Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Lowell AR 72745

How to Choose a Radiologic Technician Degree Program near Lowell Arkansas

Lowell AR x-ray tech internship programCongratulations on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Lowell AR in order to become a radiology technologist. But now that you have made a decision to go into the gratifying 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 skilled practitioner? And since most states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you may need training to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the colleges you are considering in order to evaluate each program. A number of potential students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and often settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location need to be taken into consideration, there are other important qualifications as well. For instance, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are considering are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and training choices that are available.

X-Ray Technician Work Summary

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the same fundamental job description, which is to use 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. Some elect to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They can work in Lowell AR hospitals, clinics, private 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 must take care of their equipment and also regularly evaluate its performance and safety. They are also expected to retain detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Lowell AR medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Lowell ARThe primary requirement for attending an x-ray tech program is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, usually takes 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to complete and is more extensive in nature. Most 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 Lowell AR radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may frequently be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which many schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Arkansas or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiographer Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an Radiologist school, depending on the state where you will be employed you may have to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements vary so contact your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but a number accept additional options for testing as well. Several states also require certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, numerous Lowell AR employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technologist Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Lowell 72745As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree programs. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a significant amount of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is usually performed in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Lowell AR home. Students who continue working while earning their degree often find that the online style of education is far more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online programs are often less expensive than on-campus alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting may be reduced as well. But just make sure 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 formalized type of training, then an online school may be the right choice for you.

Points to Ask Radiology Tech Programs

When you have selected the type of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of searching for and assessing Lowell AR x-ray technician schools. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the college will be important. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a determining variable also. But along with cost and location, what else should you factor in when evaluating schools? Well, you should check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details before you make your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? A large number of radiology technician schools have received some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still imperative to make sure that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly regarded 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 undergone a detailed examination of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also help in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Lowell AR health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level positions.

Are Internships Provided? Find out if the Arkansas radiology tech programs you are evaluating have partnerships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent manner to get hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist graduates and students form professional connections in the Lowell AR medical community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the radiographer schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Lowell AR healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the school they select will have to be within driving distance of their Lowell AR residence. Individuals who have opted to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. One thing to bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit far in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Lowell AR schools you are reviewing 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 determination. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the x-ray tech  college you ultimately select can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Lowell AR, confirm that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Want to Become a Radiology Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's advantageous to review questions you may be asked. One of the things that interviewers often ask radiographer candidates is "What made you select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not only the personal reasons you might have for being a radiology technician, but additionally what attributes and talents you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, along with a certain number of typical interview questions, so you should organize some ideas about how you want to respond to them. Given that there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the talents you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the best choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but jot down several ideas and talking points that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can help you to develop your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.

Pick the Ideal X-Ray Technician School near Lowell AR

Enrolling in the ideal x-ray tech degree program is a critical first step toward launching a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs typically stand for the greater part of the workday and position and in some cases lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. As has been covered in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each college you are reviewing prior to making your final decision. This is just as true whether you opt for an online program or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each program so you can focus your options before making your final choice. And with the appropriate education and your motivation to be successful, you can realize your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Lowell AR.

Some Background on Lowell Arkansas

Lowell, Arkansas

Lowell is a city in Benton County, Arkansas, United States. Located within the Ozarks, first settlement was along Old Wire Road in the 1840s, and although destroyed during the Civil War, the community was reestablished by J. H. McClure and thrived when the St. Louis–San Francisco Railway came through the area in the 1880s. Today, the city is a growing bedroom community within the rapidly growing Northwest Arkansas region. Lowell is also home to the headquarters of trucking company J.B. Hunt. Lowell's population was 7,327 at the 2010 census, an increase of 46% since 2000.[3]

Lowell was platted in 1881.[4] A post office has been in operation at Lowell since 1881.[5]

According to the United States Census Bureau, Lowell has a total area of 9.2 square miles (23.9 km2), of which 9.2 square miles (23.7 km2) is land and 0.077 square miles (0.2 km2), or 0.68%, is water.[3] Lowell is located in southern Benton County at 36°15′38″N 94°8′22″W / 36.26056°N 94.13944°W / 36.26056; -94.13944 (36.260429, -94.139570).[6] It is bordered by the cities of Springdale and Bethel Heights to the south, Cave Springs to the west and Rogers to the north. 4 miles (6 km) to the east is Beaver Lake, a large reservoir of the White River.

The Fayetteville–Springdale–Rogers Metropolitan Area consists of three Arkansas counties: Benton, Madison, and Washington, and McDonald County, Missouri. The area had a population of 347,045 at the 2000 census which had increased to 463,204 by the 2010 Census (an increase of 33.47 per cent). The area does not consist of the usual principal-city-with-suburbs morphology; instead the four principal cities are all located along Interstate 49 in a linear configuration. Lowell is also located along this corridor, between Springdale and Rogers.

As of the 2010 census Lowell had a population of 7,327. The racial and ethnic composition of the population was 68.7% non-Hispanic white, 0.9% black or African American, 1.4% Native American, 2.7% Asian, 0.4% Pacific Islander, 2.6% from two or more races and 24.7% Hispanic or Latino.[8]

 

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