How to Enroll in the Right Xray Technician Course near Auburn Hills Michigan
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Auburn Hills MI in order to become a radiology technologist. But now that you have chosen to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you undertake picking the right college and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And because most states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you might need training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you research each of the X-ray technician schools you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Many students begin by looking 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 cost and location should be considered, there are other critical qualifiers also. For example, you need to find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the X-ray Tech schools you are considering are provided later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology technician does and the degrees and education choices that are offered.
Radiology Technician Job Description in Auburn Hills MI
There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, they all have 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 provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some elect to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They may work in Auburn Hills MI clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech 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 maintain their equipment and routinely assess its functionality and safety. They are also expected to keep in-depth records of each 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 Tech Degree Options near Auburn Hills MI
The basic prerequisite for attending a radiology tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, normally takes 18 months to two years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to complete and is more extensive in nature. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are acceptable as well. One thing to bear in mind is that radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may frequently be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in Auburn Hills MI or their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing mandates in Michigan or the state you will be working as applicable.
Radiographer Licensing and Certification
Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, based on the state where you will be practicing you might have to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria vary so get in touch with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many accept other alternatives for testing as well. Some states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Auburn Hills area employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it could enhance your career options in and around Auburn Hills MI to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Technician Programs
As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree programs. So while you can still obtain your online degree, a substantial portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is usually performed in Auburn Hills MI family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Auburn Hills residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree usually find that the online approach to learning is much more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are often less costly than conventional options. In addition to reduced tuition, costs for commuting and study materials may be reduced also. But just make certain that the online school you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then online classes may be the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask X Ray Tech Schools
Once you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of finding and evaluating x-ray tech schools near Auburn Hills MI. You will also need to determine if you want to attend classes online or travel to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be important. The price of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a material variable also. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you consider when reviewing colleges? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these important details before you make your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are considering.
Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? Most radiology technician colleges have received some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still important to confirm that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting agencies 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 review of their teachers and educational materials. If the program is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Auburn Hills MI health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level openings.
Are Internship Programs Offered? Inquire if the radiology tech programs you are reviewing have associations with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent manner to get practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Auburn Hills MI health care community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in Auburn Hills MI in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the radiographer programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Michigan healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the college they choose will have to be within driving distance of their Auburn Hills MI home. Students who have chosen to attend classes online naturally 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 school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might 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 for those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit far in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Auburn Hills MI colleges you are looking at what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the xray tech program also.
Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the xray tech school you finally choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in the Auburn Hills MI area, make certain that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss due to work, illness or family obligations.
Best Colleges For Radiology Technician Auburn Hills MI
Choosing the right x-ray tech degree program is an important first step toward initiating a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the majority of the workday and position and at times lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology 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 available patient care. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Best Colleges For Radiology Technician and wanting more information on the topic Accredited Radiologic Technologist Programs. However, as we have covered in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are reviewing before making your ultimate decision. This is equally true whether you opt for an online program or commute to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each program so you can narrow down your options before making your decision. And with the right education and your dedication to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to work as a X-ray tech in Auburn Hills MI.
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Auburn Hills, Michigan
Auburn Hills (formerly Pontiac Township) is a city in Oakland County, in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 21,412 at the 2010 census.[9] It is home to the U.S. headquarters of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, The Palace of Auburn Hills (former home of the Detroit Pistons and several other teams), and Oakland University.
In 1908, automobile pioneer John Dodge bought a farmhouse 3 miles (4.8 km) northeast of Auburn Heights to use as his country retreat. His oldest child, Winifred Dodge, married real estate baron Wesson Seyburn, who built his own country retreat 2.5 miles (4.0 km) north of Auburn Heights. The estate included hunting land, dog kennels, a swimming pool, horse stables, and a 5,000-square-foot (460 m2) Colonial Revival house. Pontiac Township purchased the estate in 1976, and adapted the buildings for government use. Today, it is known as the Auburn Hills Civic Center.
The first use of the name "Auburn Hills," in 1964, was by Oakland Community College. They named their campus (a former Nike missile base) at Featherstone and Squirrel roads for the town and the hilly terrain in the area. Besides Oakland Community College, three other colleges, Oakland University, Baker College, and Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School have campuses partially within the city limits.
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