Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Lafayette IN 47901 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find an Xray Tech Degree Program near Lafayette Indiana

Lafayette IN x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Lafayette IN in order to learn to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have decided to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you set about choosing the ideal college and program so that you will get the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And because most states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you may need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you research each of the schools you are considering in order to evaluate each program. A number of students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and typically gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while location and cost must be taken into consideration, there are additional significant qualifiers as well. For example, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are examining are provided later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and training choices that are available.

Radiology Technician Career Summary

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, each has the identical fundamental job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some choose to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They can practice in Lafayette IN clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech 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 frequently analyze its functionality and safety. They are also required to retain in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Lafayette IN medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Technician Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Lafayette IN The primary prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech school is to have earned 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 prevalent among technicians, usually requires 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to complete and is more comprehensive in nature. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be acceptable as well. Something to keep in mind is that Lafayette IN radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which a large number of schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Indiana or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, depending on the state where you will be practicing you may have to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their criteria vary so check with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many approve additional alternatives for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is optional. However, many Lafayette IN employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technician Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Lafayette 47901 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree colleges. So while you can still obtain your degree online, a large amount of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is usually performed in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Lafayette IN home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree often find that the online style of education is much more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are frequently more affordable than on-campus options. Along with reduced tuition, costs for study materials and commuting may be reduced as well. But just make certain that the online school you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online degree may be the best choice for you.

What to Ask X Ray Tech Schools

When you have selected the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of looking for and evaluating Lafayette IN x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be important. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be an important factor also. But along with cost and location, what more should you look at when evaluating colleges? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details prior to making your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are considering.

Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? A large number of xray tech schools have obtained some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still imperative to confirm that the school and program are accredited. Among 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 gone through an extensive evaluation of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations 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 assist in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Lafayette IN health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask if the Indiana radiology tech schools you are reviewing have relationships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent way 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 can assist graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Lafayette IN health care community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the radiographer schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Lafayette IN healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For many students, the college they select will need to be within commuting distance of their Lafayette IN residence. Those who have opted to attend classes online obviously will not have to trouble 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 college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit far in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Lafayette IN schools you are looking at 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 determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with some of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program also.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the radiographer program you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Lafayette IN, confirm that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Desire to Become a Radiologic Technologist?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to review questions you may be asked. Among the questions that interviewers typically ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not only the private reasons you may have for becoming an Xray technician, but also what qualities and talents you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, as well as a certain number of standard interview questions, so you should organize some approaches about how you want to address them. Given that there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, try 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 best choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but take down several ideas and topics that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can help you to develop your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Pick the Ideal Radiology Tech College near Lafayette IN

Enrolling in the right x-ray tech college is an important first step toward launching a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs typically stand for the majority of the workday and move and at times lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best available care to patients. As has been discussed in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are looking at before making your final decision. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online program or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each school so you can narrow down your options before making your final choice. And with the proper training and your motivation to be successful, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Lafayette IN.