How to Choose the Right X Ray Tech Program near Leeds Alabama
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Leeds AL in order to become a radiology technician. And now that you have decided to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you set about choosing the right school and program so that you will receive the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you may need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you research 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 colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and frequently gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while cost and location need to be considered, there are additional critical qualifiers as well. For example, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the X-ray Tech schools you are reviewing are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiology tech does and the credentials and training options that are offered.
Radiology Tech Occupation Description in Leeds AL
There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, each has the identical primary job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many opt to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They can practice in Leeds AL hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist may utilize include:
- Traditional and specialized X-Rays
- Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Sonography or ultrasound
- Fluoroscopy
Radiographers have to take care of their equipment plus routinely assess its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to retain in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
Click Here For Free Information on X-Ray Tech Schools Near You!
X-Ray Technician Degrees Offered near Leeds AL
The standard requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. 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 takes 18 months to two years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to complete and is more comprehensive in nature. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable as well. Something to keep in mind is that radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can typically be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which many schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in Leeds AL or their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Alabama or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing
After you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, based on the state where you will be employed you might have to be 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 recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many accept other options for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, many Leeds area employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may increase your career options in and around Leeds AL to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online Radiology Tech Colleges
As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree colleges. So although you can still earn your degree online, a significant portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is often carried out in Leeds AL hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Leeds home. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually find that the online approach to education is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are often less costly than conventional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting can be reduced also. But just make certain that the online program 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 school may be the best choice for you.
What to Ask Radiographer Programs
After you have chosen the type of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of finding and evaluating x-ray technician colleges near Leeds AL. You will also have to decide if you want to attend classes online or drive to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the college will be critical. The price of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be an important factor also. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you factor in when comparing colleges? Well, you should ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details before you make your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are considering.
Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? The majority of radiology technician colleges have obtained some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to make sure that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly regarded 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 gone through a detailed assessment of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Leeds AL employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level jobs.
Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out if the xray tech schools you are reviewing have partnerships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific way to get practical training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can help graduates and students form professional relationships in the Leeds AL medical community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in Leeds AL in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the x-ray tech 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 Alabama healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the College Located? For many students, the college they select will have to be within driving distance of their Leeds AL residence. Students who have chosen to attend classes online obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or even 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 normally charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit far in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Leeds AL schools you are reviewing what the average student to teacher 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 an opportunity to talk with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the xray technician program also.
Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the radiographer college you finally choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Leeds AL area, check that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Colleges That Have Radiology Technician Leeds AL
Enrolling in the ideal radiology tech degree program is a crucial first step toward beginning a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs typically stand for the majority of the workday and move and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best available care to patients. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Colleges That Have Radiology Technician and wanting more information on the topic Where to Find Online X Ray Tech Schools. However, as has been discussed in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each program you are considering prior to making your final selection. This is equally true whether you decide on an online school or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each school so you can focus your options before making your final choice. And with the appropriate education and your motivation to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Leeds AL.
Other Alabama Diagnostic Locations
Leeds, Alabama
Leeds is a tri-county municipality located in Jefferson, St. Clair, and Shelby counties in the State of Alabama and is an eastern suburb of Birmingham. As of the 2010 census, the population of the city was 11,773.
The War of 1812, geography, geology, and three cultures shaped the history of Leeds. Lying at the crossroads of ancient Native-American paths in the center of Alabama, Leeds drew European and African-American settlers to a land of fertile growing seasons and rich sources of coal and mineral ore. The early settlers built churches and schools with many remaining in Cedar Grove, Oak Ridge, Ohanafeefee and Mt. Pleasant. The principal survey of Leeds was entered into Jefferson County Map Book 10, page 21, in 1908. The settlement, dating to 1818 and incorporating on April 27, 1887[4] as "Leeds", has existed along the banks of the Little Cahaba River; beside an historic stagecoach route; and along two large railroads for the greater part of American History.[5]
James Hamilton, a Scottish-Irish American veteran of the War of 1812 and first sheriff of Shelby County, settled in Cedar Grove in 1816. John Richard Ingram Pashal Stewart, a Cherokee English teacher and American veteran of the War of 1812, settled at Ohanafeefee Village c.1840. At Oak Ridge in 1820 or 1821, European settlers formed Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church, the first CPC congregation in middle Alabama. By 1887, the original railroad pioneers included free African-American settlers who came to work at the Leeds cement plant and the Central of Georgia as the Georgia Pacific railroads. Some gravitated to historic Mt. Pleasant Church where a handful of freed slaves had founded Scott City, Hillard Holley, Ciscero Davis, Jeff Harris, and Bill Johnson started Leeds Negro/Primary School in 1921.[5]
Business Results 1 - 10 of 2
22 Reviews 
41 Reviews 