How to Find the Right Radiology Technician Degree Program near Troy Alabama
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Troy AL in order to become a radiology technologist. And now that you have chosen to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you undertake choosing the right school and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And since the majority of states do require that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you might need training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering so that you can compare each program. A number of prospective students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and often settle on the most affordable cost. But while location and cost need to be considered, there are additional important qualifications as well. For example, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you should ask the X-ray Tech schools you are evaluating are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic technician does and the degrees and training options that are available.
X-Ray Tech Job Summary in Troy AL
There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. 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 might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many elect to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They can practice in Troy AL hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist may 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 required to keep complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
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Radiology Tech Degrees Offered near Troy AL
The standard prerequisite for attending a radiology tech college is to have attained 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 typical among techs, usually requires 18 months to two years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to finish and is more comprehensive in scope. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable also. One thing to keep in mind is that radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can frequently be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which many colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in Troy AL or their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification requirements in Alabama or the state you will be working as applicable.
X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing
After you have graduated from an Radiologist school, based on the state where you will be working you may have to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria differ so contact your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but many offer other alternatives for testing also. A number of states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, many Troy area employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may enhance your career options in and around Troy AL to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Tech Degrees
As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree schools. So although you can still earn your degree online, a considerable portion of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is usually conducted in Troy AL hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online section of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Troy home. Students who continue working while earning their degree often discover that the online style of learning is far more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online programs are often more affordable than traditional options. Along with lower tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be decreased also. But just make sure that the online school you choose is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online degree may be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Radiology Tech Programs
When you have decided on the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of locating and evaluating x-ray technician colleges near Troy AL. You will also have to determine if you want to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be an important factor also. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you consider when comparing colleges? Well, you need to find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are considering.
Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? A large number of xray tech schools have received some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still important to make sure that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed evaluation of their instructors and educational materials. If the program is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged 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 acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Troy AL health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level openings.
Are Internships Offered? Find out if the radiology tech colleges you are evaluating have relationships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific way to receive hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help students and graduates establish professional connections in the Troy AL health care community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in Troy AL in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the radiographer programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Alabama healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? For many students, the college they pick will have to be within travelling distance of their Troy AL home. Students 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 importance. One thing to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally 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 prefers to sit way in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Troy AL colleges you are reviewing what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the xray technician program also.
Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the radiographer program you ultimately select can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Troy AL area, confirm that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Where to Find Accredited X Ray Tech Schools Troy AL
Enrolling in the ideal radiology tech school is a crucial first step toward beginning a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs frequently stand for the majority of the workday and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray 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 furnish the best possible patient care. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Where to Find Accredited X Ray Tech Schools and wanting more information on the topic Free Info on Online X Ray Technician Schools. However, as has been addressed in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are assessing before making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you opt for an online school or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each college so you can narrow down your options before making your final choice. And with the proper training and your dedication to be successful, you can realize your goal to work as a radiology tech in Troy AL.
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Troy, Alabama
Between the years of 1763 and 1783, the area where Troy sits was part of the colony of British West Florida.[6] After 1783 the region fell under the jurisdiction of the newly created United States of America.
As of the 2010 census, the population was 18,033. The 2018 estimated population was 19,126.[3] The City of Troy is considered one of the fastest growing cities in Alabama.[7] Troy is a college town and is home to Troy University, the fourth-largest university in total enrollment in the state of Alabama.
For many centuries, the area in and around Troy was settled by different tribes of Native Americans, but became primarily known for its Muskogee Creek presence. Most Creek tribes lived along rivers or streams at that time. Near the Troy area, many Native Americans settled around the Conecuh River and the Pea River.
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