How to Select the Best X-Ray Tech School near Owasso Oklahoma
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Owasso OK so you can become a radiology technician. But now that you have made a decision to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you set about selecting the right college and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And because the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you might require preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you investigate each of the X-ray technician schools you are looking at so that you can compare each program. Most potential students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and often settle on the lowest cost. But while expense and location need to be taken into consideration, there are additional significant qualifications also. For example, you should ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you must ask the X-ray Tech schools you are considering are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and training choices that are offered.
Radiology Tech Career Summary in Owasso OK
There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, they all have the identical primary job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many opt to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They may practice in Owasso OK clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist might utilize include:
- Traditional and specialized X-Rays
- Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Sonography or ultrasound
- Fluoroscopy
Radiographers must take care of their equipment plus regularly evaluate its performance and safety. They are also required to retain complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As medical 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 Tech Degree Options near Owasso OK
The basic requirement for attending a radiology tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, normally requires 18 months to two years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to complete and is more expansive in scope. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be appropriate also. One thing to consider is that radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may often be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which many schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in Owasso OK or their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Oklahoma or the state you will be working as applicable.
X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification
When you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, depending on the state where you will be employed you might need to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their requirements differ so check with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but many accept other options for testing also. Several states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. However, many Owasso area employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might increase your career options in and around Owasso OK to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Tech Schools
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 colleges. So while you can still earn your degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is usually performed in Owasso OK hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online section of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Owasso residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually discover that the online style of education is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are generally less expensive than on-campus options. In addition to reduced tuition, costs for study materials and commuting may be lessened also. But just make sure that the online program you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online school may be the ideal choice for you.
Points to Ask Radiology Tech Programs
When you have chosen the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can start the process of locating and evaluating x-ray technician colleges near Owasso OK. You will also have to decide if you want to attend online classes or travel to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a determining variable also. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you factor in when reviewing colleges? Well, you should check out if the schools 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 colleges you are considering.
Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? Most radiology tech colleges have acquired some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still crucial to verify that the program and school 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 earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous examination of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations 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 getting financial assistance 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 many Owasso OK health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level openings.
Are Internships Sponsored? Ask if the radiology tech colleges you are reviewing have partnerships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent way to obtain practical experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can help graduates and students develop professional connections in the Owasso OK medical community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in Owasso OK in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Oklahoma healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they choose will need to be within driving distance of their Owasso OK home. Students who have chosen to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. Something to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps 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 typically charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit far in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Owasso OK colleges you are researching what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.
Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the xray tech school you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in the Owasso OK area, make sure that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family obligations.
Radiology Technician Universities Owasso OK
Selecting the appropriate x-ray tech college is an important first step toward initiating 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 get the proper image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing social 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 Radiology Technician Universities and wanting more information on the topic Where to Find Online X Ray Technician Courses. However, as has been addressed in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are looking at prior to making your final selection. This is just as true whether you participate in an online program or commute to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each program so you can narrow down your choices and make your decision. And with the right training and your commitment to succeed, you can realize your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Owasso OK.
Other Oklahoma Diagnostic Locations
Owasso, Oklahoma
Owasso is a city in Rogers and Tulsa Counties in the U.S. state of Oklahoma, and a northern suburb of Tulsa. The population was 28,915 at the 2010 census.[4] Originally settled in 1881 in Indian Territory, the town incorporated in 1904 just prior to Oklahoma statehood and was chartered as a city in 1972.
Owasso began as a settlement in 1881, located in the Cooweescoowee District of the Cherokee Nation in Indian Territory, near what is now 66th Street North and North 129th East Avenue. It was called Elm Creek, and was named for Elm Creek, a tributary of Bird Creek. The first settler was H.T. (Tole) Richardson. In June 1893, plans began for a rail line to be extended south from Bartlesville to the cattle ranches in the vicinity of Bird Creek. At that time, already several residences, a blacksmith shop, and a general store were in the Elm Creek settlement. Preston Ballard, owner of the general store, established a post office in the general store on February 10, 1898, and was appointed the first postmaster. The Joseph T. Barnes family moved to the settlement in 1897. Joseph and Luther Barnes bought the blacksmith shop in 1898.[5] The first gas station was open in 1902 by Donovan Ranta.
In 1897, the Kansas, Oklahoma Central & Southwestern Railway Company acquired right-of-way about 3 miles (4.8 km) northwest of the Elm Creek settlement, dammed a natural spring to form a lake as a water supply for the rail line, and built a depot about a mile south of the lake. The depot was torn down in 1942. Late in 1898, Joseph and Luther Barnes moved their blacksmith shop to the new community. The shop became a temporary home for the Joseph Barnes family. It was the first residence officially moved to the new depot community. During 1898, many of the residents and businesses moved from the Elm Creek settlement to the new community. Preston Ballard moved his post office and general store during that time. The new community became known as Elm Creek, since the post office retained its name.
Business Results 1 - 10 of 5
1 Reviews 
4 Reviews 
19 Reviews 
2 Reviews 