How to Choose a Radiologic Technician Degree Program near Bar Harbor Maine
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Bar Harbor ME so you can train to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have chosen to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you set about picking the ideal school and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And because most states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you might need training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you assess each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can compare each program. A number of students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location must be considered, there are other significant qualifications also. For instance, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are evaluating are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and training choices that are offered.
X-Ray Tech Occupation Description
There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, each has the identical principal job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They can practice in Bar Harbor ME clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist may 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 frequently evaluate its functionality and safety. They are additionally required to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Bar Harbor ME medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
X-Ray Tech Degrees Available
The primary prerequisite for attending a radiology tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, normally requires 18 months to two years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to complete and is more expansive in nature. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be appropriate also. One thing to consider is that Bar Harbor ME radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can typically be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which many schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Maine or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification
When you have graduated from an Radiologist program, based on the state where you will be working you may have to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria differ so check with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but several approve other alternatives for testing as well. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. However, numerous Bar Harbor ME employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.
Online Radiology Technologist Schools
As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree programs. So although you can still obtain your online degree, a substantial portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is often carried out in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online segment of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Bar Harbor ME home. Students who continue working while earning their degree often find that the online approach to learning is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online programs are generally more affordable than conventional options. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting can be lessened also. But just be sure that the online college you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then online classes may be the right option for you.
What to Ask Radiographer Colleges
After you have chosen the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of finding and evaluating Bar Harbor ME x-ray tech schools. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be important. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be a material variable also. But along with location and cost, what else should you factor in when reviewing schools? Well, you need to find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are reviewing.
Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? A large number of xray technician schools have obtained some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still crucial 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 earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive examination of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Bar Harbor ME health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level jobs.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Inquire if the Maine radiology technician schools you are evaluating have associations with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great means to obtain practical experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist graduates and students establish professional connections in the Bar Harbor ME healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the radiographer programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Bar Harbor ME healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the college they pick will need to be within commuting distance of their Bar Harbor ME home. Individuals who have opted to attend classes online obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Large 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 likely want a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Bar Harbor ME schools you are reviewing what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program also.
Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the x-ray tech school you finally choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Bar Harbor ME, make certain that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family obligations.
Why Did You Choose to Be an Xray Technician?
When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to review questions you might be asked. One of the questions that interviewers often ask radiographer prospects is "What compelled you to decide on radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not just the personal reasons you might have for being an Xray technician, but also what qualities and skills you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, along with a significant number of general interview questions, so you need to organize some ideas about how you would like to respond to them. Since there are numerous factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the strengths you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but take down several ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.Pick the Right X-Ray Tech College near Bar Harbor ME
Selecting the ideal x-ray tech degree program is an important first step toward beginning a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the greater part of the working day and position and in some cases lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate 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 technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best available patient care. As has been covered in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each program you are considering before making your final selection. This is just as true whether you opt for an online program or drive to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can focus your choices before making your final choice. And with the proper education and your dedication to be successful, you can realize your goal to practice as a radiographer in Bar Harbor ME.
Some Background on Bar Harbor Maine
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor is a town on Mount Desert Island in Hancock County, Maine, United States. As of the 2010 census, its population is 5,235. Bar Harbor is a popular tourist destination in the Down East region of Maine and home to the College of the Atlantic, Jackson Laboratory, and MDI Biological Laboratory (Salisbury Cove village). Prior to a catastrophic 1947 fire, the town was a famous summer colony for the super-affluent elite. Bar Harbor is home to the largest parts of Acadia National Park, including Cadillac Mountain, the highest point within twenty-five miles (40 km) of the coastline of the Eastern United States.[4] The town is served by the Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport, which has flights on Cape Air and PenAir to Boston, as well as seasonal flights to Newark and Portland, ME on Elite Airways.
The town of Bar Harbor was founded on the northeast shore of Mount Desert Island, which the Wabanaki Indians knew as Pemetic, meaning "range of mountains" or "mountains seen at a distance." The Wabanaki seasonally fished, hunted and gathered berries, clams, and other shellfish in the area. They spoke of Bar Harbor as Man-es-ayd'ik ("clam-gathering place") or Ah-bays'auk ("clambake place"), leaving great piles of shells as evidence of this abundance. In early September 1604, French explorer Samuel de Champlain ran aground on a rock ledge believed to be just off Otter Cliffs, and when he came ashore to repair his boat he met local natives. Champlain named the island Isles des Monts Deserts, meaning "island of barren mountains"—now called Mount Desert Island, the largest in Maine.[5]
The community was first settled by Europeans in 1763 by Israel Higgins and John Thomas and incorporated on February 23, 1796 as Eden, after Sir Richard Eden, an English statesman. Early industries included fishing, lumbering and shipbuilding. With the best soil on Mount Desert Island, it also developed agriculture. In the 1840s, its rugged maritime scenery attracted the Hudson River School and Luminism artists Thomas Cole, Frederic Edwin Church, William Hart and Fitz Henry Lane. Inspired by their paintings, journalists, sportsmen and "rusticators" followed. Agamont House, the first hotel in Eden, was established in 1855 by Tobias Roberts. Birch Point, the first summer estate, was built in 1868 by Alpheus Hardy.
By 1880, there were 30 hotels, including the Mira Monte Inn, a historic landmark that would later survive a massive fire, in 1947. Tourists were arriving by train and ferry to the Gilded Age resort that would rival Newport, Rhode Island. The rich and famous tried to outdo each other with entertaining and estates, often hiring landscape gardener and landscape architect Beatrix Farrand, a resident at local Reef Point Estate, to design their gardens. A glimpse of their lifestyles was available from the Shore Path, a walkway skirting waterfront lawns. Yachting, garden parties at the Pot & Kettle Club, and carriage rides up Cadillac Mountain were popular diversions. Others enjoyed horse-racing at Robin Hood Park-Morrell Park. President William Howard Taft played golf in 1910 at the Kebo Valley Golf Club. On March 3, 1918, Eden was renamed Bar Harbor, after the sand and gravel bar, visible at low tide, which leads across to Bar Island and forms the rear of the harbor. The name would become synonymous with elite wealth. It was the birthplace of vice-president Nelson Rockefeller on July 8, 1908.
Bar Harbor was also used for naval practices during World War II. More specifically, Bald Porcupine Island was used to fire live torpedoes. In October 1944, the submarine USS Piper fired 12 live torpedoes at the island. Of the 12 fired, one failed to explode on the first attempt but was later detonated by the 12th torpedo.[6] In 1996, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers surveyed all 30 acres of Bald Porcupine Island for unexploded ordnance. Nine were found.[7]
More Cities of Interest in Maine
Business Results 1 - 10 of 0
