Category Archives: Alabama

Radiology Technician Degree Programs Fultondale AL

How to Select the Best X Ray Tech Program near Fultondale Alabama

Fultondale AL doctor examining x-raySo you have made the decision to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Fultondale AL so you can train to be a radiology technician. But now that you have chosen to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you undertake picking the ideal school and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And since most states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you may need training to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering in order to compare each program. Most prospective students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and usually settle on the most affordable cost. But while expense and location should be considered, there are additional important qualifiers as well. For instance, you must ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the X-ray Tech schools you are considering are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and training choices that are offered.

X-Ray Technician Occupation Description in Fultondale AL

Fultondale AL radiologic technologist examining x-rayThere are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, each has the identical principal job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some elect to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They can practice in Fultondale AL clinics, hospitals, private 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 have to maintain their equipment and also routinely analyze its performance and safety. They are also required to retain in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

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X-Ray Tech Degrees Offered near Fultondale AL

Fultondale 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 equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, generally requires 18 months to two years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to complete and is more comprehensive in nature. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be appropriate also. One thing to consider is that radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can typically be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which many schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in Fultondale AL or their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing mandates in Alabama or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, depending on the state where you will be employed you may need to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites vary so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many provide other options for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Fultondale area employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it might enhance your career options in and around Fultondale AL to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technician Classes

Fultondale AL student attending online x-ray tech schoolAs a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree programs. So even though you can still obtain your degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is often conducted in Fultondale AL family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Fultondale residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically find that the online style of education is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are often cheaper than traditional alternatives. Along with lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting can be decreased also. But just confirm that the online college you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online degree may be the best option for you.

What to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges

Once you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of searching for and evaluating x-ray technician colleges near Fultondale AL. You will also need to decide if you want to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a determining factor as well. But along with cost and location, what more should you factor in when evaluating 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 selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? Most radiology tech colleges have received some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still crucial to verify 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). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive assessment of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Fultondale AL health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level openings.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask if the radiology technician schools you are reviewing have relationships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent way to receive practical experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help students and graduates develop professional connections in the Fultondale AL healthcare community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in Fultondale AL in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the radiographer schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Alabama healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the college they pick will have to be within driving distance of their Fultondale AL home. 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 concern. One thing to keep 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 may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally 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 Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit far in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Fultondale AL schools you are researching 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 determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the xray technician program as well.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the xray tech  college you ultimately pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Fultondale AL area, verify that they are available. 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 need to carry. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family obligations.

Radiology Technician Degree Programs Fultondale AL

x-ray machine in Fultondale AL hospitalChoosing the best x-ray technician college is a crucial first step toward launching a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs often stand for the greater part of the day and position and in some cases lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a necessity 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 Radiology Technician Degree Programs and wanting more information on the topic Accredited X-Ray Tech Schools. However, as has been covered in this report, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are assessing prior to making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you opt for an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each school so you can narrow down your options and make your final choice. And with the right training and your dedication to succeed, you can realize your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Fultondale AL.

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    Fultondale, Alabama

    This area was once known as Fulton Springs. Prior to the building of Interstate 65, US 31 was the main route for travelers northbound from Birmingham towards Nashville, Tennessee. As a result, hotels such as the Keystone Lodge and Buchmann Motor Inn prospered. On the city's southern edge was located one of the few drive-in theatres in the Birmingham area (the "Skyview"). This was torn down when I-65 was built in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The Pine Bowl bowling alley is still a long time fixture in the city.Traces of the old routing of US 31 are still noticeable in the city. From just south of the city hall to an old bridge on this city's northern side, most of this old routing is known as Stouts Road or in some cases simply "old US 31."[6]

    Fultondale was a relatively stagnant community until the last decade. Growth has occurred in residential areas mainly west of Interstate 65, while retail development has focused along and near the I-65/Walkers Chapel Road exit.

    According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 12.2 square miles (32 km2), all land. Fultondale is located along one of the many ridgelines that comprise the southern end of the Appalachian Mountain chain. The area has been thoroughly mined for coal and other minerals in the past 100 years. The city is served by two major north/south highways, Interstate 65 and US Highway 31. The new Interstate 22 encroaches on the city's western edge and on June 20, 2016, the interchange with I-65 just south of Fultondale opened. I-22 will provide direct interstate access to Memphis, Tennessee. Upon completion of Interstate 22, Fultondale will become the fourth Alabama city (after Birmingham, Montgomery, and Mobile) to be directly served by more than one two-digit interstate highway (I-65 & I-22). The only east/west thoroughfare of note is Walkers Chapel Road (west of US 31) and New Castle Road (east of US 31). Rail lines run north/south along the city's eastern edge from Boyles Yard in Tarrant to points north and east. Air travel is available from nearby Birmingham International Airport.

     

     

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