Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Parkersburg IA 50665

How to Select a Radiologic Technician College near Parkersburg Iowa

Parkersburg IA x-ray tech internship program Congratulations on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Parkersburg IA so you can become a radiology technician. But now that you have made a decision to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you undertake picking the ideal college and program to ensure that you will receive 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 ultimately work you might require preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you research each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can compare each program. Many students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and frequently gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while location and cost need to be taken into consideration, there are additional critical qualifiers as well. For example, you must find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are evaluating are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiology technician does and the credentials and education choices that are available.

Radiology Tech Work Description

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the same primary job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They may work in Parkersburg IA clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may 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 care for their equipment and also regularly assess its performance and safety. They are additionally required to keep in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Parkersburg IA health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Parkersburg IA The primary requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech program is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, generally requires 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 4 years to finish and is more comprehensive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be acceptable also. One thing to bear in mind is that Parkersburg IA radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may frequently be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which many colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Iowa or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiographer Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, based on the state where you will be working you might need to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so contact your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but several accept additional options for testing also. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Parkersburg IA employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technician Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Parkersburg 50665 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree colleges. So while you can still earn your online degree, a substantial amount of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is often conducted in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Parkersburg IA home. Students who continue working while earning their degree typically find that the online approach to learning is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are generally cheaper than traditional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials may be decreased also. But just make certain that the online college you select 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 online classes may be the ideal choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiology Tech Colleges

As soon as you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of looking for and assessing Parkersburg IA x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to determine if you want to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be critical. The price of tuition and secondary expenses will be a determining variable as well. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you consider when reviewing colleges? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details prior to making your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are considering.

Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? Most xray technician schools have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still imperative to confirm that the school and program 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). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed assessment of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Parkersburg IA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level openings.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask if the Iowa xray technician colleges you are assessing have relationships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent means to receive hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist students and graduates establish professional connections in the Parkersburg IA medical community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Parkersburg IA healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For many students, the college they choose will have to be within driving distance of their Parkersburg IA home. Those who have decided to attend classes online obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. One thing to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally 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 student that prefers to sit way in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Parkersburg IA colleges you are considering what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to converse 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 finally you must verify that the x-ray tech school you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Parkersburg IA, make certain that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Be an X-Ray Tech?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to consider questions you may be asked. Among the things that recruiters typically ask radiographer prospects is "What compelled you to decide on radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not merely the private reasons you might have for becoming an Xray technician, but also what attributes and talents you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, in addition to a certain number of general interview questions, so you need to prepare a number of strategies about how you want to answer them. Since there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you in addition to the strengths you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the ideal candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but jot down some concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Choose the Best X-Ray Technician College near Parkersburg IA

Picking the appropriate radiology technician degree program is a critical first step toward starting a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs typically stand for the majority of the workday and move and in some cases lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. 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 furnish the best available care to patients. As has been addressed in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are considering prior to making your final selection. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each school so you can focus your choices and make your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your commitment to be successful, you can reach your goal to work as a radiology tech in Parkersburg IA.

Some Background on Parkersburg Iowa

Parkersburg, Iowa

Parkersburg is a city in Butler County, Iowa, United States. The population was 1,870 in the 2010 census, a decline from 1,889 in the 2000 census. Parkersburg, although not the county seat, has the highest population of all the cities in Butler County.[5][6]

The first known settlers to the Parkersburg area were John Connell and his son William, who built a log cabin in 1857. A railroad company surveyed the area in the early 1860s. A depot was erected in 1865 and two railroads, the Illinois Central and the Chicago North Western, were built through the town. The town was soon platted and recorded and given the name of "Parkersburg" in honor of Pascal P. Parker, a prominent settler and the town's first postmaster. The first major business was a hotel built by Thomas Williams, called The Williams House. Later it became known as the Commercial House.[7] Parkersburg was incorporated on December 7, 1874.[1]

The first "School House" was built in the 1860s. Parkersburg became an independent school district in the Spring of 1871. A new school was built in 1872. This building burned beyond repair on October 9, 1893 in the "great fire of Parkersburg" which also destroyed most of the business district. In 1894 a modern, three-story, brick structure was built. In 1930 the school added an auditorium and gymnasium.[7]

The first electric power was furnished by the Parkersburg Electric Light & Power Company, composed of local citizens who built the plant in 1898 at a cost of ten thousand dollars. Parkersburg's roads were paved around 1920. The first water tower only had a capacity of 40,000 gallons.[7]

Seven people died in Parkersburg and two in rural New Hartford[8][9] from injuries sustained when a confirmed EF5 tornado[10] struck the region on May 25, 2008. At least 70 individuals were injured and transported to nearby hospitals. The south side of Parkersburg was completely destroyed and turned into rubble. Over 400 homes were destroyed or damaged, the roof was taken off the high school and destroyed, and the Elementary School was damaged as well. The surviving residents were evacuated while the rescue operation was in progress.[11] Today, Parkersburg is considered to be a model of disaster recovery and resiliency in the aftermath of a natural disaster.