Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Ashland KS 67831 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select an X-Ray Tech Program near Ashland Kansas

Ashland KS x-ray tech internship program Best wishes on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Ashland KS so you can learn to be a radiology technician. And now that you have decided to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about choosing the right college and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And because most states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you might require preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering so that you can compare each program. Many potential students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and usually settle on the most affordable cost. But while location and cost should be taken into consideration, there are additional critical qualifiers as well. For example, you should ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are evaluating are provided later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology technician does and the degrees and training options that are offered.

Radiology Tech Work Summary

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, they all have the same primary 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 treating cancer. Some opt to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They may work in Ashland KS clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician might utilize include:

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

Radiographers must take care of their equipment plus regularly analyze its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to retain complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Ashland KS health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Tech Degrees

x-ray machine in Ashland KS The standard requirement for attending a radiology tech school is to have attained 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 prevalent among techs, normally takes 18 months to 2 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 expansive 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 consider is that Ashland KS radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may often be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Kansas or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, based on the state where you will be working you may have to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their criteria vary so check with your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but several provide additional options for testing as well. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, numerous Ashland KS employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it might increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Tech Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Ashland 67831 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree programs. So although you can still obtain your online degree, a substantial amount of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is usually performed in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Ashland KS residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree often discover that the online style of education is far more practical with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently more affordable than traditional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting can be reduced as well. But just be sure that the online program you choose is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online degree may be the best choice for you.

Topics to Ask Radiology Tech Programs

As soon as you have chosen the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of finding and assessing Ashland KS x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a material factor also. But along with cost and location, what else should you consider when evaluating colleges? Well, you should find out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these important details before you make your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? Most xray technician colleges have received some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still important to confirm that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous review of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also help in getting financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Ashland KS employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level positions.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out if the Kansas radiology tech schools you are assessing have relationships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific way to get hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist students and graduates establish professional connections in the Ashland KS medical community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Ashland KS healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the school they select will need to be within driving distance of their Ashland KS residence. Students who have decided to attend classes online naturally will not have to trouble 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 program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit far in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Ashland KS schools you are reviewing what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program also.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the x-ray tech program you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Ashland KS, verify that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check 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 obligations.

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

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to consider questions you might be asked. Among the things that hiring managers often ask radiographer candidates is "What made you pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not only the private reasons you might have for becoming an Xray technician, but additionally what attributes and abilities you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, in addition to a significant number of general interview questions, so you need to ready some approaches about how you want to address them. Since there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you along with the talents you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but jot down some ideas and topics that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can help you to formulate your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Choose the Ideal Radiology Tech School near Ashland KS

Choosing the right radiology technician college is a critical first step toward initiating a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the greater part of the working day and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements designed 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. Possessing social skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. As has been covered in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are assessing before making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you opt for an online school or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each program so you can focus your options before making your final choice. And with the right education and your motivation to be successful, you can realize your goal to practice as a radiographer in Ashland KS.

Some Background on Ashland Kansas

Ashland, Kansas

Ashland is the largest city in and the county seat of Clark County, Kansas, United States.[7] As of the 2010 census, the city population was 867.[8]

Ashland lies along what was once a military road from Fort Dodge (now Dodge City, Kansas) to the north and Fort Supply in the Indian Territory to the south. In 1870, during the Comanche Campaign against the Native Americans, the Army built two redoubts along the Dodge/Supply trail near the current site of Ashland: the Bear Creek Redoubt, five miles to the north,[9] and the Cimarron Redoubt, nine miles to the south.[10]

Founded in 1884,[11] it was named after the city of Ashland, Kentucky.[12] The first post office in Ashland was established in 1885.[13]

Ashland is located at 37°11′12″N 99°46′9″W / 37.18667°N 99.76917°W / 37.18667; -99.76917 (37.186803, -99.769259).[14] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.68 square miles (4.35 km2), all of it land.[2]

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $32,721, and the median income for a family was $40,682. Males had a median income of $25,000 versus $20,313 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,183. About 9.5% of families and 11.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.3% of those under age 18 and 7.9% of those age 65 or over.