Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Jennings LA 70546 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose a Radiology Technician College near Jennings Louisiana

Jennings LA x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Jennings LA in order to learn to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have decided to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you go about choosing the right school and program so that you will get the proper training to become a skilled professional? And considering that most states do require that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you may require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you investigate each of the schools you are looking at so that you can compare each program. A number of prospective students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location need to be considered, there are additional critical qualifications also. For instance, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are reviewing are provided later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology tech does and the degrees and education options that are available.

X-Ray Tech Occupation Description

There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the same major job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many choose to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for example mammography. They can practice in Jennings LA clinics, hospitals, family 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 have to maintain their equipment plus regularly assess its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Jennings LA medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Technician Degree Options

x-ray machine in Jennings LA The primary prerequisite for attending a radiology tech school is to have received 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 common among technicians, generally takes 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to complete and is more comprehensive in scope. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be appropriate also. One thing to keep in mind is that Jennings LA radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may often be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Louisiana or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiographer Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, based on the state where you will be working you might need to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their requirements vary so check with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but many accept additional options for testing also. A number of states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, many Jennings LA employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it might increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technologist Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Jennings 70546 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree colleges. So although you can still earn your online degree, a substantial amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is typically performed in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online segment of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Jennings LA home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online style of education is much more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently more affordable than conventional alternatives. Along with lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be reduced as well. But just confirm that the online school you select is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online school may be the best choice for you.

Points to Ask Radiographer Programs

When you have chosen the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the process of finding and evaluating Jennings LA x-ray technician colleges. 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 obviously the location of the school will be important. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a determining factor as well. But along with location and cost, what more should you consider when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to check out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details prior to making your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Tech Programs Accredited? Most radiology tech schools have earned some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to confirm that the program and school 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). Schools earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive evaluation of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies 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 help in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Jennings LA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level openings.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out if the Louisiana radiology tech programs you are evaluating have relationships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent manner to obtain hands on training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist graduates and students form professional relationships in the Jennings LA medical community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the radiographer schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Jennings LA healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For many students, the school they choose will have to be within travelling distance of their Jennings LA home. Students who have opted to attend classes online naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit way in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Jennings LA colleges you are reviewing what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to converse with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program as well.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the x-ray tech program you ultimately choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Jennings LA, confirm that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Be a Radiology Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you might be asked. Among the things that recruiters typically ask radiographer prospects is "What drove you to select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not merely the personal reasons you might have for becoming a radiology technician, but additionally what attributes and talents you possess that make you good at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, along with a certain number of standard interview questions, so you need to organize some strategies about how you want to respond to them. Considering there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you in addition to the abilities you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but jot down several concepts and talking points that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Pick the Right X-Ray Tech Program near Jennings LA

Choosing the ideal x-ray tech degree program is a crucial first step toward launching a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the majority of the day and move and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and provide the best possible patient care. As has been covered in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are reviewing before making your final selection. This is equally true whether you decide on an online school or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each school so you can focus your choices and make your decision. And with the proper training and your motivation to be successful, you can reach your goal to work as a radiology tech in Jennings LA.

Some Background on Jennings Louisiana

Jennings, Louisiana

Jennings is a city in and the parish seat of Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana, United States,[4] near Lake Charles. The population was 10,383 at the 2010 census, a small decline from the 2000 tabulation. The city is 68 percent white.[5]

Jennings is the principal city of the Jennings Micropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Jefferson Davis Parish. It is also part of the larger Lake Charles-Jennings Combined Statistical Area. It is also part of the large, 22-parish Acadiana region of the state, with a large Francophone population, many descended from early Acadian settlers.

The City of Jennings is also the home to musical artist Jamie Bergeron. An event called "Turn It Up Tuesdays" occurs here. At this event, different artists perform at Founder's Park on Tuesdays.

Jennings McComb, for whom the town was named, was an Irish contractor of the Southern Pacific Railroad. He built the Jennings depot on a divide peculiar to southwest Louisiana. This became the center of new development based on the railroad. The first settler was recorded as A. D. McFarlain, who came in 1881 from St. Mary Parish and opened a store. McFarlain also became the first rice grower, postmaster, brick maker, and builder in the community. Prospering with Jennings’ growth, McFarlain was considered one of the town’s prominent businessmen and civic leaders.

The Jennings area attracted numerous wheat farmers from Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and other Midwestern states. The new settlers of southwest Louisiana were referred to as "Yankees" by the natives, who were of Acadian French and African-American descent. They had settled along the waterways in the parish, which they had relied on for transportation before the railroad. They fished in the bayous. The Cajuns gave appreciable aid to the settlers in homesteading and homemaking. The people grew rice, cotton, sweet potatoes and corn.[6]