How to Select a Radiology Tech College near Phillipsburg Kansas
Best wishes regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Phillipsburg KS in order to learn to be a radiology technician. But now that you have decided to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you set about choosing the ideal school and program to ensure that you will receive the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And because the majority of states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you may require preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you research each of the colleges you are looking at in order to compare each program. Many students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and typically settle on the lowest cost. But while expense and location need to be considered, there are other critical qualifications as well. For instance, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are evaluating are presented later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology tech does and the degrees and training choices that are offered.
X-Ray Tech Career Description
There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, they all have the same fundamental job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some choose to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They can practice in Phillipsburg KS clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician might utilize 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 routinely analyze its functionality and safety. They are also expected to keep in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Phillipsburg KS health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
X-Ray Technician Degrees Available
The basic requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech school is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, normally requires 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to finish and is more expansive in scope. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are acceptable also. One thing to bear in mind is that Phillipsburg KS radiographer colleges 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 schools 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 mandates in Kansas or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
Radiographer Certification and Licensing
Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, depending on the state where you will be employed you might have to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so get in touch with your state. At present, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but several accept other options for testing also. Several states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. However, many Phillipsburg KS employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Technician Degrees
As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree schools. So although you can still obtain your degree online, a significant portion of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is often provided in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Phillipsburg KS residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually find that the online style of education is far more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently cheaper than traditional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, costs for study materials and commuting can be lessened as well. But just make certain that the online college you choose 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 an online degree may be the best choice for you.
Topics to Ask Radiologic Tech Schools
When you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of looking for and evaluating Phillipsburg KS x-ray tech schools. You will also have to determine if you want to attend online classes or travel to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the college will be critical. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a material variable as well. But along with cost and location, what else should you consider when comparing schools? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these important details before you make your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are assessing.
Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? Most radiology technician colleges have earned some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still imperative to confirm that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting organizations 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 educational materials. If the college is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting agencies 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 acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Phillipsburg KS health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level openings.
Are Internships Provided? Ask if the Kansas radiology technician colleges you are interested in have associations with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific manner to get practical training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist graduates and students establish professional connections in the Phillipsburg KS health care community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the radiographer programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Phillipsburg KS healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the college they select will need to be within commuting distance of their Phillipsburg KS residence. Those who have decided to attend classes online 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 generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit far in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Phillipsburg KS colleges you are looking at what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program also.
Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the radiographer program you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Phillipsburg KS, make certain that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, ask 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 Decide to Be an Xray Technician?
When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to consider questions you might be asked. One of the things that interviewers frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What made you select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not only the private reasons you might have for becoming a radiology technician, but also what qualities and skills you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, along with a significant number of routine interview questions, so you must prepare several approaches about how you would like to respond to them. Because there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the abilities you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down a few concepts and talking points that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.Choose the Right Radiology Technician College near Phillipsburg KS
Enrolling in the best radiology tech degree program is an important first step toward beginning a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs frequently stand for the greater part of the day and move and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines developed 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. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and provide the best available care to patients. As we have covered in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each college you are looking at prior to making your final decision. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each college so you can narrow down your options and make your decision. And with the right education and your commitment to be successful, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Phillipsburg KS.
Some Background on Phillipsburg Kansas
Phillipsburg, Kansas
Phillipsburg is a city in and the county seat of Phillips County, Kansas, United States.[6] As of the 2010 census, the city population was 2,581.[7]
Phillipsburg was organized in 1872 and named the county seat due to its central location in the county on July 26, even though the first residents didn't arrive until the fall of that year.[8] It was named for politician and journalist William A. Phillips.[9] Phillipsburg was incorporated as a city in 1880.[10]
The first post office was established in Phillipsburg on December 23, 1872, with the first postmaster being Fred A Dutton, but the name of the post office was spelled Phillipsburgh until 1893.[11][12] Named in honor of John Bissel, Fort Bissel was built in 1872 to protect against perceived hostility from Native Americans and closed in 1878. The Fort was reconstructed in city park in 1962.[11] The first cemetery in the town, Close cemetery, was established on March 19, 1879 by the Fairview cmetary association and was deeded to the city on June 4, 1889. A branch of the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway was established through Phillipsburg in 1887. Also in 1887 complete telephone systems were installed in the city. A fire nearly destroyed the entire town square in 1906. The current courthouse was constructed in 1912. "Kansas' Biggest Rodeo" was first held in 1929 and is held annually on the last weekend in July or first weekend in August.
In 1939, Consumer's Cooperative Association opened the world's first cooperative oil refinery on the north edge of town.[13]
Phillipsburg is located at 39°45′19″N 99°19′20″W / 39.75528°N 99.32222°W / 39.75528; -99.32222 (39.755173, -99.322331) in northwestern Kansas on the western edge of the Smoky Hills region of the Great Plains.[14] Phillipsburg is located in the middle of Phillips County, approximately 20 miles south of the Nebraska border. The city sits on the north side of Deer Creek, a tributary of the North Fork of the Solomon River. Plotner Creek, a tributary of Deer Creek, flows south along the western edge of the city. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.67 square miles (4.33 km2), all land.[1]
More Cities of Interest in Kansas
Business Results 1 - 10 of 1
0 Reviews 