How to Choose an Xray Tech Degree Program near Ludington Michigan
Congrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Ludington MI so you can train to be a radiologic technologist. But now that you have decided to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle choosing the right college and program to ensure that you will receive the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that most states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you may require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering in order to compare each program. Many prospective students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and often settle on the lowest cost. But while expense and location should be taken into account, there are additional critical qualifications as well. For instance, you must find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are reviewing are provided later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology tech does and the credentials and education options that are offered.
Radiology Technician Work Summary
There are multiple professional designations 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 identical principal job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some choose to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They may practice in Ludington MI clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician 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 care for their equipment and also routinely analyze its performance and safety. They are also expected to keep complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Ludington MI health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
X-Ray Technician Degree Options
The standard requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, usually takes 18 months to two years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to complete and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable as well. One thing to keep in mind is that Ludington MI radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any certification or licensing mandates in Michigan or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification
Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, based on the state where you will be employed you might need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their prerequisites differ so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but several provide other options for testing as well. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. However, numerous Ludington MI employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it might enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Tech Schools
As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree colleges. So even though you can still obtain your degree online, a substantial amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is usually performed in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online portion of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Ludington MI home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree often find that the online approach to education is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are generally less costly than traditional alternatives. Along with lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be reduced as well. But just be sure that the online program you choose is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online degree may be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs
Once you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of looking for and evaluating Ludington MI x-ray tech schools. You will also need to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be important. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be a determining factor also. But along with cost and location, what else should you look at when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these crucial details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are assessing.
Are the Radiology Tech Colleges Accredited? The majority of radiology technician schools have obtained some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still important to make sure that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous examination of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance 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 premium education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Ludington MI health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level openings.
Are Internships Provided? Inquire if the Michigan xray technician programs you are interested in have associations with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent means to get hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help graduates and students form professional relationships in the Ludington MI health care community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the radiographer schools 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 Ludington MI healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the school they choose will have to be within travelling distance of their Ludington MI residence. Those who have opted to attend online classes obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. One thing to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit way in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Ludington MI 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 talk with some of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program as well.
Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the radiographer program you finally pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Ludington MI, confirm that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of work, illness or family obligations.
Why Did You Want to Become an X-Ray Tech?
When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's advantageous to review questions you might be asked. One of the questions that interviewers typically ask radiographer applicants is "What made you decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not only the personal reasons you may have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what characteristics and abilities you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, in addition to a significant number of general interview questions, so you need to organize a number of strategies about how you want to respond to them. Since there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the talents you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but jot down several ideas and topics that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.Enroll in the Best X-Ray Tech Program near Ludington MI
Enrolling in the right x-ray technician college is an important first step toward beginning a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs typically stand for the majority of the workday and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines designed 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. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best available care to patients. As we have discussed in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are assessing before making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you enroll in an online program or drive to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each school so you can narrow down your choices and make your final choice. And with the proper education and your dedication to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiology tech in Ludington MI.
Some Background on Ludington Michigan
Ludington, Michigan
Ludington /ˈlʌdɪŋtən/ is a city in the state of Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 8,076. It is the county seat of Mason County.[5]
Ludington is a harbor town located on Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Pere Marquette River. Many people come to Ludington year round for recreation, including boating and swimming on Lake Michigan, Hamlin Lake, and other smaller inland lakes, as well as hunting, fishing, and camping. Nearby are Ludington State Park (which includes the Big Sable Point Light), Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness, and Manistee National Forest. Ludington is also the home port of the SS Badger, a vehicle and passenger ferry with daily service in the summer across Lake Michigan to Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Watching the Badger come into port in the evening from the end of the north breakwall by the Ludington lighthouse is a favorite local pastime.
Ludington has multiple golf and disc golf courses, attracting numerous players. In summer, the city hosts quite a few large events. Examples are one of the largest Gus Macker basketball tournaments (with 35,500 spectators), the Ludington Area Jaycees Freedom Festival (July 4), the Lakestride Half Marathon in June, and the West Shore Art League's Art Fair. As a result of its many attractions (based on AAA's 2005 TripTik requests), Ludington is the fifth-most-popular tourist city in Michigan, behind Mackinaw City, Traverse City, Muskegon, and Sault Ste. Marie.[6]
In 1675, Father Jacques Marquette, French missionary and explorer, died and was laid to rest here. A memorial and large iron cross mark the location.
In 1845, Burr Caswell moved to the area near the mouth of the Pere Marquette River as a location for trapping and fishing. In July 1847, when he brought his family to live there, they became the first permanent residents of European ancestry. Two years later they built a two-story wood-framed house on their farm.[7] After the organization of Mason County in 1855, the first floor of this building was converted into the county's first courthouse. Restored in 1976 by the Mason County Historical Society, the structure stands today as a part of White Pine Village, a museum consisting of several restored and replica Mason County buildings (see external links).
More Cities of Interest in Michigan
Business Results 1 - 10 of 0
