How to Choose the Right X-Ray Tech Program near Marshfield Wisconsin
So you have made the decision to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Marshfield WI in order to become a radiologic technician. And now that you have chosen to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you tackle picking the right college and program so that you will get the proper training to become a qualified professional? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you may require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you assess each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering in order to evaluate each program. Most prospective students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and typically gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location must be taken into account, there are additional important qualifications also. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. 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 radiology tech does and the degrees and education options that are offered.
X-Ray Tech Work Summary in Marshfield WI
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. Irrespective of the name, they all have the identical fundamental job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many choose to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for example mammography. They may practice in Marshfield WI 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 maintain their equipment and also regularly evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also expected to keep in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
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Radiology Tech Degrees near Marshfield WI
The basic requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech program is to have earned 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 typical among technicians, generally requires 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to complete and is more expansive in nature. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be appropriate also. Something to keep in mind is that radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in Marshfield WI or their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any licensing or certification mandates in Wisconsin or the state you will be working as applicable.
Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification
Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, based on the state where you will be practicing you might have to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so check with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but a number approve additional options for testing as well. Some states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, numerous Marshfield area employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could enhance your career options in and around Marshfield WI to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Tech Colleges
As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree schools. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a significant amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is usually provided in Marshfield WI family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online segment of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Marshfield home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree often discover that the online style of learning is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are frequently less expensive than on-campus alternatives. Along with lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting can be lessened also. But just make sure that the online college you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then online classes may be the best option for you.
Questions to Ask Radiographer Schools
As soon as you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of looking for and evaluating x-ray tech colleges near Marshfield WI. You will also need to decide if you want to attend online classes or drive to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a determining factor as well. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you factor in when comparing schools? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship 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 need to ask the programs you are considering.
Are the Radiology Technician Schools Accredited? Most radiology tech colleges have earned some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still crucial to confirm that the program and school 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 rigorous review of their teachers and educational materials. If the college is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Marshfield WI employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level positions.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Inquire if the radiology tech programs you are evaluating have relationships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great means to obtain hands on training in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist students and graduates form professional connections in the Marshfield WI health care community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in Marshfield WI in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Wisconsin healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they choose will have to be within driving distance of their Marshfield WI home. Those who have chosen to attend online classes obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit far in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Marshfield WI colleges you are researching 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 a chance to converse with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the xray technician program as well.
Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the xray tech college you finally choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Marshfield WI area, make sure that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family obligations.
Guide to Accelerated Radiology Tech Programs Marshfield WI
Selecting the right radiology technician college is a crucial first step toward beginning a fulfilling new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the greater part of the working day and move and in some cases lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best available care to patients. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Guide to Accelerated Radiology Tech Programs and wanting more information on the topic Radiology Technician Major. However, as has been covered in this report, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each program you are assessing prior to making your final decision. This is similarly true whether you opt for an online program or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each program so you can focus your choices and make your decision. And with the right education and your commitment to be successful, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Marshfield WI.
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Marshfield, Wisconsin
Marshfield is a city in Wood County and Marathon County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. It is located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 10, Highway 13 and Highway 97. The largest city in Wood County, its population was 19,118 at the 2010 census.[6] Of this, 18,218 were in Wood County, and 900 were in Marathon County. The city is part of the United States Census Bureau's Marshfield-Wisconsin Rapids Micropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Wood County (2010 population: 74,749). The portion of the city in Marathon County is part of the Wausau Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Marshfield is home to the Marshfield Clinic, a large healthcare system that serves much of Central, Northern, and Western Wisconsin.[7][8] In 2010, Marshfield was ranked 5th in a list of "The Best Small Cities to Raise a Family" compiled by Forbes magazine.[9]
In 1851 and 1853, when the area was still forested, surveyors working for the U.S. government marked all the section corners in the 6 by 6 miles (9.7 by 9.7 km) square which now includes Marshfield, Hewitt, and Cameron, working on foot with compass and chain.[10][11] When done, the deputy surveyor filed this general description:
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