How to Select an Xray Technician Degree Program near Summit Kentucky
Congratulations regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Summit KY so you can learn to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have decided to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you tackle selecting the ideal college and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And since most states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you may require preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the colleges you are looking at 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 compare tuition and often settle on the lowest cost. But while expense and location should be considered, there are additional important qualifications also. For example, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are examining are provided later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology tech does and the degrees and education choices that are available.
Radiology Technician Occupation Description
There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have the identical primary job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for example mammography. They may work in Summit KY hospitals, clinics, private 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 take care of their equipment and also routinely evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also expected to retain complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Summit KY health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
X-Ray Tech Degrees Offered
The basic prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech college is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the choice 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 2 years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to complete and is more extensive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be acceptable also. One thing to keep in mind is that Summit KY radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can frequently be fulfilled by taking part in an externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. 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 practicing in as applicable.
X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing
After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, depending on the state where you will be employed you might need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so contact your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but several accept other options for testing also. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, numerous Summit KY employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online Radiology Technician Colleges
As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree colleges. So although you can still obtain your online degree, a significant portion of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is typically carried out in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online section of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Summit KY home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree often find that the online approach to education is much more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are often more affordable than conventional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, costs for study materials and commuting may be lessened as well. But just make certain that the online program you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online school may be the right option for you.
Topics to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges
Once you have selected the type of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of looking for and assessing Summit KY x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to decide if you want to attend classes online or drive to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be an important factor also. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you look at when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these important details before you make your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are assessing.
Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? Most radiology tech colleges have earned some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to confirm that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting organizations 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 an extensive examination of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets 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 securing financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Summit KY health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry-level openings.
Are Internships Sponsored? Ask if the Kentucky xray technician programs you are reviewing have partnerships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific way to receive hands on training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help students and graduates develop professional connections in the Summit KY medical community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Summit KY healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they select will have to be within travelling distance of their Summit KY residence. Those 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. Something to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit far in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Summit KY schools you are considering what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program as well.
Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the x-ray tech college you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Summit KY, confirm that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Why Did You Choose to Be a Radiology Technician?
When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to consider questions you may be asked. Among the things that recruiters typically ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not merely the personal reasons you might have for being an Xray technician, but also what attributes and abilities you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, as well as a significant number of typical interview questions, so you must ready some ideas about how you would like to answer them. Because there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the abilities you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down some ideas and talking points that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.Pick the Ideal X-Ray Tech Program near Summit KY
Enrolling in the appropriate radiology technician college is a critical first step toward starting a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the majority of the day and position and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and provide the best available care to patients. As we have discussed in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are looking at before making your final selection. This is just as true whether you opt for an online program or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each school so you can narrow down your options before making your final choice. And with the right training and your motivation to succeed, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Summit KY.
Some Background on Summit Kentucky
Summit, Kentucky
Summit is an unincorporated community in Boyd County, Kentucky, United States on US 60 just west of Ashland. Summit serves as a suburb to the city of Ashland and shares the city's ZIP code. Summit is sometimes spelled with two "T's" at the end, although the most common spelling contains only one "T" but either variation is accepted as correct.
Summit is a part of the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH, Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). As of the 2000 census, the MSA had a population of 288,649. The Summit name was first applied to a 19th-century railroad passenger and freight station located at the site. Summit was selected as descriptive of the location's unique topographical features including a flat terrain on a higher elevation than other parts of the surrounding area. Unusual for the region, this terrain was created by the ancient Teay's River and the associated Glacial Lake Tight. The Lexington, Elizabethtown, and Big Sandy Railroad opened a station here in the late 19th century after the railroad was constructed through Summit. It served the residents of what was then a sparsely populated farming community until the station was closed due to its close proximity to Ashland made it no longer necessary. Now a populated suburban area, Summit's development was slow until the Federal Correctional Institution was located at the heart of Summit on Kentucky Route 716. This and the upgrading of U.S. Route 60, made transportation easier for residents to commute to and from Ashland.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons operates the Federal Correctional Institution, Ashland in Summit,[1][2] 5 miles (8.0 km) southwest of Ashland.[3] There is also an adjacent federal prison camp, which in 2006 was listed as one of the best places to go to prison by Forbes magazine.[4]
Kentucky State Police Post 14 is located on U.S. 60 in Summit, next to Armco Park. In addition to Boyd County, troopers from Post 14 serve Carter, Greenup and Lawrence Counties.[5]
The United States Postal Service operates the Summitt Post Office.[6]
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