X Ray Programs Near Me Dothan AL

How to Find the Right Radiologic Tech Degree Program near Dothan Alabama

Dothan AL doctor examining x-raySo you have made the decision to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Dothan AL in order to learn to be a radiologic technologist. But now that you have made a decision to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you tackle picking the ideal college and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And because the majority of states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you might need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you assess each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering in order to evaluate each program. A number of potential students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and frequently gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while cost and location need to be taken into account, there are other significant qualifications also. For instance, you must ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you should ask the X-ray Tech schools you are evaluating are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and education options that are available.

X-Ray Technician Job Description in Dothan AL

Dothan AL radiologic technologist examining x-rayThere are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have the identical major job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some opt to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, such as mammography. They may practice in Dothan AL clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech might utilize include:

  • Traditional and specialized X-Rays
  • Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Sonography or ultrasound
  • Fluoroscopy

Radiographers must take care of their equipment plus regularly analyze its functionality and safety. They are also expected to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

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Radiology Tech Degrees Available near Dothan AL

Dothan AL x-ray tech school internship programThe basic prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, generally requires 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to finish and is more extensive in nature. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be appropriate as well. One thing to bear in mind is that radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can often be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which many schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in Dothan AL or their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any licensing or certification mandates in Alabama or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an Radiologist program, based on the state where you will be practicing you may have to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their requirements vary so contact your state. At present, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but many provide additional options for testing also. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Dothan area employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it could enhance your career options in and around Dothan AL to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technologist Classes

Dothan AL student attending online x-ray tech schoolAs a component of every 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 fulfilled either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is often carried out in Dothan AL hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online portion of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Dothan home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online approach to education is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online programs are often more affordable than conventional alternatives. Along with lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be reduced as well. But just make certain that the online program you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits 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 best choice for you.

Points to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges

Once you have decided on the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of locating and evaluating x-ray tech colleges near Dothan AL. You will also have to decide if you want to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the college will be critical. The price of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a determining factor also. But along with location and cost, what else should you look at when reviewing colleges? Well, you need to ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Tech Programs Accredited? A large number of xray technician schools 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 respected 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 undergone an extensive review of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it might also earn 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. In addition to guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Dothan AL employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out if the radiology technician colleges you are reviewing have associations with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great way to receive hands on training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help students and graduates develop professional relationships in the Dothan AL medical community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in Dothan AL in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Alabama healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For many students, the college they choose will need to be within travelling distance of their Dothan AL residence. Students who have chosen to attend online classes obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. One thing to bear 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 might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit way in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely prefer a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Dothan AL schools you are researching 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 final determination. This will also give you a chance to converse with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the xray tech program also.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the xray tech  program you finally choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Dothan AL area, check that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.

X Ray Programs Near Me Dothan AL

x-ray machine in Dothan AL hospitalEnrolling in the ideal radiology tech college is a crucial first step toward launching a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs typically stand for the majority of the working day and move and in some cases lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best possible patient care. You originally came to this website due to an interest in X Ray Programs Near Me and wanting more information on the topic How to Become a Radiologic Technologist. However, as we have addressed in this report, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are assessing prior to making your final selection. This is equally true whether you opt for an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each college so you can focus your choices and make your final choice. And with the right training and your commitment to be successful, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Dothan AL.

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    Dothan, Alabama

    Dothan /ˈdoʊθən/ is a city in Dale, Henry, and Houston counties in the U.S. state of Alabama. It is the county seat of Houston County and the seventh largest city in Alabama, with a population of 65,496 at the 2010 census.[2] It is near the state's southeastern corner, approximately 20 miles (32 km) west of the Georgia state line and 16 miles (26 km) north of Florida. It is named after the biblical city, the place where Joseph's brothers threw him into a cistern and sold him into slavery in Egypt.[4]

    Dothan is the principal city of the Dothan, Alabama metropolitan area, which encompasses all of Geneva, Henry, and Houston counties; the small portion in Dale County is part of the Ozark Micropolitan Statistical Area. The combined population of the entire Dothan metropolitan area in 2010 was 145,639.[5] The city serves as the main transportation and commercial hub for a significant part of southeastern Alabama, southwest Georgia, and nearby portions of the Florida Panhandle. Since approximately one-fourth of the U.S. peanut crop is produced nearby, much of it processed in the city, Dothan is known as "The Peanut Capital of the World". It also hosts the annual National Peanut Festival at the dedicated "Peanut Festival Fairgrounds".[6]

    The area that is now Dothan was inhabited for thousands of years by successive cultures of indigenous peoples. In historic times it was occupied by the Alabama and Creek Native American tribes who were hunters and gatherers in the vast forests of pine that covered this region. These tribes had developed complex cultures, and often used to meet and camp for trading near a large spring at the crossroads of two trails.

     

     

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