How to Select a Radiology Technician Program near Hodgenville Kentucky
Congratulations regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Hodgenville KY in order to become a radiologic technician. But now that you have made a decision to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you undertake picking the ideal school and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you might need training to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you investigate each of the schools you are considering so that you can compare each program. Most students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and typically gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location must be taken into account, there are additional critical qualifiers as well. For example, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are evaluating are presented later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology tech does and the degrees and education options that are available.
X-Ray Tech Occupation Description
There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have the same fundamental job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many elect to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for example mammography. They can practice in Hodgenville KY clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist 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 maintain their equipment and also frequently analyze its functionality and safety. They are also expected to retain complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Hodgenville KY medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
Radiology Tech Degrees Offered
The basic prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech school is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, generally requires 18 months to two years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to finish and is more expansive in nature. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be acceptable also. One thing to bear in mind is that Hodgenville KY radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can often be fulfilled by taking part in an externship program which many colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any certification or licensing mandates in Kentucky or the state you will be working as applicable.
Radiographer Certification and Licensing
After you have graduated from an Radiologist college, depending on the state where you will be working you may have to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their prerequisites differ so contact your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but several provide other options for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. However, many Hodgenville KY employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it could increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Technician Schools
As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree schools. So although you can still earn your degree online, a considerable portion of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is typically provided in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online segment of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Hodgenville KY home. Students who keep working while earning their degree often discover that the online style of education is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently cheaper than conventional alternatives. Along with lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be lessened also. But just confirm that the online program you select is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then online classes may be the best choice for you.
Subjects to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges
After you have chosen the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of searching for and assessing Hodgenville KY x-ray tech schools. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be an important factor as well. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you look at when evaluating schools? Well, you need to find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details before you make your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are assessing.
Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? Most radiology technician colleges have earned some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still crucial to make sure that the school and program are accredited. Among 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 undergone an extensive review of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial aid and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Hodgenville KY employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level positions.
Are Internships Provided? Ask if the Kentucky xray tech colleges you are reviewing have associations with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific way to get hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist graduates and students form professional relationships in the Hodgenville KY healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Hodgenville KY healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the College Located? For many students, the college they pick will need to be within commuting distance of their Hodgenville KY residence. 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 concern. One thing to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often 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.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit far in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Hodgenville KY colleges you are looking at what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with some of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program as well.
Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the radiographer school you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Hodgenville KY, make certain that they are available. 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 need to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Why Did You Choose to Be a Radiologic Technologist?
When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to review questions you may be asked. Among the things that interviewers often ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not merely the personal reasons you might have for becoming a radiology technician, but also what characteristics and talents you possess that make you good at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, in addition to a certain number of typical interview questions, so you need to ready some approaches about how you would like to answer them. Since there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the talents you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but take down several concepts and anecdotes that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can help you to prepare your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.Select the Right Radiology Tech School near Hodgenville KY
Choosing the appropriate radiology tech school is a critical first step toward starting a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs regularly stand for the greater part of the workday and move and at times lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best available care to patients. As we have covered in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are looking at before making your final decision. This is just as true whether you participate in an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each program so you can narrow down your options and make your final choice. And with the proper education and your commitment to be successful, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Hodgenville KY.
Some Background on Hodgenville Kentucky
Hodgenville, Kentucky
Hodgenville is a home rule-class city[2] in LaRue County, Kentucky, United States. It is the seat of its county.[3] Hodgenville sits along the North Fork of the Nolin River. The population was 3,206 at the 2010 census. It is included in the Elizabethtown metropolitan area.
A Pennsylvania native who moved to Virginia, Robert Hodgen purchased 10,000 acres of land in the vicinity. In 1789, after the American Revolutionary War, when settlers started moving west into Kentucky, he built a mill at the site. After his death, the community that developed around it was called Hodgenville upon the petition of his widow and children. The United States post office at the site, however, was known as Hodgensville from 1826 to 1904.[4]
The city was formally incorporated by the state assembly on February 18, 1836.[5]
Abraham Lincoln was born in a small cabin on Sinking Spring Farm near Hodgenville on February 12, 1809.[6] About two years later, the family moved to another farm in the Hodgenville area.[7] Despite claims made later, the cabin Lincoln was born in was likely destroyed by the time of his assassination.
The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park labels the replica cabin, which was built thirty years after his death, the "Traditional Lincoln Birthplace Cabin." The significance of the two Hodgenville sites (birthplace and boyhood home) are found in the setting. Preservation of these two national sites allows visitors to see the landscape of the earliest period of Abraham Lincoln's life. The Lincoln Museum is opened for visitors downtown and the bronze Abraham Lincoln Statue stands at the town square.[8]
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