How to Select a Radiologic Technician Program near Wickliffe Kentucky
Congrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Wickliffe KY in order to become a radiology technician. And now that you have chosen to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you undertake picking the right college and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified professional? And because the majority of states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you may need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you assess each of the colleges you are considering in order to compare each program. A number of potential students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location need to be taken into account, there are other important qualifications as well. For instance, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are evaluating are presented later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and training options that are available.
X-Ray Technician Occupation Description
There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, they all have the same fundamental job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some elect to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They may work in Wickliffe KY hospitals, clinics, 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 take care of their equipment and frequently analyze its functionality and safety. They are also expected to keep complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Wickliffe KY health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
Radiology Technician Degrees Available
The standard prerequisite for attending a radiology tech college is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, normally requires 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to complete and is more expansive in nature. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable also. One thing to keep in mind is that Wickliffe KY radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which many schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Kentucky or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification
When you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, based on the state where you will be practicing you might have to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their criteria differ so contact your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number offer additional alternatives for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, many Wickliffe KY employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it may increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Technologist Programs
As a part 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 schools. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a substantial amount of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is usually conducted in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online segment of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Wickliffe KY residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree usually discover that the online style of learning is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online schools are frequently more affordable than on-campus options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials may be decreased also. But just confirm that the online school you enroll in 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 an online school may be the right option for you.
What to Ask Radiology Tech Colleges
When you have decided on the type of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of locating and evaluating Wickliffe KY x-ray tech schools. You will also have to determine if you want to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be relevant. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a determining variable also. But along with location and cost, what else should you look at when reviewing schools? Well, you should check out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details before you make your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are assessing.
Are the Radiology Technician Colleges Accredited? A large number of radiology technician colleges have obtained some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to make sure 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). Programs earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone 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 online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also help in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Wickliffe KY health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level openings.
Are Internships Offered? Inquire if the Kentucky radiology technician schools you are evaluating have associations with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to receive practical training in a clinical environment, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Wickliffe KY health care community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the radiographer programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Wickliffe KY healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the College Located? For many students, the school they select will have to be within driving distance of their Wickliffe KY residence. Individuals who have opted 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 concern. Something to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit way in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Wickliffe KY colleges you are looking at what the average student to teacher 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 speak with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.
Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the radiographer program you ultimately choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Wickliffe KY, confirm that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of illness, work or family obligations.
Why Did You Choose to Be an Xray Technician?
When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you may be asked. Among the things that interviewers often ask radiographer applicants is "What made you choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not only the private reasons you may have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what characteristics and skills you possess that make you good at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, in addition to a certain number of typical interview questions, so you should ready several ideas about how you would like to respond to them. Since there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you in addition to the strengths you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the best choice for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but take down some concepts and anecdotes that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.Enroll in the Best Radiology Tech Program near Wickliffe KY
Selecting the appropriate radiology tech college is a crucial first step toward initiating a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs often stand for the majority of the workday and move and sometimes lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements 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 necessity in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best available patient care. As has been discussed in this report, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are considering prior to making your ultimate decision. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each school so you can narrow down your choices and make your final choice. And with the appropriate education and your dedication to be successful, you can reach your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Wickliffe KY.
Some Background on Wickliffe Kentucky
Wickliffe, Kentucky
Wickliffe is a home rule-class city in Ballard County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 688 at the 2010 census.[2] It is the county seat of Ballard County.[3]
Wickliffe is part of the Paducah, KY-IL Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Wickliffe is located at 36°58′00″N 89°05′13″W / 36.966600°N 89.086822°W / 36.966600; -89.086822[4] on the east bank of the Mississippi River, about two miles south of its confluence with the Ohio River.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.2 square miles (3.0 km2), of which 0.008 square miles (0.02 km2), or 0.58%, is water.[2]
As of the census[6] of 2000, there were 794 people, 327 households, and 216 families residing in the city. The population density was 578.3 people per square mile (223.8/km²). There were 384 housing units at an average density of 279.7 per square mile (108.2/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 94.33% White, 1.76% African American, 0.13% Native American, 0.88% Asian, 0.25% Pacific Islander, and 2.64% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.26% of the population.
More Cities of Interest in Kentucky
Business Results 1 - 10 of 0
