How to Select an Xray Tech Degree Program near State University Arkansas
Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near State University AR in order to become a radiology technician. And now that you have chosen to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about picking the right college and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And considering that most states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you may require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you research each of the colleges you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. A number of students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and often gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location must be considered, there are other important qualifiers also. For instance, you should ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are considering are provided later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and training options that are offered.
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X-Ray Tech Work Description
There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may 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 employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many choose to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for example mammography. They can work in State University AR hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician might 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 frequently analyze its functionality and safety. They are additionally required to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As State University AR health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
X-Ray Tech Degrees Available
The basic prerequisite for attending a radiology tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, usually takes 18 months to two years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to finish and is more comprehensive in nature. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be appropriate also. One thing to consider is that State University AR radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Arkansas or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
Radiographer Certification and Licensing
When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, depending on the state where you will be working you might have to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so get in touch with your state. Currently, 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 provide other alternatives for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, many State University AR employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it could enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.
Online Radiology Technologist Colleges
As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree colleges. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a considerable amount of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is typically performed in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online portion of the training may be attended in the comfort of your State University AR home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online style of learning is much more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently more affordable than on-campus options. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be reduced 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 type of training, then an online school may be the best choice for you.
What to Ask Radiographer Programs
Once you have decided on the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of searching for and assessing State University AR x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to determine 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 ancillary expenses will be a determining factor as well. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you factor in when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are looking at.
Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? A large number of xray technician colleges have received some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still important to confirm that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous evaluation of their instructors and course materials. If the college 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 guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous State University AR health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level openings.
Are Internships Offered? Ask if the Arkansas xray tech colleges you are assessing have partnerships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great means to get hands on training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may help students and graduates establish professional connections in the State University AR healthcare community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the radiographer programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with State University AR healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they select will have to be within commuting distance of their State University AR home. Those 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. One thing to bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit far in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the State University AR colleges you are reviewing what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to speak with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program also.
Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the x-ray tech college you finally select can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in State University AR, check that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Why Did You Desire to Be a Radiologic Technologist?
When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to consider questions you may be asked. One of the things that hiring managers typically ask radiographer candidates is "What made you choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not only the personal reasons you may have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what qualities and skills you have that make you good at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, in addition to a certain number of routine interview questions, so you must organize a number of strategies about how you would like to respond to them. Considering there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the strengths you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but write down a few ideas and topics that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.Enroll in the Ideal X-Ray Technician College near State University AR
Enrolling in the best radiology technician school is an important first step toward initiating a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the greater part of the working day and move and in some cases lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best available care to patients. As has been addressed in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each program you are looking at 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 right questions you can examine and compare each school so you can narrow down your options before making your decision. And with the proper training and your dedication to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in State University AR.
Some Background on State University Arkansas
Arkansas State University
Arkansas State University (also known as A-State[5]) is a public research university and is the flagship campus of the Arkansas State University System, the state's second largest college system and second largest university by enrollment. It is located atop 1,376 acres (5.6 km2) on Crowley's Ridge at Jonesboro, Arkansas, United States. The university marked its centennial year in 2009. Arkansas State has Sun Belt rivalries with all West Division schools (Little Rock, Louisiana, Louisiana-Monroe, Texas State, and UT Arlington). Their primary Sun Belt rivals are Little Rock and Louisiana-Monroe.
A-State was founded as the First District Agricultural School in Jonesboro in 1909 by the Arkansas Legislature as a regional agricultural training school. Robert W. Glover, a Missionary Baptist pastor who served in both houses of the Arkansas Legislature from Sheridan (1905–1912), introduced in 1909 the resolution calling for the establishment of four state agricultural colleges, including the future ASU.[6]
In 1918, ASU began offering a two-year college program. In 1925, it became First District Agricultural and Mechanical College. A four-year degree program was begun in 1930. A & M College became Arkansas State College in 1933. In 1967, the Arkansas Legislature elevated the college to university status and changed the name to Arkansas State University.
In the fall of 2014, A-State welcomed its most academically prepared freshman class. The result of several years of growing both admission standards and increasing on-campus housing, A-State's incoming first-year first-time student composite ACT was 23.9 with an average high school GPA of 3.47. This was the third consecutive year of improvement for the ACT/GPA freshman classes for Arkansas State. The Arkansas State Honors College has grown 59% since 2009. The university also posted back-to-back high graduate counts in spring 2012 and spring 2013, producing the most graduates in a two-year period in school history.[citation needed] The university contains the largest library in the state of Arkansas, the Dean B. Ellis Library.
For other Arkansas State University campuses, see Arkansas State University System.
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