Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Georgetown ME 04548 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find an X-Ray Technician College near Georgetown Maine

Georgetown ME x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Georgetown ME so you can learn to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have chosen to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you go about picking the right college and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that most states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you may require preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the schools you are considering so that you can compare each program. Many prospective students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and often settle on the most affordable cost. But while location and cost should be taken into account, there are additional critical qualifications also. For example, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the schools you are reviewing are provided later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology technician does and the credentials and education choices that are available.

Radiology Technician Career Summary

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the same primary job description, which is to employ 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. Some elect to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They can practice in Georgetown ME hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician 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 care for their equipment and also regularly evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally required to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Georgetown ME health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Tech Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Georgetown ME The primary prerequisite for attending a radiology tech college is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, normally requires 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to complete and is more expansive in nature. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are acceptable as well. Something to keep in mind is that Georgetown ME radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may frequently be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification mandates in Maine or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an Radiologist school, based on the state where you will be practicing you may have to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their requirements vary so check with your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number provide additional options for testing as well. A number of states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. However, many Georgetown ME employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it may enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technologist Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Georgetown 04548 As a part 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 schools. So although you can still obtain your online degree, a large portion of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is typically performed in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online portion of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Georgetown ME home. Students who continue working while earning their degree usually discover that the online style of learning is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online programs are often cheaper than on-campus options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be decreased also. But just be sure that the online program you choose is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online school may be the ideal option for you.

What to Ask Radiologic Tech Schools

Once you have selected the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of finding and assessing Georgetown ME x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to decide if you want to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be important. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a material variable as well. But along with cost and location, what more should you look at when reviewing colleges? Well, you need to check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are considering.

Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? Most radiology technician colleges have received some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still important to verify 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 undergone a detailed review of their instructors and educational materials. If the program is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting organizations 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 assist in getting financial aid and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Georgetown ME health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level positions.

Are Internships Provided? Inquire if the Maine xray tech schools you are reviewing have associations with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific means to receive hands on training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist students and graduates form professional connections in the Georgetown ME health care community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the radiographer programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Georgetown ME healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the school they select will have to be within commuting distance of their Georgetown ME home. Students who have opted to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. One thing to bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Georgetown ME schools you are looking at what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with some of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program as well.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the radiographer college you finally pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Georgetown ME, make sure that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you might be asked. Among the questions that interviewers typically ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not only the private reasons you may have for becoming an Xray technician, but also what qualities and abilities you possess that make you outstanding at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, in addition to a certain number of standard interview questions, so you need to prepare several approaches about how you would like to respond to them. Given that there are numerous factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you along with the strengths you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the ideal candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but take down a few concepts and topics that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can help you to develop your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Pick the Best Radiology Tech Program near Georgetown ME

Choosing the ideal radiology technician degree program is a crucial first step toward beginning a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs frequently stand for the greater part of the workday and position and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. As has been addressed in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are looking at prior to making your final decision. This is just as true whether you opt for an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each college so you can focus your options before making your final choice. And with the right training and your dedication to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Georgetown ME.

Some Background on Georgetown Maine

Georgetown, Maine

Georgetown is a town in Sagadahoc County, Maine, United States. The population was 1,042 at the 2010 census. Home to Reid State Park, the town is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine Metropolitan Statistical Area. Located on an island accessible by car from the mainland, Georgetown includes the villages of Five Islands, Georgetown, Bay Point, Kennebec Point, Indian Point, Marrtown, West Georgetown and Robinhood. It is a popular tourist destination.

Abenaki Indians called the island Erascohegan, possibly meaning "good spear-fishing." Other interpretations of the word suggest that it meant "a watching place."[4] John Parker, a fisherman from Bedfordshire, England, purchased it in 1649 from Chief Mowhotiwormet, commonly known as Chief Robinhood, for a hogshead of rum and some pumpkins. Parker built the first permanent homestead on what eventually became known as Parker's Island.[5]

The Kennebec River valley was attacked and burned in 1676 during King Philip's War, then again in 1689 at the outset of King William's War, and was not resettled until after the 1713 Treaty of Portsmouth. The town of Newtown-on-Arrowsic was rebuilt in 1714 on the southern end of Arrowsic Island, which was incorporated in 1716 by the Massachusetts General Court as Georgetown-on-Arrowsic, named for Fort St. George. The town's boundaries were extended to encompass Parker's Island, Woolwich, Phippsburg and Bath (which included West Bath). Abandoned during Dummer's War and beleaguered during the French and Indian Wars, the region resettled slowly in the 1750s until peace was assured with the 1759 Fall of Quebec.[6]

About half of Parker's Island provided grazing land, and some residents raised livestock and produced butter and cheese. In 1858, there were two sawmills, two shingle mills, a pailmaker and a shipbuilder. But the merchant marine and fishing were the town's principal occupations. By 1841, all the other parts of Georgetown had been set off and incorporated as towns, leaving Parker's Island with sole claim to the ancient name. Situated between the mouths of the Sheepscot and Kennebec rivers on the Gulf of Maine, Georgetown developed into a summer resort, attracting a number of prominent artists. The island is a noted site for bird watching.[7]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 64.56 square miles (167.21 km2), of which, 18.58 square miles (48.12 km2) of it is land and 45.98 square miles (119.09 km2) is water.[1] Georgetown is located on an island near the mouth of the Kennebec River and Gulf of Maine, part of the Atlantic Ocean.