How to Select a Radiologic Tech School near Greenville Maine
Congratulations regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Greenville ME so you can train to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have decided to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you set about choosing the ideal college and program so that you will get the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And since most states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you may need preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you assess each of the colleges you are considering in order to compare each program. A number of students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and typically gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while location and cost should be taken into account, there are other important qualifiers also. For example, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are considering are provided later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology technician does and the credentials and training choices that are available.
Radiology Technician Job Description
There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the identical primary job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many opt to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They can work in Greenville ME hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist might utilize 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 routinely evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally required to retain detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Greenville ME medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
X-Ray Tech Degree Options
The basic requirement for attending an x-ray tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, usually takes 18 months to two years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to finish and is more expansive in scope. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be appropriate also. Something to bear in mind is that Greenville ME radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. After you have graduated from any 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.
Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing
When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might need to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so contact your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many accept other options for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Greenville ME employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it might increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Technologist 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 the same for online degree programs. So although you can still obtain your online degree, a significant portion of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is usually performed in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online segment of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Greenville ME residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually find that the online style of education is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are often less costly than conventional options. Along with reduced tuition, costs for study materials and commuting can be lessened as well. But just be sure that the online program you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online degree may be the right option for you.
What to Ask Radiology Tech Programs
When you have chosen the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of looking for and evaluating Greenville ME x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to determine if you want to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the college will be important. The price of tuition and secondary expenses will be a determining factor as well. But along with location and cost, what more should you consider when comparing colleges? 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 crucial details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are assessing.
Are the Radiology Tech Programs Accredited? A large number of radiology tech schools have received some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still important to make sure that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous examination of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Greenville ME employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level positions.
Are Internships Offered? Ask if the Maine radiology technician colleges you are interested in have associations with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent manner to receive practical training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Greenville ME health care community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Greenville ME healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the college they select will need to be within driving distance of their Greenville ME residence. 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 area internships will be of importance. Something to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically 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 Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit far in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Greenville ME schools you are reviewing what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.
Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the radiographer college you finally choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Greenville ME, confirm 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 carry. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family obligations.
Why Did You Want to Become a Radiologic Technologist?
When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to reflect on questions you could be asked. Among the things that recruiters often ask radiographer prospects is "What made you select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not merely the private reasons you may have for being an X-Ray tech, but additionally what characteristics and abilities you possess that make you good at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, in addition to a certain number of routine interview questions, so you need to prepare a number of ideas about how you want to answer them. Because there are several factors that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you as well as the abilities you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down a few ideas and anecdotes that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can help you to develop your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.Enroll in the Ideal X-Ray Technician Program near Greenville ME
Selecting the ideal x-ray technician degree program is a crucial first step toward launching a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs typically stand for the majority of the day and position and at times lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best available patient care. As we have covered in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are looking at prior to making your final selection. This is just as true whether you enroll in an online school or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each school so you can narrow down your options before making your final choice. And with the appropriate education and your commitment to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as a radiographer in Greenville ME.
Some Background on Greenville Maine
Greenville, Maine
Greenville is a town in Piscataquis County, Maine, United States. The population was 1,646 at the 2010 census. The town is centered on the lower end of Moosehead Lake, the largest body of fresh water in the state. Greenville is the historic gateway to the north country and a center for outdoor recreation in the area. Greenville High School, with 89 students, was ranked as the third best high school in Maine and one of the top 1,000 in the US in 2010.[4]
First called T9 R10 NWP (or Township 9, Range 10, North of the Waldo Patent), the land was granted about 1812 by the Massachusetts General Court to Thornton Academy in Saco. In 1824, Nathaniel Haskell of Westbrook bought the Thornton Academy Grant. With Oliver Young and John Smith, he began clearing trees that summer for farming near Wilson Pond, where the Wilson Stream would provide water power for mills.[5]
In 1827, Haskell completed a house, and his family joined him. A sawmill was built on Wilson Stream in 1829, with a gristmill added the following year. In 1835, Henry Gower began clearing land beside Moosehead Lake for what would develop into Greenville village. There he erected the first hotel, a two-story building called The Seboomook House, and the first store. On February 6, 1836, Greenville was incorporated from Haskell Plantation, and named for its green forests. By 1846, Greenville village included two houses, two blacksmith shops and a schoolhouse. On August 10, 1848, the town annexed land from Wilson, the remainder of which was distributed to Shirley and Elliotsville.[5]
A small steamboat was launched in 1836 to tow logs, and in 1838 the first large lake steamer began operation. In later years, a succession of steamers by the name of Katahdin plied the waters. The current S/S Katahdin was built in 1914. In July 1884, the Bangor and Piscataquis Railroad (later, the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad) arrived at Greenville Junction. The Canadian Pacific Railway's subsidiary the International Railway of Maine was built through the village in 1888. Tourists were attracted by the region's scenic beauty, hunting and fishing.[6] Consequently, several inns and hotels were built, including the Piscataquis Exchange Hotel, the Squaw Mountain Inn and the Moosehead Inn. Steamboat service was available across Moosehead Lake to the grand Mount Kineo House on a peninsula at Mount Kineo. Today, Greenville remains a popular resort area.[7]
Moosehead Lake from Indian Hill c. 1875
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