How to Find a Radiology Tech Program near Berea Kentucky
Congratulations on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Berea KY so you can train to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have made a decision to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle picking the ideal college and program so that you will get the proper training to become a skilled professional? And since the majority of states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you may need training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. A number of prospective students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and frequently settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location should be taken into account, there are additional significant qualifiers as well. For example, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the schools you are examining are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and education choices that are offered.
Radiology Technician Job Summary
There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, each has the identical primary job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some opt to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They may practice in Berea KY clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech might utilize 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 also frequently assess its functionality and safety. They are also required to retain detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Berea KY medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
X-Ray Technician Degree Options
The primary prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech college is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, generally takes 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to complete and is more expansive in nature. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be appropriate as well. One thing to keep in mind is that Berea KY radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may typically be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Kentucky or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification
When you have graduated from an Radiologist school, based on the state where you will be employed you might have to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their prerequisites differ so get in touch with your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but a number approve other alternatives for testing also. Several states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. However, many Berea KY employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it might increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Technician Classes
As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree programs. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a significant amount of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is usually carried out in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online segment of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Berea KY home. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually find that the online style of education is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are frequently less expensive than traditional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials may be decreased also. But just make certain that the online program you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then online classes may be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask X Ray Tech Schools
After you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of locating and assessing Berea KY x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to determine if you want to attend classes online or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the college will be critical. The price of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a determining variable as well. But along with cost and location, what else should you look at when reviewing colleges? Well, you need to ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details prior to making your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are considering.
Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? Most radiology tech colleges have acquired some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still imperative to confirm that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting agencies 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 examination of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Berea KY health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level openings.
Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out if the Kentucky xray technician colleges you are reviewing have associations with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent means to receive practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist students and graduates develop professional connections in the Berea KY medical community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the radiographer schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Berea KY healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the school they choose will need to be within commuting distance of their Berea KY residence. Those who have opted 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 concern. One thing to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps 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 generally charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit way in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Berea KY colleges you are reviewing what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.
Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the x-ray tech 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 need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Berea KY, make sure that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family obligations.
Why Did You Want to Become an X-Ray Tech?
When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to review questions you could be asked. One of the questions that recruiters typically ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not only the private reasons you might have for becoming a radiology technician, but also what characteristics and abilities you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, as well as a significant number of general interview questions, so you need to prepare several ideas about how you want to address them. Considering there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you as well as the strengths you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but write down some concepts and talking points that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.Pick the Best X-Ray Tech Program near Berea KY
Picking the right x-ray technician school is a crucial first step toward beginning a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs regularly stand for the greater part of the working day and position and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines designed 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. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best available patient care. As has been addressed in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are assessing before making your final decision. This is just as true whether you participate in an online program or drive to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each college so you can focus your choices before making your decision. And with the appropriate training and your motivation to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Berea KY.
Some Background on Berea Kentucky
Berea, Kentucky
Berea is a home rule-class city[2] in Madison County, Kentucky, in the United States. The town is best known for its art festivals, historic restaurants and buildings, and as the home to Berea College, a private, liberal arts college. The population was 13,561 at the 2010 census. It is one of the fastest-growing towns in Kentucky, having increased by 27.4% since 2000.
Berea is a principal city of the Richmond−Berea Micropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Madison and Rockcastle counties. It was formally incorporated by the state assembly in 1890.[3]
In 1850 this area, called the Glade, was a community of scattered farms with a racetrack and citizens sympathetic to emancipation. In 1853, rich and politically ambitious Cassius Marcellus Clay gave Reverend John Gregg Fee a free tract of land in the Glade. With local supporters and other abolitionist missionaries from the American Missionary Association, Fee established two churches (First Christian Church and Union Church), a tiny village, and Berea College. Fee named Berea after a biblical town Berea (today Veria) in Macedonia, northern Greece, where the people "received the Word with all readiness of mind."
Founded in 1855, Berea College was the only interracial and coeducational college in the South for nearly forty years. Its motto is "God has made of one blood all peoples of the Earth,"[4] a paraphrase of Acts 17:26.[5] Reverend Fee modeled it on Oberlin College in Ohio and hoped it would become an academic beacon to Northern students. Pro-slavery supporters expelled Fee and his followers from Berea in 1859, in the aftermath of John Brown's Raid. Fee had delivered an address at the Pilgrim Church in Brooklyn, New York, in the pulpit of Rev. Henry Ward Beecher. Fee's remarks were reported in the New York Times, but were misrepresented in the Louisville Courier. Subsequently, everyone at the college was given ten days to leave the state. Most lived in Cincinnati or nearby northern towns for several years, returning for good after the war.
Starting in 1864, during the American Civil War, John G. Fee applied his energies to improving conditions for former slaves at Camp Nelson who had volunteered for the Union Army. He started with preaching but saw there were other pressing needs for them and their families. He helped arrange for construction of facilities to support them and their families at the camp, including housing, a hospital, church and school. After the war, African-American families came to Berea to take part in its education and interracial vision. For years it included instruction in preparatory grades for college.
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