How to Find a Radiology Technician School near Palco Kansas
Congratulations regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Palco KS in order to become a radiology technician. And now that you have decided to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about choosing the right college and program so that you will get the proper training to become a skilled professional? And since most states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you might need training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you assess each of the colleges you are considering in order to compare each program. Many students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and often settle on the lowest cost. But while location and cost should be taken into account, there are other critical qualifiers as well. For instance, you must find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are reviewing are provided later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and education choices that are offered.
Radiology Technician Career Summary
There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, each has the identical fundamental job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of 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 can practice in Palco KS hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician 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 take care of their equipment and also regularly evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to keep detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Palco KS medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
X-Ray Technician Degrees Offered
The standard prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech college is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, generally requires 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to complete and is more expansive in scope. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are acceptable as well. Something to consider is that Palco KS radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may typically be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which many colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Kansas or the state you will be working as applicable.
Radiographer Certification and Licensing
When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, depending on the state where you will be employed you might need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements vary so get in touch with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but a number provide additional alternatives for testing as well. Several states also require certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Palco KS employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it may enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Technician Programs
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 schools. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a large amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is typically provided in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Palco KS residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online approach to education is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are frequently cheaper than traditional options. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be reduced also. But just confirm that the online school you select is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online degree may be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Radiographer Schools
As soon as you have chosen the type of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of locating and evaluating Palco KS x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to determine if you want to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be important. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a determining variable also. But along with cost and location, what more should you consider when comparing colleges? Well, you need to find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details prior to making your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are considering.
Are the Radiology Tech Programs Accredited? A large number of radiology tech colleges have obtained some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still crucial 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 receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive evaluation of their teachers and educational materials. If the college is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in getting financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Palco KS health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level positions.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask if the Kansas xray tech schools you are evaluating have partnerships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent means to get practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Palco KS health care community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the radiographer schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Palco KS healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the college they choose will need to be within driving distance of their Palco KS residence. Those who have decided to attend classes online obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. One thing to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit far in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Palco KS colleges you are considering what the typical teacher to student 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 converse with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program as well.
Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the x-ray tech school you finally choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Palco KS, verify that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family obligations.
Why Did You Decide to Be a Radiologic Technologist?
When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to consider questions you could be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers typically ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not just the private reasons you may have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but additionally what attributes and abilities you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, along with a significant number of typical interview questions, so you must ready several approaches about how you would like to answer them. Because there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the talents you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but write down some concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.Enroll in the Right Radiology Tech School near Palco KS
Picking the best radiology technician college is an important first step toward launching a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs typically stand for the majority of the workday and position and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing social skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. As we have addressed in this report, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each college you are assessing prior to making your final selection. This is just as true whether you participate in an online school or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices before making your final choice. And with the right training and your commitment to be successful, you can reach your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Palco KS.
Some Background on Palco Kansas
Palco, Kansas
Palco is a city in Rooks County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 277.[6]
Palco was established in 1888 by Union Pacific Railroad as a train depot on a newly formed line. The town was given the name Palco for railroad officials Palmer and Cole. The post office was moved from the nearby town of Cresson.[7][8]
Cresson, Kansas (named for Cresson, PA) was granted a post office in 1879. In 1887, rumors circulated that the railroad would lay track 1-1/2 miles to the south of Cresson. Many citizens and businesses abandoned Cresson to form the community of New Cresson along the expected railroad route. Ironically, the railroad established Palco near the original location of Cresson.[9]
In 1893, Palco was nearly wiped out by a prairie fire. The fire originated in Graham County and consumed thousands of acres along with farmsteads and livestock in Graham, Rooks, Ellis and Russell Counties before being extinguished. Seven people lost their lives in the blaze.[10]
Palco filed for incorporation as a third class city in 1906 and elected Robert Kirkendall as mayor.[11]
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