Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Greensburg KS 67054 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Pick an X-Ray Tech Program near Greensburg Kansas

Greensburg KS x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Greensburg KS so you can become a radiologic technologist. And now that you have made a decision to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you go about picking the right college and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And because the majority of states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you might need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you research each of the colleges you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. A number of potential students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and often gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while cost and location need to be taken into consideration, there are other critical qualifiers as well. For instance, you need to ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are considering are provided later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and training options that are available.

X-Ray Tech Occupation Summary

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the identical fundamental job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some choose to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, such as mammography. They may practice in Greensburg KS clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist may work with 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 routinely assess its performance and safety. They are additionally required to retain detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Greensburg KS medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degrees

x-ray machine in Greensburg KS The primary prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech college is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, generally takes 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to complete and is more extensive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable also. Something to consider is that Greensburg KS radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may frequently be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Kansas or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, based on the state where you will be practicing you might need to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but a number accept additional alternatives for testing as well. A number of states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. However, many Greensburg KS employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it might 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 rigorous exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Tech Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Greensburg 67054 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree colleges. So while you can still earn your online degree, a considerable amount of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is typically conducted in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Greensburg KS home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree often find that the online style of education is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online schools are generally cheaper than conventional options. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be reduced as well. But just be sure that the online college you choose is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then online classes may be the best choice for you.

Topics to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges

Once you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the process of finding and evaluating Greensburg KS x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to determine if you want to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be critical. The price of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a determining factor also. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you factor in when evaluating schools? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are considering.

Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? A large number of radiology tech schools have received some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still important to make sure that the program and school 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). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed evaluation of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial aid 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 many Greensburg KS health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level positions.

Are Internships Sponsored? Find out if the Kansas xray tech schools you are reviewing have relationships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great manner to receive practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Greensburg KS medical community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the radiographer schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Greensburg KS healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the school they select will need to be within travelling distance of their Greensburg KS residence. Students who have chosen to attend online classes obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to consider is that if you decide 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 typically charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit far in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Greensburg KS schools you are researching what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with a few of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program as well.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the radiographer college you ultimately select can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Greensburg KS, verify that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Become a Radiology Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to review questions you could be asked. One of the things that hiring managers typically ask radiographer prospects is "What made you pick radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not merely the personal reasons you may have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but also what qualities and skills you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, as well as a certain number of routine interview questions, so you should ready some ideas about how you would like to answer them. Considering there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the abilities you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but write down a few concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Choose the Ideal Radiology Technician Program near Greensburg KS

Picking the best x-ray tech degree program is a critical first step toward launching a fulfilling new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs typically stand for the majority of the workday and position and at times lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and provide the best available patient care. As we have covered in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each program you are looking at prior to making your final selection. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each program so you can narrow down your choices before making your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your dedication to be successful, you can realize your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Greensburg KS.

Some Background on Greensburg Kansas

Greensburg, Kansas

Greensburg is a city in, and the county seat of, Kiowa County, Kansas, United States.[6] As of the 2010 census, the city population was 777.[7]

In the evening of May 4, 2007, Greensburg was devastated by an EF5 tornado that traveled rapidly through the area, leveling at least 95 percent of the city and killing eleven people between the ages of 46 and 84.[8][9][10][11][12]

Greensburg today stands as a model "green town", often described as the greenest in America. The hospital, city hall, and school have all been built to the highest certification level issued by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). Greensburg is also home to the world's largest hand-dug well.

The first settlement was made at Greensburg in 1885.[13] Greensburg was named for D. R. "Cannonball" Green, who owned a stagecoach company and who helped to form the city.[14]

At 9:45 p.m. CDT on May 4, 2007, during a deadly tornado outbreak,[15] Greensburg was hit by an EF5 tornado. The tornado was estimated to be 1.7 miles (2.7 km) in width — wider than the city itself — and traveled for nearly 22 miles (35 km). Ninety-five percent of the city was confirmed to be destroyed, with the other five percent being severely damaged. The National Weather Service estimated winds of the tornado to reach 205 mph (330 km/h). This was the first tornado to be rated EF5 since the update of the Fujita scale and the first "5" classification since May 3, 1999, when an F5 tornado ripped through Moore, Oklahoma, as part of the 1999 Oklahoma tornado outbreak.[citation needed] Tornado sirens sounded in the city twenty minutes before the tornado struck, and a tornado emergency was issued, which undoubtedly saved many lives.[16][17] Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius and President George W. Bush both declared Kiowa County a disaster area,[18] which opened up the affected areas for national and international aid. The tornado took 10 lives in Greensburg and two more in neighboring towns.[19] While some rebuilding was done, the population by 2010 was about 50% of what it was in 2000, as the 2000 census found 1,574 residents, while only 777 were recorded in the 2010 census.[7]