Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Durango CO 81301

How to Select an X-Ray Tech Degree Program near Durango Colorado

Durango CO x-ray tech internship programCongrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Durango CO in order to train to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have chosen to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you go about picking the right college and program so that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And because most states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you may require preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you assess each of the colleges you are considering in order to compare each program. A number of potential students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and usually settle on the most affordable cost. But while expense and location must be considered, there are other significant qualifications as well. For example, you need to ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the colleges you are evaluating are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and training options that are available.

Radiology Tech Career Summary

There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, each has the same primary job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some choose to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They may practice in Durango CO hospitals, clinics, 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 routinely assess its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to keep in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Durango CO health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degree Options

x-ray machine in Durango COThe basic prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, usually requires 18 months to two years to complete 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 acceptable also. One thing to bear in mind is that Durango CO radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can typically be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Colorado or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an Radiologist program, depending on the state where you will be practicing you may need to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites vary so contact your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but many provide additional options for testing as well. A number of states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. However, many Durango CO employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. 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

attending x-ray tech school online in Durango 81301As 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 while you can still obtain your online degree, a considerable portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is usually performed in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online segment of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Durango CO residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree often find that the online approach to learning is much more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are generally more affordable than conventional options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be lessened as well. But just be sure that the online program you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online school may be the best choice for you.

Points to Ask Radiologic Tech Schools

As soon as you have decided on the type of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of searching for and evaluating Durango CO x-ray technician schools. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be an important factor also. But along with location and cost, what more should you consider when evaluating schools? Well, you should check out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details prior to making your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Tech Colleges Accredited? The majority of xray tech schools have earned some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still crucial to confirm that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed review of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Durango CO employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level positions.

Are Internships Offered? Ask if the Colorado xray tech colleges you are reviewing have relationships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific means to receive practical experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist students and graduates form professional connections in the Durango CO medical community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Durango CO healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the college they select will need to be within travelling distance of their Durango CO home. Individuals who have chosen to attend online classes naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit far in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Durango CO colleges you are researching what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to speak with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program also.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the radiographer  school you ultimately select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Durango CO, check that they are available. 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 carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Be an Xray Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to consider questions you may be asked. Among the questions that recruiters often ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not only the personal reasons you might have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what characteristics and skills you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, in addition to a significant number of standard interview questions, so you must ready some strategies about how you would like to address them. Because there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you along with the strengths you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but write down several concepts and talking points that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can help you to prepare your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Enroll in the Best Radiology Technician Program near Durango CO

Picking the ideal x-ray technician degree program is an important first step toward starting a fulfilling new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the majority of the day and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best possible patient care. As has been covered in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are looking at prior to making your final decision. This is similarly 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 college so you can narrow down your choices before making your decision. And with the right training and your motivation to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as a radiographer in Durango CO.

Some Background on Durango Colorado

Durango, Colorado

The City of Durango is the county seat and the most populous municipality of La Plata County, Colorado, United States. It is home to Fort Lewis College. The United States Census Bureau reported a population of 16,887 in the 2010 census.[9]

The town was organized in September 1880 to serve the San Juan mining district. The Denver and Rio Grande Railroad (D&RG) chose the site on the Animas River for its depot following a brief and most likely perfunctory negotiation with Animas City, two miles to the north.[10] The city was named by ex-Colorado Governor Alexander C. Hunt after Durango, Mexico, based on his favorable impression of that city resulting from a scouting trip undertaken on behalf of William J. Palmer, the head of the D&RG.

Area archaeological sites on the State and National historical registers include:

Durango is located at 37°16′N 107°52′W / 37.267°N 107.867°W / 37.267; -107.867 at an elevation of 6,512 ft (1,988 m). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.8 square miles (18 km2).

According to the Köppen climate classification system, Durango has a warm-summer, humid continental climate (Dfb). The average annual precipitation is 19.33 in (491 mm).[11] Its hardiness zone is 5b.[12]

 

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