Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Antigo WI 54409 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Pick a Radiologic Technician Program near Antigo Wisconsin

Antigo WI x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Antigo WI in order to learn to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have made a decision to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you set about choosing the right school and program so that you will obtain the proper training to become a skilled professional? And considering that most states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you might require training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you research each of the colleges you are looking at in order to compare each program. A number of students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location must be considered, there are additional critical qualifiers also. For instance, you should find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the schools you are examining are provided later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray technician does and the degrees and training options that are offered.

Radiology Tech Job Summary

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, each has the identical primary job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some choose to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, such as mammography. They can work in Antigo WI clinics, hospitals, private 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 must maintain their equipment and also regularly assess its performance and safety. They are also expected to keep detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Antigo WI medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Technician Degrees

x-ray machine in Antigo WI The basic requirement for attending a radiology tech program 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 prevalent among technicians, generally takes 18 months to two years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to complete and is more expansive in scope. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be acceptable as well. Something to consider is that Antigo WI radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can often be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which many schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Wisconsin or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiographer Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, depending on the state where you will be practicing you may need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements vary so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but several provide other options for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, many Antigo WI employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it might enhance 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 other year, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technologist Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Antigo 54409 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree schools. So although you can still obtain your online degree, a significant portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is often conducted in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online segment of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Antigo WI residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree often find that the online approach to learning is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently less costly than traditional alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be lessened also. But just make certain that the online college you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online degree may be the best option for you.

Points to Ask Radiology Tech Colleges

Once you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of finding and assessing Antigo WI x-ray technician schools. You will also need to decide if you want to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenses will be an important factor also. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you look at when reviewing schools? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are looking at.

Are the X-Ray Tech Programs Accredited? Most xray technician schools have obtained some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still crucial to confirm that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed review of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online 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 assist in getting financial aid and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Antigo WI health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level positions.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out if the Wisconsin xray tech colleges you are assessing have relationships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great manner to get practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Antigo WI health care community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the radiographer programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Antigo WI healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For many students, the college they choose will have to be within driving distance of their Antigo WI home. Individuals who have chosen to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly 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.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit way in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Antigo WI colleges you are researching what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to speak with some of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program also.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the radiographer program you finally choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Antigo WI, make sure that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Want to Become a Radiologic Technologist?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to review questions you could be asked. Among the things that hiring managers often ask radiographer candidates is "What made you decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not just the private reasons you may have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what attributes and skills you possess that make you good at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, as well as a significant number of standard interview questions, so you need to organize some approaches about how you want to respond to them. Considering there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you as well as the strengths you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but write down some ideas and anecdotes that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Select the Ideal Radiology Tech School near Antigo WI

Choosing the ideal radiology tech degree program is an important first step toward initiating a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs frequently stand for the majority of the day and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and provide the best available care to patients. As we have covered in this report, there are a number of questions that you should ask each program you are considering before making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you participate in an online program or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can focus your options before making your final choice. And with the proper education and your commitment to succeed, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Antigo WI.

Some Background on Antigo Wisconsin

Antigo, Wisconsin

Antigo (/ˈæntɪˌɡoʊ/ AN-ti-goh)[4] is a city in and the county seat of Langlade County, Wisconsin, United States.[5] The population was 8,234 at the 2010 census. Antigo is the center of a farming and lumbering district, and its manufactures consist principally of lumber, chairs, furniture, sashes, doors and blinds, hubs and spokes, and other wood products.

The name "Antigo" comes from the Chippewa Indian name for the river that flows through the area, "Nequi-Antigo-sebi" meaning "spring river" or "evergreen."[6]

The city was founded in 1876[7][8] by Francis A. Deleglise,[9][10] accompanied by George Eckart.[11] The log cabin in which Deleglise lived is preserved and on display at the Langlade County Historical Society Museum.[12] A street in Antigo also bears his name. The city gained its charter in 1883.

In the early part of the 1900s, Antigo was best known for its sawmills. At the turn of the millennium, the city's economy had a balance of industry and agriculture. High on the list are potatoes, dairy products, fur, shoes, fertilizer, steel, and aluminum products, along with the lumber and wood product industries established in the earlier years.[13]

On April 24, 2016, a former Antigo High School student shot two students with a rifle during prom, wounding both. As he approached the school with a large ammunition magazine, a police officer already on the scene shot him. He later died at a Wausau hospital.[14][15]