Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Calais ME 04619 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find a Radiologic Technician School near Calais Maine

Calais ME x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Calais ME in order to train to be a radiologic technician. And now that you have decided to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you undertake choosing the ideal college and program so that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you might need training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you research each of the schools you are looking at in order to compare each program. A number of prospective students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and frequently gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while location and cost must be taken into account, there are additional critical qualifiers also. For instance, you must ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are considering are provided later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiology tech does and the degrees and education options that are available.

Radiology Technician Occupation Description

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the same major job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They may work in Calais ME hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may 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 and regularly evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also required to keep in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Calais ME health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Calais ME The standard prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech school is to have earned 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 common among techs, 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 4 years to finish and is more comprehensive in scope. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are acceptable also. One thing to bear in mind is that Calais ME radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can typically be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which many colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing mandates in Maine or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, based on the state where you will be employed you may need to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their requirements vary so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but a number offer additional alternatives for testing also. Several states also require certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Calais 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 approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technician Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Calais 04619 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree programs. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a large amount of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is often performed in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Calais ME home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online approach to education is far more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online programs are often more affordable than traditional alternatives. Along with lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials can be reduced as well. But just confirm that the online school you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online school may be the best option for you.

Questions to Ask Radiology Tech Programs

When you have decided on the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of looking for and evaluating Calais ME x-ray technician schools. You will also have to determine if you want to attend classes online or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be important. The price of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a determining factor as well. But along with cost and location, what else should you consider when comparing schools? Well, you should check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details before you make your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Technician Colleges Accredited? Most radiology technician schools have obtained some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still imperative to confirm that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous review of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also help in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Calais ME employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask if the Maine radiology technician schools you are reviewing have partnerships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great means to obtain hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help students and graduates establish professional connections in the Calais ME medical community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult 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 a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Calais ME healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the school they select will need to be within driving distance of their Calais ME home. Those who have decided to attend online classes obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps 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 don’t reside within their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit way in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Calais ME schools you are looking at what the typical teacher to student 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 talk with several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program as well.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the radiographer program you finally choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Calais ME, verify that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option 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 may miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Be an Xray Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to review questions you may be asked. One of the things that interviewers often ask radiographer applicants is "What made you choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not only the personal reasons you might have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but also what qualities and talents you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will likely be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, in addition to a significant number of standard interview questions, so you must ready some approaches about how you want to answer them. Given that there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the ideal candidate for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but take down some concepts and anecdotes that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.

Select the Best X-Ray Technician School near Calais ME

Picking the appropriate x-ray technician degree program is an important first step toward beginning a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the greater part of the day and position and at times lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray 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 good work environment and furnish the best available patient care. As has been discussed in this report, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each college you are looking at prior to making your ultimate selection. This is just as true whether you decide on an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each program so you can narrow down your choices and make your decision. And with the right education and your commitment to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Calais ME.

Some Background on Calais Maine

Calais, Maine

Calais /ˈkælɪs/ ( listen) is a city in Washington County, Maine, United States. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 3,123, making Calais the third least-populous city in Maine (after Hallowell and Eastport).[4] The city has three Canada–US border crossings (also known as ports of entry) over the St. Croix River connecting to St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada.

Calais has been a city of commerce and is recognized as the primary shopping center of eastern Washington County and of Charlotte County, New Brunswick. Retail, service, and construction businesses are the primary components of the Calais economy.

This area was occupied for thousands of years by indigenous peoples. The historic Passamaquoddy, an Algonquian-speaking people of the Wabanaki Confederacy, was predominant in this area at the time of European encounter and settlement.

The St. Croix River and its area were first explored by the French Samuel de Champlain when he and his men spent a winter on St. Croix Island in 1604. The first permanent settler was Daniel Hill of Jonesboro, who arrived in 1779 during the American Revolutionary War, when this was still part of Massachusetts. With other settlers, he built the first sawmill in 1782. On June 27, 1789, the Massachusetts General Court sold the township to Waterman Thomas for 19¢ an acre (approx. $2.30 an acre in 2006 dollars). Early occupations in the settlement included farming, hunting and ship building.[5]

On June 16, 1809, Plantation Number 5 PS was incorporated as Calais after Calais, France, in honor of French assistance during the American Revolution. The river provided the mill town with water power for industry, which included sawmills, clapboard and shingle mills, two planing mills, a saw factory, two axe factories and four grain mills. There were foundries, machine shops, granite works, shoe factories and a tannery. Other businesses produced bricks, bedsteads, brooms, carriages and plaster.[6]