Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Ashland KY 41101 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose a Radiologic Technician College near Ashland Kentucky

Ashland KY x-ray tech internship program Best wishes regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Ashland KY in order to train to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have chosen to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you go about selecting the right college and program to ensure that you will receive the proper training to become a skilled professional? And because the majority of states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you might require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you assess each of the colleges you are considering in order to compare each program. Most prospective students begin by searching 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 need to be taken into consideration, there are additional significant qualifications as well. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the colleges you are evaluating are presented later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and training choices that are offered.

X-Ray Technician Career Summary

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, they all have the same principal job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, such as mammography. They can work in Ashland KY hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech may 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 also frequently evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally required to keep in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Ashland KY health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Technician Degree Options

x-ray machine in Ashland KY The standard prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, usually takes 18 months to two years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to complete and is more comprehensive in scope. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are appropriate also. One thing to bear in mind is that Ashland KY radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may often be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which many schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Kentucky or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, depending on the state where you will be employed you may have to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so contact your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but several accept additional alternatives for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Ashland KY employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Tech Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Ashland 41101 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree colleges. So although you can still earn your online degree, a substantial portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is usually provided in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online segment of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Ashland KY residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree often discover that the online style of learning is far more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online schools are generally more affordable than traditional options. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials may be decreased as well. But just confirm that the online school you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online degree may be the right choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges

Once you have chosen the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of finding and assessing Ashland KY x-ray tech schools. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a material variable also. But along with location and cost, what more should you factor in when reviewing colleges? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details before you make your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are considering.

Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? Most radiology technician schools have obtained some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still important to make sure that the program and school 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 obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed assessment of their teachers and course materials. If the college is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Ashland KY employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out if the Kentucky xray technician colleges you are evaluating have associations with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent way to obtain practical experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist graduates and students form professional relationships in the Ashland KY medical community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the radiographer programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Ashland KY healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the college they decide on will need to be within travelling distance of their Ashland KY home. Individuals who have opted 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 choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit far in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Ashland KY schools you are considering what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the radiographer school you ultimately pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Ashland KY, verify that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative 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 might miss because of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Want to Be a Radiology Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to reflect on questions you may be asked. One of the things that recruiters often ask radiographer prospects is "What drove you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not merely the private reasons you might have for becoming a radiology technician, but additionally what characteristics 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 significant number of routine interview questions, so you should organize a number of ideas about how you want to respond to them. Since there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the abilities you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but write down a few ideas and talking points that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can assist you to develop your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.

Choose the Ideal Radiology Technician School near Ashland KY

Enrolling in the best radiology technician school is an important first step toward launching a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs often stand for the greater part of the day and position and at times lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. As we have covered in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are looking at before making your ultimate decision. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each school so you can focus your options before making your final choice. And with the proper education and your commitment to succeed, you can realize your goal to practice as a radiographer in Ashland KY.

Some Background on Ashland Kentucky

Ashland, Kentucky

Ashland is a home rule-class city[2] in Boyd County, Kentucky, in the United States. Ashland, the largest city in Boyd County, is located upon the southern bank of the Ohio River. The population was 21,684 at the 2010 census.[3] Ashland is a part of the Huntington-Ashland metropolitan area; with a population of 363,000.[4] Ashland is the second-largest city within the MSA, after Huntington, West Virginia. Ashland serves as an important economic and medical center for northeast Kentucky and is part of the fifth-largest metropolitan area in Kentucky.

Ashland dates back to the migration of the Poage family from the Shenandoah Valley via the Cumberland Gap in 1786. They erected a homestead along the Ohio River and named it Poage's Landing. Also called Poage Settlement, the community that developed around it remained an extended-family affair until the mid-19th century.[5] In 1854, the city name was changed to Ashland, after Henry Clay's Lexington estate and to reflect the city's growing industrial base. The city's early industrial growth was a result of the Ohio Valley's pig iron industry and, particularly, the 1854 charter of the Kentucky Iron, Coal, and Manufacturing Company by the Kentucky General Assembly.[5] The city was formally incorporated by the General Assembly two years later in 1856.[6] Major industrial employers in the first half of the 20th Century included Armco, Ashland Oil and Refining Company, the C&O Railroad, Allied Chemical & Dye Company's Semet Solvay, and Mansbach Steel.

Ashland is located at 38°27′50″N 82°38′30″W / 38.464017°N 82.641571°W / 38.464017; -82.641571 (38.464017, -82.641571).[7] It lies within the ecoregion of the Western Allegheny Plateau.[8]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.8 square miles (27.9 km2), of which 10.7 square miles (27.8 km2) is land and 0.039 square miles (0.1 km2), or 0.30%, is water.[3]

Ashland's central business district extends from 12th Street to 18th Street, and from Carter Avenue to Greenup Avenue. It includes many historically preserved and notable buildings, such as the Paramount Arts Center and the Ashland Bank Building, which is built to Manhattan height and style standards and serves as a reminder of what Ashland leaders hoped it would become.