Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Dixon KY 42409 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select a Radiology Tech Program near Dixon Kentucky

Dixon KY x-ray tech internship program Best wishes on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Dixon KY so you can train to be a radiology technician. But now that you have chosen to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you set about selecting the ideal college and program to ensure that you will get the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And since most states do require that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you might need preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the colleges you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. A number of prospective students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and often settle on the lowest cost. But while cost and location must be taken into consideration, there are other important qualifiers also. For instance, you must find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are considering are presented later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and training choices that are available.

Radiology Technician Job Summary

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the identical principal job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many choose to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for example mammography. They may practice in Dixon KY 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 care for their equipment plus regularly evaluate its performance and safety. They are also required to keep detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Dixon KY medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Dixon KY The standard prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice 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 2 years to finish 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 extensive in nature. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be appropriate as well. One thing to consider is that Dixon KY radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may frequently be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which many colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Kentucky or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an Radiologist college, based on the state where you will be working you may need to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements vary so contact your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but many offer additional alternatives for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, numerous Dixon KY employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it could enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technologist Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Dixon 42409 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree schools. So while you can still earn your online degree, a significant portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is typically carried out in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online segment of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Dixon KY residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree often discover that the online approach to education is far more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are often less costly than traditional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be decreased also. But just make sure that the online college you pick 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 school may be the best choice for you.

Questions to Ask Radiology Tech Colleges

After you have chosen the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of locating and assessing Dixon KY x-ray technician schools. You will also need to decide if you want to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and secondary expenses will be a material factor also. But along with cost and location, what else should you factor in when comparing schools? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are considering.

Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? The majority of xray tech colleges have obtained some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to make sure that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous assessment of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online 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 help in getting financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Dixon KY employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level openings.

Are Internships Sponsored? Ask if the Kentucky radiology tech schools you are interested in have relationships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent means to get hands on training in a clinical environment, they are also a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist students and graduates establish professional connections in the Dixon KY health care community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the radiographer programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Dixon KY healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the school they select will have to be within driving distance of their Dixon KY home. Individuals who have chosen to attend online classes naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might be required 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 live outside of their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit way in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Dixon KY colleges you are researching what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program as well.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the x-ray tech college you finally choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Dixon KY, verify that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Be an X-Ray Tech?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's a good idea to review questions you might be asked. Among the things that hiring managers typically ask radiographer prospects is "What compelled you to choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not only the private reasons you might have for becoming an Xray technician, but additionally what attributes and talents you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, in addition to a significant number of standard interview questions, so you need to prepare some strategies about how you would like to answer them. Since there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but take down several concepts and topics that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can help you to develop your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.

Enroll in the Ideal X-Ray Tech College near Dixon KY

Choosing the appropriate x-ray technician college is a crucial first step toward launching a fulfilling 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 day and move and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best available care to patients. As has been discussed in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate selection. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online school or commute 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 right education and your dedication to succeed, you can realize your goal to work as a radiographer in Dixon KY.

Some Background on Dixon Kentucky

Mary Dixon Kies

Mary Dixon Kies (March 21, 1752 – 1837) was an American inventor. On May 5, 1809, her patent for a new technique of weaving straw with silk and thread to make hats was signed by President James Madison.[1] Some sources state that she was the first American woman to receive a patent, however others state that Hannah Slater was the first.[2][3][4][5]

Mary's father, John Dixon, was a farmer born in 1679 in Ulster, Ireland. Her mother, Janet Kennedy, was John Dixon's third wife. They had married in Voluntown, Connecticut on August 7, 1741. Mary Dixon was born in Killingly, Connecticut on March 21, 1752. She married Isaac Pike I, and in 1770 they had a son, Isaac Pike II.[6] After his death she married John Kies (1750–1813) who died on August 18, 1813 at age 63. She then lived with her second son, Daniel Kies, in Brooklyn, New York, until her death at age 85 in 1837.[7]

Because of the Napoleonic Wars, the United States embargoed all trade with France and Great Britain, creating a need for American-made hats to replace European millinery. The straw-weaving industry filled the gap, with over $500,000 ($9 million in today's money) worth of straw bonnets produced in Massachusetts alone in 1810.[8]

Mary Kies was not the first American woman to innovate in hat-making. In 1798, New Englander Betsy Metcalf invented a method of braiding straw. Her method became very popular, and she employed many women and girls to make her hats. The method created a new industry for girls and women because the straw bonnets could be made at home from local resources, so the women and girls could do work for themselves. Thus, Betsy Metcalf started the American straw-hat industry. Under the Patent Act of 1790 she could have sought a patent, but like most women at the time, who could not legally hold property, she chose not to. Mary Kies, however, broke that pattern on May 5, 1809. Dolley Madison was so pleased by Kies' innovation that she sent a personal letter applauding her.[9]

Kies' technique proved valuable in making cost-effective work bonnets. In so doing, she bolstered New England's hat economy, which had been faltering due to the Embargo Act of 1807. However, a change in the fashion of the day made her unable to profit from her invention and she died penniless in 1837.[7] Her original patent file was destroyed in an 1836 fire at the United States Patent Office.[10]