Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Marshfield WI 54404 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Pick an Xray Tech Degree Program near Marshfield Wisconsin

Marshfield WI x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Marshfield WI in order to become a radiology technician. And now that you have chosen to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about selecting the right school and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you may require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the schools you are considering in order to evaluate each program. A number of prospective students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and usually gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location need to be taken into consideration, there are additional significant qualifiers as well. For example, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are reviewing are provided later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and education options that are available.

Radiology Tech Work Summary

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the same major job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They can work in Marshfield WI clinics, hospitals, 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 must care for their equipment and also frequently assess its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to retain in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Marshfield WI medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Marshfield WI The basic requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech school is to have received a high school diploma or GED. 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 technicians, normally requires 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to complete and is more expansive in nature. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are appropriate also. One thing to consider is that Marshfield WI radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can frequently be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Wisconsin or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, based on the state where you will be practicing you may have to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria vary so check with 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 a number provide other alternatives for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, numerous Marshfield WI employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Tech Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Marshfield 54404 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree programs. So while you can still obtain your online degree, a large amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is often carried out in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Marshfield WI home. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually discover that the online style of learning is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are often less expensive than traditional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting can be decreased also. But just confirm that the online school you pick is accredited (more on the advantages 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 ideal option for you.

Points to Ask X Ray Tech Programs

Once you have chosen the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of locating and assessing Marshfield WI x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or travel to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be critical. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a determining factor as well. But along with cost and location, what else should you factor in when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are looking at.

Are the X-Ray Tech Schools Accredited? The majority of xray technician colleges have obtained some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still imperative to verify 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). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive assessment of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Marshfield WI employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Ask if the Wisconsin radiology technician colleges you are interested in have associations with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific means to receive practical experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist students and graduates establish professional connections in the Marshfield WI healthcare community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the radiographer schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Marshfield WI healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the school they decide on will need to be within travelling distance of their Marshfield WI home. Those who have opted to attend online classes obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to consider is that if you choose 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 commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind 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. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Marshfield WI colleges you are looking at what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to converse with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program as well.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the radiographer program you ultimately select can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you decide to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Marshfield WI, make certain that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Radiology Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to reflect on questions you might be asked. Among the things that recruiters typically ask radiographer applicants is "What made you choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not merely the personal reasons you may have for being a radiology technician, but additionally what attributes and skills you possess that make you outstanding at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, in addition to a significant number of standard interview questions, so you must ready some approaches about how you would like to address them. Given that there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the strengths you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but write down several ideas and talking points that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can help you to formulate your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.

Select the Ideal X-Ray Tech College near Marshfield WI

Enrolling in the ideal x-ray tech college is an important first step toward initiating a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the majority of the working day and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. As has been addressed in this report, there are a number of questions that you should ask each college you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you participate in an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each program so you can focus your choices before making your decision. And with the appropriate education and your commitment to be successful, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Marshfield WI.

Some Background on Marshfield Wisconsin

Marshfield, Wisconsin

Marshfield is a city in Wood County and Marathon County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. It is located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 10, Highway 13 and Highway 97. The largest city in Wood County, its population was 19,118 at the 2010 census.[6] Of this, 18,218 were in Wood County, and 900 were in Marathon County. The city is part of the United States Census Bureau's Marshfield-Wisconsin Rapids Micropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Wood County (2010 population: 74,749). The portion of the city in Marathon County is part of the Wausau Metropolitan Statistical Area.

In 1851 and 1853, when the area was still forested, surveyors working for the U.S. government marked all the section corners in the 6 by 6 miles (9.7 by 9.7 km) square which now includes Marshfield, Hewitt, and Cameron, working on foot with compass and chain.[7][8] When done, the deputy surveyor filed this general description:

Marshfield was settled much later than many surrounding towns. DuBay started his trading post 40 miles (64 km) east on the Wisconsin River around 1818.[10] A sawmill was built at Nekoosa in 1832.[11] A sawmill was built at Neillsville around 1847.[12] The first building at Marshfield came in 1872.[13] The city was named for John Marshfield, one of the original owners of land in the area.[14]

In 1872 the Wisconsin Central Railway was building the leg of its line from Stevens Point through the forest to what would become Colby, heading north for Lake Superior. The railway needed a supply depot between those two towns, and Marshfield was about midway. At the railroad's request, Louis Rivers, his wife and child, and his brother Frank came to the area and started cutting an opening in the forest. They built a two-room log hotel at what is now the corner of Depot and Chestnut streets, with bunks in the west room and tables, benches, bar and store in the east room. That crude building between the stumps was the first permanent structure in Marshfield.[13]

The first industry was a stave and spoke factory located near the railroad.[15] In 1878 William H. Upham, a "Yankee" migrant of English descent from Massachusetts and later governor of Wisconsin,[16] built a sawmill near the railway, with a millpond. By 1885 he had added a general store, a planing mill, a furniture factory and a flour and feed mill. Other businesses started, too: an alcohol factory, hotels, saloons, stores, newspapers, blacksmith, and a milliner. There were also churches and schools. The city was incorporated in 1883. By 1885 the population exceeded 2,000, ranging from the Uphams in their fine Italianate homes to laborers living in shacks along the railroad.[13]