How to Select an X-Ray Technician School near Dighton Kansas
Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Dighton KS in order to train to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have chosen to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you go about picking the ideal school and program so that you will receive the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And since most states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you might need training to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering in order to compare each program. Most prospective students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and usually gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location must be considered, there are other important qualifications also. For example, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the schools you are evaluating are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray tech does and the degrees and education options that are available.
X-Ray Technician Career Description
There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, they all have the same fundamental job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some elect to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, such as mammography. They may practice in Dighton KS clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech 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 care for their equipment plus regularly assess its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to retain detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Dighton KS medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
Radiology Tech Degrees
The primary requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech college is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, usually requires 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to complete and is more extensive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are appropriate also. Something to consider is that Dighton KS radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can typically be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Kansas or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing
Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, based on the state where you will be working you might need to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so check with your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but several accept additional alternatives for testing as well. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, numerous Dighton KS employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it might improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Technologist Degrees
As a component 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 programs. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a considerable portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is usually carried out in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online section of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Dighton KS residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree often find that the online style of learning is much more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are frequently more affordable than traditional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, costs for commuting and study materials may be lessened as well. But just make sure 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 formalized style of training, then an online degree may be the best choice for you.
Subjects to Ask X Ray Tech Schools
When you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of searching for and evaluating Dighton KS x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be an important factor also. But along with cost and location, what more should you look at when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details before you make your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are considering.
Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? Most xray technician schools have obtained some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. 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 obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive examination of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also help in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Dighton KS employers will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry level positions.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out if the Kansas xray tech schools you are assessing have relationships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific way to obtain hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can help students and graduates form professional relationships in the Dighton KS healthcare community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the radiographer programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Dighton KS healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the school they choose will need to be within travelling distance of their Dighton KS residence. Individuals who have decided to attend online classes obviously will not have to concern 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 even out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Dighton KS colleges you are considering what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.
Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the radiographer college you ultimately choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Dighton KS, check that they are offered. 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, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Why Did You Decide to Be a Radiologic Technologist?
When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you might be asked. Among the things that hiring managers often ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not merely the personal reasons you may have for becoming an Xray technician, but also what characteristics and talents you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, in addition to a significant number of typical interview questions, so you should ready a number of approaches about how you would like to answer them. Since there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the abilities you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but jot down a few ideas and talking points that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.Pick the Best X-Ray Tech Program near Dighton KS
Selecting the appropriate x-ray technician degree program is a critical first step toward starting a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs often stand for the majority of the working day and position and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and furnish the best available patient care. As has been covered in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate decision. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online program or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each school so you can narrow down your options before making your final choice. And with the right education and your motivation to succeed, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiology tech in Dighton KS.
Some Background on Dighton Kansas
Dighton, Kansas
Dighton is a city in and the county seat of Lane County, Kansas, United States.[6] As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,038.[7] Dighton is named for Dick Dighton, a surveyor.[8]
The Homestead Act of 1862 offered 160 acres (0.65 km2) of land in the American West, previously owned by railroads, to homesteaders who could live on the land for five years. Drawn west by the promise of free, fertile land, pioneer settlers arrived in Kansas starting in 1869. In 1879, W.A. Watson arrived at the town site, and a post office was established. In 1885, there were three houses and seven voters in town. Lane County became a county in 1886, with Dighton as its county seat. By 1900, the population was 194, and by 1910 it had grown to 370, and the town had banks; a flour mill; a grain elevator; two newspapers; public schools; a hotel; merchants; Baptist, Catholic, and Methodist churches; telegraph service; a band and telephones.[9]
Life was difficult for the early pioneers, who built houses made of sod and found that the land was quite dry, and not as fertile as they had been led to believe. A song written by Frank Baker, the Lane County Bachelor, became a popular folk song throughout the western United States.[10]
On May 23, 1928, the Fleagle Gang arrived in Dighton after robbing the First National Bank of Lamar, Colorado. Needing medical attention, they kidnapped local doctor W.W. Weinenger, and later shot him and dumped his body into a ravine.[11]
The courtroom mural, "The First House of Lane County," by Mary Alice Bosley, was featured in Kansas Murals: A Traveler's Guide, by Jost and Loewenstein ([1]). The canvas work, painted in 1961 as a background for the pageant at the Lane County Fair, was then installed in the courthouse, where it still remains.[citation needed]
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