Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Atwood KS 67730

How to Pick an X-Ray Technician Degree Program near Atwood Kansas

Atwood KS x-ray tech internship programCongrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Atwood KS so you can learn to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have chosen to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you go about picking the ideal school and program to ensure that you will get the proper training to become a qualified professional? And because the majority of states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you might need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you investigate each of the schools you are looking at in order to compare each program. A number of prospective students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and frequently gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while location and cost should be taken into consideration, there are additional critical qualifications also. For example, you need to ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the schools you are reviewing are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiology technician does and the credentials and training options that are available.

X-Ray Tech Job Summary

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, each has the same fundamental job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some choose to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They may work in Atwood KS hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist may utilize include:

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

Radiographers have to take care of their equipment and frequently analyze its functionality and safety. They are also required to retain complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Atwood KS medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degrees

x-ray machine in Atwood KSThe standard prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, normally requires 18 months to two years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to complete and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are appropriate also. One thing to bear in mind is that Atwood KS radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can frequently be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any certification or licensing mandates in Kansas or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, depending on the state where you will be employed you may have to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their requirements differ so contact your state. At present, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but many approve other options for testing also. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, many Atwood KS employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it might increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Tech Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Atwood 67730As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree programs. So even though you can still obtain your degree online, a significant amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a college 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 segment of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Atwood KS home. Students who keep working while earning their degree often discover that the online style of learning is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online programs are generally less expensive than traditional options. Along with lower tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be reduced as well. But just make certain that the online school you choose is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online school may be the right option for you.

Questions to Ask Radiographer Schools

After you have selected the type of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of looking for and evaluating Atwood KS x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to decide if you want to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the college will be important. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a determining variable as well. But along with location and cost, what more should you factor in when comparing schools? Well, you need to check out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? Most radiology technician colleges have obtained some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still crucial to verify that the school and program 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). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed evaluation of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial aid and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Atwood KS health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level positions.

Are Internships Offered? Ask if the Kansas xray technician programs you are interested in have relationships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific way to receive hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Atwood KS health care community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the radiographer programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Atwood KS healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the school they pick will need to be within travelling distance of their Atwood KS residence. Students 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 importance. One thing to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit way in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Atwood KS colleges you are reviewing what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to converse with some of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program also.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the x-ray tech  school you ultimately choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Atwood KS, confirm that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.

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

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to review questions you could be asked. One of the questions that recruiters often ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not just the private reasons you may have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but additionally what attributes and abilities you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, along with a certain number of routine interview questions, so you must ready some approaches about how you want to answer them. Given that there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the talents you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down some ideas and talking points that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.

Choose the Ideal X-Ray Technician College near Atwood KS

Choosing the ideal radiology tech degree program is a critical first step toward launching a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs frequently stand for the majority of the workday and move and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best available care to patients. As has been covered in this report, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are looking at prior to making your final selection. This is equally true whether you decide on an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each college so you can focus your choices and make your decision. And with the appropriate training and your motivation to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Atwood KS.

Some Background on Atwood Kansas

Atwood, Kansas

Atwood is a city in and the county seat of Rawlins County, Kansas, United States.[6] As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,194.[7]

In 1875, T.A. Andrews and J.M. Matheny traveled to Rawlins County and started a town site about two miles east of the current city. The city of Attwood (with two t's) was named after Attwood Matheny, the 14-year-old son who accompanied his father on the journey. In 1882, the U.S. Post Office requested permission to drop one "t" thus becoming Atwood. In 1881, Atwood became the county seat of Rawlins County.[8][9]

Atwood is located at 39°48′32″N 101°2′29″W / 39.80889°N 101.04139°W / 39.80889; -101.04139 (39.808971, -101.041370).[10] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.10 square miles (2.85 km2), of which 1.04 square miles (2.69 km2) is land and 0.06 square miles (0.16 km2) is water.[1]

According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Atwood has a semi-arid climate, abbreviated "BSk" on climate maps.[11]

As of the census[2] of 2010, there were 1,194 people, 568 households, and 299 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,148.1 inhabitants per square mile (443.3/km2). There were 666 housing units at an average density of 640.4 per square mile (247.3/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 97.2% White, 0.2% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 1.0% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.9% of the population.

 

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