Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Dodge City KS 67801 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose an X-Ray Tech College near Dodge City Kansas

Dodge City KS x-ray tech internship program Congratulations on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Dodge City KS in order to learn to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have chosen to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you set about picking the ideal school and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified professional? And since most states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you might require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. Most potential students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and often settle on the most affordable cost. But while expense and location need to be taken into account, there are other important qualifiers as well. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are considering are provided later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic technician does and the degrees and training choices that are offered.

X-Ray Tech Job Description

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, they all have 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 administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They may practice in Dodge City 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 and also frequently analyze its functionality and safety. They are additionally required to keep detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Dodge City KS medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Tech Degrees

x-ray machine in Dodge City KS The primary prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, generally requires 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to complete and is more extensive in scope. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are appropriate as well. One thing to bear in mind is that Dodge City KS radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can typically be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which many schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Kansas or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiographer Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an Radiologist school, based on the state where you will be practicing you may need to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements vary so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number accept additional options for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. However, many Dodge City KS employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it may enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technician Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Dodge City 67801 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree schools. So although you can still earn your online degree, a large amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is often performed in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Dodge City KS residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree often find that the online style of learning is much more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently less costly than on-campus options. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be reduced also. But just make sure that the online program you choose is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then online classes may be the ideal option for you.

What to Ask X Ray Tech Schools

After you have selected the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of looking for and evaluating Dodge City KS x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to decide if you want to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be critical. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a determining variable as well. But along with location and cost, what more should you consider when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are reviewing.

Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? The majority of xray tech schools have obtained some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative 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 receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous examination of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Dodge City KS health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Inquire if the Kansas xray tech schools you are reviewing have associations with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific means to obtain practical experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Dodge City KS healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Dodge City KS healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For many students, the school they choose will need to be within travelling distance of their Dodge City KS residence. Students who have chosen to attend online classes naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something 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 have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Dodge City KS schools you are considering what the average student to teacher 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 an opportunity to speak with some of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program also.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the radiographer school you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Dodge City KS, check that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Become an Xray Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to review questions you could be asked. One of the things that recruiters frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not only the private reasons you might have for being a radiology technician, but also what characteristics and skills you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, along with a certain number of routine interview questions, so you need to ready a number of approaches about how you would like to respond to them. Since there are numerous factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the talents you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but take down a few ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can help you to prepare your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.

Select the Right X-Ray Technician Program near Dodge City KS

Picking the best radiology technician college is a critical first step toward launching a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs often stand for the greater part of the working day and position and in some cases lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and provide the best possible patient care. As has been covered in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are considering prior to making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you opt for an online school or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can narrow down your options before making your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your motivation to be successful, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiographer in Dodge City KS.

Some Background on Dodge City Kansas

Dodge City, Kansas

Dodge City is the county seat of Ford County, Kansas, United States, named after nearby Fort Dodge. The city is famous in American culture for its history as a wild frontier town of the Old West.[6][7][8] As of the 2010 census, the city population was 27,340.[9]

Fort Mann was the first settlement of non-indigenous people in the area that became Dodge City, built by civilians in 1847 to provide protection for travelers on the Santa Fe Trail. Fort Mann collapsed in 1848 after an Indian attack. In 1850, the U.S. Army arrived to provide protection in the region and constructed Fort Atkinson on the old Fort Mann site. The army abandoned Fort Atkinson in 1853. Military forces on the Santa Fe Trail were reestablished farther north and east at Fort Larned in 1859, but the area remained vacant around what would become Dodge City until the end of the Civil War. In April 1865, the Indian Wars in the West began heating up, and the army constructed Fort Dodge to assist Fort Larned in providing protection on the Santa Fe Trail. Fort Dodge remained in operation until 1882.

The town of Dodge City can trace its origins to 1871 when rancher Henry J. Sitler built a sod house west of Fort Dodge to oversee his cattle operations in the region, conveniently located near the Santa Fe Trail and Arkansas River, and Sitler's house quickly became a stopping point for travelers. Others saw the commercial potential of the region with the Santa Fe Railroad rapidly approaching from the east. In 1872, Dodge City was staked out on the 100th Meridian and the legal Western boundary of the Fort Dodge reservation. The town site was platted and George M. Hoover established the first bar in a tent to serve thirsty soldiers from Fort Dodge. The railroad arrived in September to find a town ready and waiting for business. The early settlers in Dodge City traded in buffalo bones and hides and provided a civilian community for Fort Dodge. However, with the arrival of the railroad, Dodge City soon became involved in the cattle trade.

The idea of driving Texas longhorn cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas originated in the late 1850s[citation needed][11] but was cut short by the Civil War. In 1866, the first Texas cattle started arriving in Baxter Springs in southeastern Kansas by way of the Shawnee Trail. However, Texas longhorn cattle carried a tick that spread splenic fever, known locally as Texas Fever, among other breeds of cattle. Alarmed Kansas farmers persuaded the Kansas State Legislature to establish a quarantine line in central Kansas. The quarantine prohibited Texas longhorns from the heavily settled, eastern portion of the state.

With the cattle trade forced west, Texas longhorns began moving north along the Chisholm Trail. In 1867, the main cow town was Abilene, Kansas. Profits were high, and other towns quickly joined in the cattle boom: Newton in 1871; Ellsworth in 1872; and Wichita in 1872. However, in 1876 the Kansas State Legislature responded to pressure from farmers settling in central Kansas and once again shifted the quarantine line westward, which essentially eliminated Abilene and the other cow towns from the cattle trade. With no place else to go, Dodge City suddenly became the "queen of the cow towns."