How to Select an Xray Tech School near Mequon Wisconsin
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Mequon WI so you can learn to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have made a decision to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about picking the ideal college and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And since the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you might need training to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you research each of the colleges you are considering in order to compare each program. A number of potential students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and typically settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location should be taken into consideration, there are additional critical qualifiers as well. For instance, you must ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are considering are provided later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray technician does and the degrees and education options that are available.
Radiology Tech Career Summary
There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the identical primary job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many choose to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They may work in Mequon WI clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist 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 care for their equipment and also regularly evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally required to retain detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Mequon WI health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
Radiology Tech Degree Options
The standard requirement for attending an x-ray tech college is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, generally requires 18 months to two years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to complete and is more expansive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are acceptable as well. One thing to bear in mind is that Mequon WI radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may often be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which many schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing mandates in Wisconsin or the state you will be working as applicable.
Radiographer Certification and Licensing
After you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, based on the state where you will be working you may have to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their criteria differ 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 offer additional alternatives for testing also. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, many Mequon WI employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it could increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Technician Degrees
As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree colleges. So while you can still obtain your degree online, a significant amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is usually performed in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online section of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Mequon WI home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online approach to learning is much more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are frequently more affordable than traditional alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials may be lessened also. But just confirm that the online college 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 school may be the best option for you.
Points to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges
After you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of finding and evaluating Mequon WI x-ray technician schools. You will also need to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be an important variable also. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you look at when reviewing schools? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are looking at.
Are the Radiology Technician Colleges Accredited? A large number of xray technician schools have acquired some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still imperative to verify that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed evaluation of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance 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 help in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Mequon WI health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level positions.
Are Internships Provided? Find out if the Wisconsin radiology technician programs you are interested in have partnerships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific way to receive practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist graduates and students establish professional connections in the Mequon WI medical community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Mequon WI healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For many students, the school they pick will need to be within commuting distance of their Mequon WI residence. Those who have opted to attend classes online obviously 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 college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Mequon WI schools you are considering what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with a few of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program also.
Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the radiographer college you ultimately pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Mequon WI, make sure that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family obligations.
Why Did You Decide to Be an X-Ray Tech?
When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to consider questions you could be asked. Among the questions that interviewers often ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not only the private reasons you might have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but also what attributes and talents you possess that make you good at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, in addition to a certain number of general interview questions, so you should prepare several approaches about how you would like to respond to them. Considering there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but take down some ideas and talking points that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.Enroll in the Best X-Ray Technician Program near Mequon WI
Selecting the best radiology technician degree program is a crucial first step toward launching a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs frequently stand for the greater part of the working day and position and in some cases lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to follow 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 doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and provide the best available patient care. As has been discussed in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each program you are reviewing before making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you enroll in an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each school so you can narrow down your options and make your final choice. And with the appropriate education and your motivation to succeed, you can reach your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Mequon WI.
Some Background on Mequon Wisconsin
Mequon, Wisconsin
Mequon (/ˈmɛkwɒn/ MEK-won) is a city in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 23,132 at the 2010 census.
The area was originally inhabited by Native Americans; by the early 19th century, the Potawatomi occupied land west of the Milwaukee River, while the Menominee lived between the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan.[6] European trappers, explorers and traders used the Milwaukee River through the middle of what is now Mequon as a means of transportation. The name "Mequon" is thought to have come from the Native-American word "Emikwaan" or "Miguan," meaning ladle, referring to the shape of the river in the area.[7] The spelling was probably influenced by the French in the area at the time.
Between 1834 and 1836, a surveyor named Brink, along with his assistant Mr. Follett, surveyed the land to create the Town of Mequon.[6] Around this time, settlers came from New York and England, soon followed by German and Irish immigrants. In 1839, a group of immigrants from Saxony settled near the Milwaukee River. In the same year, twenty families from Pomerania founded Freistadt (German: Free city) in the western part of the Town of Mequon. The first Lutheran church in Wisconsin was built by these families in 1840.
John Weston served as the first postmaster of the Town of Mequon, having settled in present-day Thiensville in 1837. He later sold his holdings to John Henry Thien. Thien, a wealthy immigrant from Saxony, had traveled north from Milwaukee and settled along the Milwaukee River, where his family built a dam and grist mill. Thien hosted the first town meeting for the Town of Mequon in 1846.[6] The area around his estate, one square mile in the middle of the Town of Mequon, was later incorporated as the village of Thiensville in 1910. The Town of Mequon was incorporated as a city in 1957.[8]
Mequon is located at 43°13′27″N 87°57′36″W / 43.22417°N 87.96000°W / 43.22417; -87.96000 (43.224243, −87.960094), about 15 miles (24 km) north of Milwaukee,[9] lying along the western shore of Lake Michigan.[10] It is part of the Milwaukee metropolitan area. Though much of the population lives in residential areas, approximately half of the land within the city's boundaries is undeveloped or farmed.[10]
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