Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Wichita KS 67201 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select a Radiologic Technician Degree Program near Wichita Kansas

Wichita KS x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Wichita KS in order to train to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have decided to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you undertake selecting the right college and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And considering that most states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you may require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you investigate each of the schools you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Many students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and typically gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location must be taken into consideration, there are other critical qualifications as well. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are considering are provided later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and education options that are available.

Radiology Tech Occupation Summary

There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the identical primary job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some elect to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, such as mammography. They can work in Wichita KS hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech 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 maintain their equipment and routinely assess its functionality and safety. They are also required to retain in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Wichita KS health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Tech Degree Options

x-ray machine in Wichita KS The basic prerequisite for attending a radiology tech college is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, usually requires 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to complete and is more expansive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be appropriate also. Something to bear in mind is that Wichita KS radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can typically be fulfilled by taking part in an externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor 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 certification or licensing requirements in Kansas or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiographer Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an Radiologist program, depending on the state where you will be working you might need to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria vary so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number offer additional options for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, numerous Wichita KS employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it may enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technician Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Wichita 67201 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree programs. So although you can still obtain your degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is typically performed in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online section of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Wichita KS residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree often find that the online style of education is much more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are often less expensive than on-campus alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting can be decreased also. But just make sure that the online college you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online degree may be the right choice for you.

What to Ask X Ray Tech Programs

After you have chosen the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of looking for and evaluating Wichita KS x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to determine if you want to attend online classes or travel to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be important. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be an important factor as well. But along with location and cost, what else should you factor in when comparing schools? Well, you should check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are reviewing.

Are the X-Ray Tech Programs Accredited? A large number of xray technician schools have acquired some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still crucial to verify that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting organizations 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 course materials. If the school is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Wichita KS employers will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry level positions.

Are Internships Sponsored? Find out if the Kansas radiology technician schools you are interested in have partnerships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great manner to obtain practical experience in a clinical environment, they are also a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can help graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Wichita KS health care community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the radiographer programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Wichita KS healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For many students, the school they pick will need to be within travelling distance of their Wichita KS residence. Students who have chosen to attend online classes obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. One thing to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Wichita KS colleges you are researching what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor 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 School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the radiographer program you finally choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Wichita KS, confirm that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Want to Be a Radiology Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to consider questions you might be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not just the private reasons you may have for becoming a radiology technician, but also what qualities and skills you have that make you good at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, along with a significant number of general interview questions, so you should prepare several approaches about how you want to address them. Since there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but take down a few concepts and talking points that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Select the Best X-Ray Technician School near Wichita KS

Choosing the ideal radiology tech college is an important first step toward launching a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs typically stand for the greater part of the working day and move and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. 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 good work environment and provide the best available care to patients. As has been discussed in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each program you are considering prior to making your final selection. This is just as true whether you decide on an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each college so you can focus your options before making your decision. And with the proper education and your motivation to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Wichita KS.

Some Background on Wichita Kansas

Wichita, Kansas

Wichita (/ˈwɪtʃɪtɔː/ WITCH-i-taw)[7] is the largest city in the U.S. state of Kansas.[8][4] Located in south-central Kansas on the Arkansas River, Wichita is the county seat of Sedgwick County and the principal city of the Wichita metropolitan area[2][4][9] whose estimated population in 2015 was 644,610.[10] As of 2016, the city of Wichita had an estimated population of 389,902.[5]

The city began as a trading post on the Chisholm Trail in the 1860s and was incorporated in 1870. It subsequently became a destination for cattle drives north from Texas to railroads, earning it the nickname "Cowtown".[11][12] In the 1920s and 1930s, businessmen and aeronautical engineers established aircraft manufacturing companies in Wichita including Beechcraft, Cessna, and Stearman Aircraft. The city transformed into a hub of U.S. aircraft production and became known as "The Air Capital of the World".[13]Textron Aviation, Learjet, Airbus and Spirit AeroSystems continue to operate design and manufacturing facilities in Wichita, and the city remains a major center of the U.S. aircraft industry. Wichita is also home to McConnell Air Force Base.[14][15]

As an industrial hub and the largest city in the state, Wichita is an area center of culture, media, and trade. It hosts several large museums, theaters, parks, and entertainment venues, notably Intrust Bank Arena. Wichita city in recent days became an Information Technology Hub. Wichita State University is the third largest in the state. Wichita is also home to the Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center and Kansas's largest airport, Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport.

Archaeological evidence indicates human habitation near the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers, the site of present-day Wichita, as early as 3000 B.C.[16] In 1541, a Spanish expedition led by explorer Francisco Vázquez de Coronado found the area populated by the Quivira, or Wichita, people. Conflict with the Osage in the 1750s drove the Wichita further south.[17] Prior to American settlement of the region, the site was located in the territory of the Kiowa.[18] Claimed first by France as part of Louisiana and later acquired by the United States with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, it became part of Kansas Territory in 1854 and then the state of Kansas in 1861.[19][20]

The Wichita returned in 1864 due to the American Civil War and established a settlement on the banks of the Little Arkansas.[21][22] During this period, trader Jesse Chisholm established a trading post at the site, one of several along a trail extending south to Texas which became known as the Chisholm Trail.[23] After the war, the Wichita permanently relocated south to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma).[22]