Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Great Bend KS 67530 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find an Xray Tech Program near Great Bend Kansas

Great Bend KS x-ray tech internship program Congratulations regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Great Bend KS in order to learn to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have decided to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle selecting the ideal school and program so that you will receive the proper training to become a qualified professional? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you might need training to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you assess each of the schools you are looking at in order to compare each program. Many students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and typically settle on the most affordable cost. But while location and cost should be taken into consideration, there are additional important qualifications as well. For instance, you must ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries 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 tech does and the degrees and training choices that are available.

Radiology Technician Job Summary

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the identical primary job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many choose to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They may practice in Great Bend KS clinics, hospitals, private 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 maintain their equipment and also frequently evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally required to keep complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Great Bend KS health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Great Bend KS The standard prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech program is to have received 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 typical among technicians, normally requires 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 complete and is more comprehensive in scope. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are acceptable also. One thing to consider is that Great Bend KS radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Kansas or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an Radiologist program, based on the state where you will be practicing you might have to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria vary so contact your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but a number provide additional options for testing as well. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, numerous Great Bend KS employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it may enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Tech Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Great Bend 67530 As a part of every 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 colleges. So while you can still obtain your online degree, a substantial portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is usually performed in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online portion of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Great Bend KS residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree typically find that the online style of education is much more practical with their active schedules. Plus online schools are generally less costly than traditional alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be decreased as well. But just confirm that the online college you enroll in 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 best option for you.

Topics to Ask Radiologic Tech Schools

As soon as you have chosen the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of finding and evaluating Great Bend KS x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to decide if you want to attend online classes or travel to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be important. The price of tuition and ancillary expenses will be an important factor as well. But along with cost and location, what more should you look at when evaluating schools? Well, you should check out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these important details before you make your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are reviewing.

Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? The majority of radiology technician schools have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still imperative to make sure that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive evaluation of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in securing financial aid and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Great Bend KS employers will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Find out if the Kansas xray technician colleges you are assessing have associations with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific manner to obtain hands on training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help graduates and students establish professional connections in the Great Bend KS healthcare community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the radiographer schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Great Bend KS healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the school they choose will have to be within driving distance of their Great Bend KS residence. Students who have opted to attend online classes naturally 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 school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly 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 are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit far in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Great Bend KS colleges you are looking at what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to converse with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the radiographer program you ultimately pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Great Bend KS, verify that they are offered. 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 may miss due to work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Want to Become an Xray Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to reflect on questions you may be asked. Among the things that interviewers often ask radiographer candidates is "What made you pick radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not merely the personal reasons you might have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what characteristics and abilities you have that make you good at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, as well as a significant number of general interview questions, so you must organize some strategies about how you would like to answer them. Because there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a variety 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 best candidate for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but write down some ideas and anecdotes that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can help you to prepare your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Select the Right Radiology Technician School near Great Bend KS

Choosing the best x-ray technician college is a crucial first step toward beginning a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs frequently 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 adhere to the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best available patient care. As we have discussed in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are reviewing before making your ultimate selection. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each college so you can focus your choices before making your final choice. And with the right training and your motivation to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Great Bend KS.

Some Background on Great Bend Kansas

Great Bend, Kansas

Great Bend is a city in and the county seat of Barton County, Kansas, United States.[6] It is named for its location at the point where the course of the Arkansas River bends east then southeast.[7] As of the 2010 census, the population of the city was 15,995.[8]

Prior to American settlement of the area, the site of Great Bend was located in the northern reaches of Kiowa territory.[9] Claimed first by France as part of Louisiana and later acquired by the United States with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, it lay within the area organized by the U.S. as Kansas Territory in 1854.[10][11] Kansas became a state in 1861, and the state government delineated the surrounding area as Barton County in 1867.[11][12]

The first settlers of the area arrived in 1870. Living in sod houses and dugouts, they worked as buffalo hunters since trampling by bison herds precluded crop farming.[13] In 1871, the Great Bend Town Company, anticipating the westward construction of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad, founded Great Bend at a site roughly three miles west of Fort Zarah on the Santa Fe Trail.[13][14] They named the settlement after its location at the "great bend" in the Arkansas River where the river’s course turns eastward.[7] The town began to grow as more settlers arrived over the following year and opened several businesses.

The railroad reached Great Bend in July 1872, and an election at about the same time declared the town the permanent county seat.[12] Great Bend was incorporated as a city soon thereafter. The county courthouse and the city’s first public school were built the following year.[14]

In 1873, following the arrival of the railroad, Great Bend became a shipping point for cattle.[14] This stimulated local business but also transformed the city into a rowdy, violent cowtown.[13] In 1876, the Kansas Legislature extended the legal "dead line" restricting the presence of Texas cattle 30 miles west of Barton County. The cattle trade moved westward accordingly, and the city became more peaceful.[14]