How to Select a Radiology Technician Degree Program near Bowling Green Kentucky
Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Bowling Green KY in order to train to be a radiologic technologist. But now that you have made a decision to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you undertake choosing the ideal college and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And because the majority of states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you may need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you research each of the schools you are considering so that you can compare each program. A number of students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and often settle on the lowest cost. But while cost and location need to be taken into account, there are additional important qualifiers also. For example, you must ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the colleges you are evaluating are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic technician does and the degrees and education options that are available.
Radiology Technician Job Description
There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, they all have the identical principal job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some opt to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They may work in Bowling Green KY clinics, hospitals, family 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 care for their equipment plus routinely evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also required to retain in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Bowling Green KY medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
X-Ray Technician Degrees
The standard requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech program 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 common among techs, normally takes 18 months to two years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to complete and is more comprehensive in nature. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be appropriate also. Something to bear in mind is that Bowling Green KY radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can frequently be fulfilled by taking part in an externship program which many schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their region. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing mandates in Kentucky or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification
After you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, based on the state where you will be working you might need to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites differ so check with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but several offer additional options for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, many Bowling Green KY employers prefer to 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 approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Tech Programs
As a component of every 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 even though you can still earn your degree online, a considerable amount 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. But the online section of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Bowling Green KY home. Students who continue working while earning their degree typically find that the online style of learning is far more practical with their active schedules. Plus online schools are generally less costly than traditional options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials may be lessened also. But just make certain that the online school you choose is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online degree may be the best choice for you.
Subjects to Ask Radiographer Colleges
Once you have selected the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of searching for and assessing Bowling Green KY x-ray tech schools. You will also need to decide if you want to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be important. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be a material variable also. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you consider when comparing colleges? Well, you need to 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 selection, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are assessing.
Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? The majority of xray technician colleges have obtained some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still imperative to confirm that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed review of their instructors and course materials. If the program 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 acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Bowling Green KY employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level jobs.
Are Internship Programs Offered? Inquire if the Kentucky radiology technician programs you are assessing have partnerships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great means to obtain hands on training in a clinical environment, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help graduates and students develop professional connections in the Bowling Green KY medical community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the radiographer programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Bowling Green KY healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the college they choose will have to be within driving distance of their Bowling Green KY home. Students who have opted to attend classes online naturally will not have to trouble 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 may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically 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 prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Bowling Green KY schools you are looking at what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program also.
Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the radiographer program you finally choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Bowling Green KY, verify that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family obligations.
Why Did You Decide to Be an X-Ray Tech?
When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you might be asked. One of the things that recruiters typically ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not just the private reasons you may have for being an X-Ray tech, but additionally what characteristics and abilities you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, as well as a significant number of routine interview questions, so you need to organize some approaches about how you would like to address them. Considering there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the abilities you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the ideal candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but take down some ideas and talking points that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.Choose the Ideal X-Ray Tech School near Bowling Green KY
Picking the appropriate radiology tech college is an important first step toward beginning a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs typically stand for the majority of the day and move and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best possible patient care. As has been addressed in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each program you are reviewing before making your final decision. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each school so you can focus your options and make your final choice. And with the proper training and your commitment to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Bowling Green KY.
Some Background on Bowling Green Kentucky
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Bowling Green is a home rule-class city in and the county seat of Warren County, Kentucky, United States.[2] As of 2017, its population of 67,067 made it the third most-populous city in the state after Louisville and Lexington; its metropolitan area had an estimated population of 165,732; and the combined statistical area it shares with Glasgow has an estimated population of 218,870.[3][4][5]
Founded by pioneers in 1798, Bowling Green was the provisional capital of Confederate Kentucky during the American Civil War. The city was the subject of the 1967 Everly Brothers song "Bowling Green".
In the 21st century, it is the location of numerous manufacturers, including General Motors and Fruit of the Loom. The Bowling Green Assembly Plant has been the source of all Chevrolet Corvettes built since 1981. Bowling Green is also home to the state's second-largest public university, Western Kentucky University. In 2014, Forbes magazine listed Bowling Green as one of the Top 25 Best Places to Retire in the United States.[6]
The first Europeans known to have reached the area carved their names on beech trees near the river around 1775. By 1778, settlers established McFadden's Station on the north bank of the Barren River.[7]
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