How to Pick the Best X-Ray Tech Degree Program near Livingston Alabama
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Livingston AL in order to train to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have decided to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you tackle choosing the right school and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And since the majority of states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you may need preparation to pass a licensing test. 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 students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location need to be considered, there are other important qualifiers as well. For instance, you should ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the X-ray Tech schools you are considering are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray technician does and the degrees and training options that are offered.
X-Ray Technician Job Description in Livingston AL
There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the identical fundamental job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some choose to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for instance mammography. They can practice in Livingston AL hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician 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 routinely analyze its performance and safety. They are also required to keep complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
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X-Ray Technician Degrees Available near Livingston AL
The standard requirement for attending a radiology tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, generally takes 18 months to two years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to finish and is more comprehensive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be appropriate as well. Something to consider is that radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in Livingston AL or their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Alabama or the state you will be working as applicable.
X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing
After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, based on the state where you will be working you may have to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their requirements vary so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but a number approve additional alternatives for testing also. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. However, many Livingston area employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could enhance your career options in and around Livingston AL to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous 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 Tech Colleges
As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree programs. So although you can still earn your degree online, a large amount of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is often performed in Livingston AL family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online portion of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Livingston home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree often find that the online approach to education is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are frequently cheaper than conventional alternatives. Along with lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be decreased also. But just make certain that the online school you select is accredited (more on the benefits 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 choice for you.
Points to Ask Radiology Tech Programs
After you have selected the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of looking for and evaluating x-ray tech schools near Livingston 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 obviously the location of the college will be critical. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a material variable also. But along with location and cost, what else should you factor in when comparing colleges? Well, you need to find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are assessing.
Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? The majority of xray technician schools have earned some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still important to confirm that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed evaluation of their teachers and course materials. If the college is online it can also earn 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. In addition to ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also assist 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 certification and licensing as required. And a number of Livingston AL employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level openings.
Are Internships Sponsored? Inquire if the radiology tech schools you are interested in have partnerships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific means to receive practical experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist students and graduates develop professional connections in the Livingston AL healthcare community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in Livingston 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 success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Alabama healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? For many students, the college they pick will need to be within commuting distance of their Livingston AL residence. Students who have decided 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. Something to keep 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 have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit far in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Livingston AL colleges you are reviewing what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer 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 instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the xray technician program also.
Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the xray tech program you ultimately select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Livingston AL area, verify 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 have to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family obligations.
Radiation Tech Degree Livingston AL
Choosing the best radiology tech college is an important first step toward starting a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal 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 proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best possible care to patients. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Radiation Tech Degree and wanting more information on the topic Where to Find Online Radiology Tech Programs. However, as we have covered in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate selection. This is just as true whether you decide on an online program or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can narrow down your options before making your decision. And with the proper training and your motivation to be successful, you can realize your goal to work as a radiographer in Livingston AL.
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Livingston, Alabama
Livingston is a city in Sumter County, Alabama, United States. By an act of the state legislature, it was incorporated on January 10, 1835.[3] At the 2010 census the population was 3,485, up from 3,297 in 2000. The city is the county seat of Sumter County,[4] and the home of the University of West Alabama. It was named in honor of Edward Livingston, of the Livingston family of New York.[5]
As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 3,485 people residing in the city. 63.8% were African American, 34.4% White, 0.1% Native American, 0.3% Asian, <0.1% Pacific Islander and 0.6% of two more races. 0.7% were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
As of the census[9] of 2000, there were 3,297 people, 1,368 households, and 731 families residing in the city. The population density was 463.1 people per square mile (178.8/km²). There were 1,586 housing units at an average density of 222.8 per square mile (86.0/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 60.78% Black or African American, 37.82% White or Caucasian, 0.18% Asian, 0.15% Native American, 0.30% from other races, and 0.76% from two or more races. 1.43% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
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