How to Select an X-Ray Tech Degree Program near Herington Kansas

Best wishes regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Herington KS so you can become a radiologic technician. And now that you have made a decision to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle choosing the right college and program so that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified professional? And because most states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you may require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the colleges you are looking at in order to compare each program. Many prospective students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and typically settle on the lowest cost. But while location and cost must be taken into account, there are additional significant qualifiers also. For instance, you should find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are considering are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and training options that are offered.

X-Ray Technician Work Description

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, they all have the same fundamental job function, which is to use 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 opt to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They may practice in Herington KS clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist might 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 and frequently assess its performance and safety. They are also expected to keep in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Herington KS health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degrees Available

The basic prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, generally requires 18 months to two years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to finish and is more comprehensive in scope. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are acceptable as well. Something to consider is that Herington KS radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can often be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which many 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 licensing or certification requirements in Kansas or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiographer Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, depending on the state where you will be employed you might need to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but a number accept other options for testing also. Several states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is optional. However, many Herington KS employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it may increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technician Programs

As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree schools. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a significant amount of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is usually carried out in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Herington KS residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically find that the online approach to education is much more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are often less expensive than conventional options. In addition to lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials can be reduced also. But just make sure that the online school you choose is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then online classes may be the ideal option for you.

Points to Ask Radiology Tech Programs

When you have selected the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of finding and assessing Herington KS x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to decide if you want to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the school will be critical. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be an important factor also. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you look at when reviewing schools? Well, you need to find out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these important details before you make your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are reviewing.

Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? Most radiology tech schools have obtained some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still crucial to confirm that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly regarded 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 gone through an extensive assessment of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Herington KS employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry-level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Inquire if the Kansas radiology technician programs you are evaluating have relationships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent way to obtain hands on training in a clinical environment, they are also a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist graduates and students develop professional connections in the Herington KS health care community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Herington KS healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the college they select will need to be within commuting distance of their Herington KS residence. Individuals who have decided to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly 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.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit way in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Herington KS colleges you are reviewing what the average 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 a chance to talk with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program as well.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the radiographer  college you finally choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Herington KS, make certain that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Become a Radiology Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to review questions you may be asked. One of the questions that recruiters often ask radiographer prospects is "What compelled you to select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not just the personal reasons you might have for being an X-Ray tech, but additionally what qualities and talents you possess that make you outstanding at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, in addition to a certain number of typical interview questions, so you should ready a number of approaches about how you would like to address them. Since there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the talents you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but write down some concepts and talking points that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can help you to formulate your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Select the Right X-Ray Tech College near Herington KS

Choosing the ideal x-ray tech college is a crucial first step toward launching a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs frequently stand for the majority of the day and position and at times lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing social 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 post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each program you are reviewing prior to making your final decision. This is equally true whether you decide on an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each school so you can narrow down your choices before making your decision. And with the proper education and your commitment to be successful, you can reach your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Herington KS.

Some Background on Herington Kansas

 

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