How to Select the Best Radiologic Tech Course near Slidell Louisiana
So you have made the decision to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Slidell LA in order to learn to be a radiology technician. But now that you have chosen to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you undertake selecting the ideal college and program to ensure that you will receive the proper training to become a skilled professional? And considering that most states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you may require training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you research each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering so that you can compare each program. A number of potential students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and usually gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while location and cost must be taken into consideration, there are other important qualifications also. For instance, you need to find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you must 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 credentials and training options that are available.
X-Ray Technician Career Description in Slidell LA
There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the same major job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some choose to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for instance mammography. They can work in Slidell LA hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may utilize 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 frequently assess its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to keep complete records of all 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 near Slidell LA
The standard requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech school is to have received 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 common among techs, usually takes 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to finish and is more comprehensive in scope. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are acceptable also. One thing to bear in mind is that radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which many colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in Slidell LA or their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any certification or licensing mandates in Louisiana or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing
After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, depending on the state where you will be practicing you may have to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria differ so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but several accept additional options for testing also. Some states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, many Slidell area employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it could increase your career options in and around Slidell LA 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 2 years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Technologist Degrees
As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree programs. So although you can still earn your degree online, a significant portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is often performed in Slidell LA family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online portion of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Slidell home. Students who keep working while earning their degree often find that the online approach to education is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online schools are often more affordable than on-campus options. In addition to lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting may be lessened as well. But just make sure that the online college you choose is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then online classes may be the right choice for you.
What to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs
When you have selected the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can initiate the process of searching for and evaluating x-ray tech schools near Slidell LA. You will also need to determine if you want to attend online classes or drive to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a determining factor as well. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you factor in when reviewing schools? Well, you need to check out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are looking at.
Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? Most radiology technician schools have earned some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still important to make sure that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous 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 distance or online education. 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 assist in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Slidell LA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level openings.
Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Inquire if the radiology technician programs you are interested in have relationships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific means to get hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may help students and graduates establish professional connections in the Slidell LA healthcare community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in Slidell LA in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Louisiana healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? For many students, the college they select will have to be within commuting distance of their Slidell LA residence. Those who have opted to attend online classes obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. One thing to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit way in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a smaller class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Slidell LA schools you are researching what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program as well.
Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the radiographer college you ultimately pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in the Slidell LA area, make sure that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family obligations.
Best Radiology Technician Schools Slidell LA
Picking the appropriate radiology technician school is an important first step toward starting a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs often stand for the majority of the workday and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray 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 good work environment and furnish the best available patient care. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Best Radiology Technician Schools and wanting more information on the topic X Ray Technician Universities. However, as we have discussed in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are reviewing before making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each school so you can narrow down your choices before making your decision. And with the proper training and your motivation to be successful, you can reach your goal to work as a radiology tech in Slidell LA.
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Slidell, Louisiana
Slidell /slaɪˈdɛl/ is a city on the northeast shore of Lake Pontchartrain in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 27,068 at the 2010 census.[3] Greater Slidell has a population of about 90,000.[4] It is part of the New Orleans−Metairie−Kenner Metropolitan Statistical Area.
One of the earlier settlers to the area was Foster Willie. Along with a younger brother, Wesley Coke Asbury Gause, Judge Wingate, and several others, he left Shallotte, North Carolina, on February 18, and arrived at Pearlington, Mississippi, on April 14, 1836. Wesley and his family remained there, while John and family crossed the Pearl River and built a log cabin on the west bank, a little further south. He then began a lumber mill in the fledgling town later known as Slidell. His traveling back and forth from lumber yard to home created a road known today as Gause Boulevard, a major east/west street in the town. The lumber yard was where Gause Boulevard crosses the railroad track. The log cabin was built at the east end of the road, just a few yards from the river. The house stood until the late 1990s, and a small family burial plot still remains where John is buried between his two wives, Lydia Russ and Johanna Frederica VanHeemskerk.
Slidell was founded on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain in 1882 and 1883 during construction of the New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad (N.O.N.E.).[5][6] The N.O.N.E. line connected New Orleans to Meridian, Mississippi. The town was named in honor of American politician and Confederate ambassador to France John Slidell, father-in-law of real estate developer Baron Frederic Emile d'Erlanger, and officially chartered by the Louisiana State Legislature in 1888.[5]
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