How to Select an X-Ray Technician College near Washburn Maine
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Washburn ME so you can train to be a radiology technician. But now that you have decided to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you go about choosing the right school and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And since the majority of states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you may need training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you research each of the schools you are considering in order to compare each program. Most potential students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and typically gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location need to be taken into consideration, there are additional important qualifications also. For example, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the colleges you are examining are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and training choices that are available.
X-Ray Technician Job Description
There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have the identical principal 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 elect to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They may practice in Washburn ME clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist might 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 routinely assess its functionality and safety. They are also required to retain in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Washburn ME health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
X-Ray Technician Degree Options
The standard prerequisite for attending a radiology tech school is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, generally takes 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to finish and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are appropriate also. Something to keep in mind is that Washburn ME radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may typically be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which many colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Maine or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing
After you have graduated from an Radiologist school, based on the state where you will be working you may have to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their criteria vary so check with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but several accept other alternatives for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, numerous Washburn ME employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it may improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Technician Colleges
As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree schools. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a significant amount of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is often carried out in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online section of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Washburn ME residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually discover that the online approach to learning is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are frequently less costly than traditional options. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be reduced also. But just make certain 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 structured style of training, then an online degree may be the ideal choice for you.
Points to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs
Once you have chosen the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of looking for and evaluating Washburn ME x-ray technician schools. You will also need to determine if you want to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be critical. The price of tuition and secondary expenses will be a material factor also. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you factor in when evaluating schools? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details before you make your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are considering.
Are the X-Ray Tech Programs Accredited? Most xray tech schools have earned some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still imperative to make sure 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 receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous evaluation of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Washburn ME employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level positions.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask if the Maine xray tech schools you are reviewing have partnerships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great way to receive practical training 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 can help graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Washburn ME health care community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are interviewing 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 good relationships with Washburn ME healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the school they choose will need to be within commuting distance of their Washburn ME residence. Individuals who have opted to attend classes online obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that likes to sit far in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Washburn ME colleges you are considering what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on 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 opinions regarding the x-ray technician program as well.
Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the x-ray tech college you ultimately choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Washburn ME, confirm that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Why Did You Decide to Be an X-Ray Tech?
When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to review questions you might be asked. Among the questions that interviewers typically ask radiographer candidates is "What drove you to decide on radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not just the private reasons you may have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but additionally what characteristics and abilities you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, along with a certain number of standard interview questions, so you need to organize a number of ideas about how you would like to answer them. Given that there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you in addition to the abilities you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but write down some concepts and talking points that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.Pick the Right X-Ray Technician College near Washburn ME
Selecting the right x-ray technician college is a critical first step toward launching a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs typically stand for the majority of the workday and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements designed 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 necessity in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best available care to patients. As we have addressed in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are reviewing before making your ultimate decision. This is equally true whether you opt for an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each school so you can narrow down your options and make your decision. And with the appropriate training and your motivation to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiology tech in Washburn ME.
Some Background on Washburn Maine
Washburn Guitars
Washburn Guitars is an American manufacturer and importer of guitars, mandolins, and other string instruments. The original company was established in 1883 in Chicago, Illinois. The modern Washburn is a division of US Music Corp., in turn now owned by JAM Industries USA.
Lyon & Healy began in 1864 as a partnership of businessmen George W. Lyon and Patrick J. Healy, acting as the Chicago outlet for Boston sheet music publisher Oliver Ditson and Company. By 1865, Lyon & Healy had expanded into reed organs and some small instruments. The company achieved independence by 1880, and around 1888 the company launched fully into fretted and plucked instruments (guitars, mandolins, banjos, and zithers)[1] under the "Washburn" brand, which happened to be Lyon's middle name.[2]
Tracing the history of any particular instrument of this period presents many obstacles. Not only did the Lyon & Healy company often change designs to follow the rapidly evolving consumer demand, but the company also repaired instruments, and offered engraving services, including decorating instruments that it retailed but did not actually manufacture. As well, they built instruments for other retailers and distributors under various house brands, and outsourced construction of some models.
In 1912, Washburn introduced the Lakeside Jumbo guitar, which some consider the first dreadnought-sized guitar.[3] It bridged the gap between smaller-bodied "parlor" guitars of the late 19th and early 20th century and modern-day dreadnought and jumbo acoustic guitars.
George Lyon retired from the company in 1889 (died 1894). Patrick Healy then led the company into a period of major expansion, beginning with a larger new factory and improved mass-production techniques, and soon dominated the domestic market.[4] Their 1892 catalog claimed to manufacture 100,000 instruments annually. Healy died 1905.
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