Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Sedgwick KS 67135 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select a Radiologic Tech Program near Sedgwick Kansas

Sedgwick KS x-ray tech internship program Best wishes regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Sedgwick KS in order to train to be a radiologic technician. And now that you have made a decision to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you go about picking the right school and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And because most states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you may need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can compare each program. Many potential students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location need to be considered, there are other critical qualifications also. For instance, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are considering are presented later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and training options that are available.

Radiology Technician Career Description

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the identical major job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some opt to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, such as mammography. They may practice in Sedgwick KS hospitals, clinics, family 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 have to maintain their equipment and frequently analyze its performance and safety. They are also required to retain in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Sedgwick KS health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degree Options

x-ray machine in Sedgwick KS The standard prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech college is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, normally requires 18 months to two years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to finish and is more extensive in scope. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are appropriate also. Something to bear in mind is that Sedgwick KS radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may often be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification requirements in Kansas or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an Radiologist school, based on the state where you will be practicing you might need to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but several accept other options for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. However, numerous Sedgwick KS employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could 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 comprehensive examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Tech Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Sedgwick 67135 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree programs. So even though you can still obtain your degree online, a considerable amount of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is often conducted in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online portion of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Sedgwick KS home. Students who keep working while earning their degree often find that the online style of learning is much more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are often less expensive than on-campus options. Along with reduced tuition, costs for study materials and commuting may be reduced as well. But just make sure that the online program you choose is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then online classes may be the right option for you.

Questions to Ask Radiographer Schools

When you have chosen the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of looking for and assessing Sedgwick KS x-ray tech schools. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be critical. The price of tuition and secondary expenses will be an important factor as well. But along with cost and location, what else should you look at when comparing colleges? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these important details before you make your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Tech Programs Accredited? A large number of radiology technician colleges have earned some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still crucial to confirm that the school and program 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). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous review of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Sedgwick KS health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level positions.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Ask if the Kansas xray technician colleges you are assessing have relationships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific manner to receive practical experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Sedgwick KS healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the radiographer schools you are assessing have job assistance 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 Sedgwick KS healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the school they pick will have to be within travelling distance of their Sedgwick KS residence. Students who have opted to attend classes online obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area 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 have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that prefers to sit far in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Sedgwick KS colleges you are considering what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the radiographer program you finally choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Sedgwick KS, make certain that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Radiology Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to consider questions you could be asked. One of the things that recruiters typically ask radiographer prospects is "What compelled you to select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not only the private reasons you may have for becoming an Xray technician, but additionally what attributes and skills you possess that make you good at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, along with a significant number of general interview questions, so you must organize some approaches about how you would like to respond to them. Given that there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the talents you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but take down some ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Choose the Best Radiology Technician School near Sedgwick KS

Enrolling in the best radiology technician school is a critical first step toward beginning a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs regularly stand for the majority of the working day and move and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best available care to patients. As has been addressed in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are reviewing prior to making your final selection. This is equally true whether you opt for an online program or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can focus your options and make your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your commitment to be successful, you can realize your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Sedgwick KS.

Some Background on Sedgwick Kansas

Sedgwick County, Kansas

Sedgwick County (county code: SG) is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. As of the 2010 census, the population was 498,365,[1] making it the second-most populous county in Kansas. The county seat is Wichita,[2] the most populous city in the state.

For many millennia, the Great Plains of North America was inhabited by nomadic Native Americans. From the 16th century to 18th century, the Kingdom of France claimed ownership of large parts of North America. In 1762, after the French and Indian War, France secretly ceded New France to Spain, per the Treaty of Fontainebleau. In 1802, Spain returned most of the land to France, but keeping title to about 7,500 square miles.

In 1803, most of the land for modern day Kansas was acquired by the United States from France as part of the 828,000 square mile Louisiana Purchase for 2.83 cents per acre. In 1848, after the Mexican-American War, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo with Spain brought into the United States all or part of land for ten future states, including southwest Kansas. In 1854, the Kansas Territory was organized, then in 1861 Kansas became the 34th U.S. state.

Sedgwick County was founded in 1867, and named after John Sedgwick, who was a Major General in the Union Army during the American Civil War.[3]

In 1887, the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway built a branch line north-south from Herington to Caldwell.[4] This branch line connected Herington, Lost Springs, Lincolnville, Antelope, Marion, Aulne, Peabody, Elbing, Whitewater, Furley, Kechi, Wichita, Peck, Corbin, Wellington, Caldwell. By 1893, this branch line was incrementally built to Fort Worth, Texas. This line is called the "OKT". The Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway was foreclosed in 1891 and was taken over by Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway, which shut down in 1980 and reorganized as Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas Railroad, merged in 1988 with Missouri Pacific Railroad, and finally merged in 1997 with Union Pacific Railroad. Most locals still refer to this railroad as the "Rock Island".