Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Cedar Lake IN 46303 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Pick an Xray Tech College near Cedar Lake Indiana

Cedar Lake IN x-ray tech internship program Best wishes on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Cedar Lake IN so you can learn to be a radiologic technologist. But now that you have made a decision to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you tackle selecting the right college and program so that you will get the proper training to become a qualified professional? And because the majority of states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you may need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you assess each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. Many prospective students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and often gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while location and cost should be considered, there are other critical qualifications also. For example, you need to find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are reviewing are provided later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology technician does and the degrees and training options that are available.

Radiology Technician Job Summary

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, they all have the identical major job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many opt to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for example mammography. They may work in Cedar Lake IN clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech may work with include:

Traditional and specialized X-Rays
Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Sonography or ultrasound
Fluoroscopy

Radiographers must maintain their equipment plus frequently assess its performance and safety. They are additionally required to retain in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Cedar Lake IN medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degree Options

x-ray machine in Cedar Lake IN The primary prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, generally takes 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to finish and is more expansive in scope. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable also. Something to consider is that Cedar Lake IN radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can often be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which many schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Indiana or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, depending on the state where you will be employed you may need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so contact your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but several approve other options for testing also. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is optional. Having said that, many Cedar Lake IN employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technologist Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Cedar Lake 46303 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 the same for online degree programs. 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. Practical training is typically provided in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Cedar Lake IN residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree usually discover that the online style of learning is much more practical with their active schedules. Plus online schools are generally more affordable than on-campus alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials can be reduced as well. But just make certain that the online college you enroll in 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 an online degree may be the right option for you.

Points to Ask Radiographer Colleges

As soon as you have selected the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of looking for and assessing Cedar Lake IN x-ray tech schools. You will also have to determine if you want to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a determining variable also. But along with cost and location, what else should you look at when reviewing schools? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details prior to making your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are looking at.

Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? The majority of xray technician schools have acquired some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still important to make sure that the program and school 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). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous assessment of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it may 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 ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Cedar Lake IN health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry-level openings.

Are Internships Sponsored? Find out if the Indiana radiology tech programs you are interested in have associations with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent manner to receive hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist students and graduates develop professional connections in the Cedar Lake IN medical community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Cedar Lake IN healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For many students, the college they decide on will need to be within commuting distance of their Cedar Lake IN home. Students who have decided 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 importance. One thing to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly 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 type of student that likes to sit far in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Cedar Lake IN schools you are researching what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program as well.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the radiographer school you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Cedar Lake IN, verify that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Radiologic Technologist?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to review questions you might be asked. One of the questions that recruiters typically ask radiographer prospects is "What made you decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not merely the private reasons you may have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but also what attributes and skills you possess that make you good at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, in addition to a significant number of general interview questions, so you need to prepare some strategies about how you would like to address them. Because there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt 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 leading candidate for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but take down some concepts and topics that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can help you to develop your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.

Select the Best X-Ray Technician School near Cedar Lake IN

Picking the appropriate x-ray technician degree program is a critical first step toward starting a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs typically stand for the majority of the workday and move and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best possible patient care. As we have covered in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each college you are considering before making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you enroll in an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can focus your choices before making your decision. And with the appropriate education and your motivation to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Cedar Lake IN.

Some Background on Cedar Lake Indiana

Cedar Lake, Indiana

Cedar Lake is a town in Hanover and Center townships, Lake County, Indiana, United States. The population was 11,560 at the 2010 census. The town is known for Cedar Lake (formerly Lake of the Red Cedars, Armour).

Cedar Lake was settled by pioneers in the mid-19th century and was originally named West Point; the name “Cedar Lake” belonged to a nearby town that is now called Creston, Indiana.[7] In 1839, the town that was then called West Point competed with the settlements of Liverpool and Lake Court House (later called Crown Point) to be the county seat of Lake County, but lost out to Liverpool.[7] By 1870, the Cedar Lake Post Office was established, giving the area a new name. After the Monon Railroad came to the lake's western shore in 1882, many new residents flocked to the area along with tourists who saw the lake as a resort destination. From the late 19th century to the early 20th century, Cedar Lake was a popular place for Chicagoans looking for a retreat from the city. The lake had over 50 hotels at the time and several pavilions and ballrooms that brought many well-known bands to entertain the visitors.[8]

The Lassen Hotel and Monon Park Dancing Pavilion are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.[9]

Cedar Lake is located at 41°22′2″N 87°26′18″W / 41.36722°N 87.43833°W / 41.36722; -87.43833 (41.367234, -87.438326).[10]

According to the 2010 census, Cedar Lake has a total area of 9.61 square miles (24.89 km2), of which 8.22 square miles (21.29 km2) (or 85.54%) is land and 1.39 square miles (3.60 km2) (or 14.46%) is water.[11] The lake, which is the largest natural lake in northwest Indiana, appears to have formed from glacial meltwaters. There is an abundance of hills around the lake, which are evidence of the Valparaiso Moraine running through the area.