoln Roker, Sr.,[5] a bus driver of Bahamian descent.[6] Roker initially wanted to be a cartoonist.[5] He was raised Catholic[5] (in the faith of his mother) and graduated from Xavier High School in Manhattan.[7] He worked on several projects as a member of the school's Cartooning & Illustration Club. He attended the State University of New York at Oswego where he received a B.A. in communications in 1976.
According to the July 2011 issue of Us Weekly in "25 Things You Did Not Know About Me", Roker is the first cousin once removed of the late actress Roxie Roker, who was most notable for her role as Helen Willis on the sitcom The Jeffersons and the mother of popular rock musician Lenny Kravitz. That makes Kravitz Roker's second cousin.[8]
Before the national recognition, Roker worked as a weather anchor for CBS affiliate WHEN-TV (now WTVH) in Syracuse, New York from 1974 until 1976, while he was still enrolled at SUNY Oswego. Following the completion of his collegiate studies, Roker moved to Washington, D.C. and took a weathercasting position at independent station WTTG, then owned by Metromedia, remaining there for much of the next two years.
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