Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Kennebunk ME 04043 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find an X-Ray Technician School near Kennebunk Maine

Kennebunk ME x-ray tech internship program Congratulations on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Kennebunk ME so you can become a radiology technologist. But now that you have decided to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle selecting the ideal college and program so that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified professional? And considering that most states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you might require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering so that you can compare each program. Most students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and typically settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location should be taken into consideration, there are other significant qualifiers as well. For instance, you must find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are reviewing are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and training options that are available.

Radiology Technician Occupation Description

There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, each has the identical principal job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many elect to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They can practice in Kennebunk ME hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech may utilize 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 frequently assess its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to keep complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Kennebunk ME health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Kennebunk ME The standard requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech school is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, normally takes 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to complete and is more extensive in nature. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be appropriate also. Something to keep in mind is that Kennebunk ME radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may typically be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which many colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Maine or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might have to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites 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 approve other alternatives for testing also. A number of states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. However, numerous Kennebunk ME employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technician Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Kennebunk 04043 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 colleges. So while 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. Clinical training is usually performed in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Kennebunk ME residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree often find that the online style of learning is much more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are frequently more affordable than on-campus options. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be reduced also. But just confirm that the online program you choose is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then online classes may be the right option for you.

Topics to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges

Once you have decided on the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of finding and assessing Kennebunk ME x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to determine if you want to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be an important variable as well. But along with cost and location, what else should you consider when comparing schools? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are considering.

Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? The majority of xray technician schools have received some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to make sure that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive review of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in securing financial aid and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Kennebunk ME health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level openings.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask if the Maine xray technician schools you are assessing have associations with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great means to obtain practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help students and graduates form professional relationships in the Kennebunk ME healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the radiographer schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Kennebunk ME healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the college they pick will have to be within driving distance of their Kennebunk ME home. Students who have decided to attend online classes obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Kennebunk ME schools you are considering what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program also.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the radiographer school you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you decide to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Kennebunk ME, make certain that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Become an Xray Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to reflect on questions you may be asked. One of the questions that recruiters typically ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not just the private reasons you may have for becoming an Xray technician, but additionally what characteristics and skills you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, in addition to a significant number of standard interview questions, so you should ready several strategies about how you would like to answer them. Given that there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the talents you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the ideal candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but write down several ideas and topics that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can assist you to develop your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Select the Ideal X-Ray Technician Program near Kennebunk ME

Enrolling in the ideal x-ray technician degree program is an important first step toward initiating a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs often stand for the majority of the day and move and in some cases lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements 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. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best available patient care. As we have addressed in this report, there are a number of questions that you should ask each college you are reviewing prior to making your final decision. This is similarly true whether you opt for an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each school so you can narrow down your choices before making your final choice. And with the right training and your commitment to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiology tech in Kennebunk ME.

Some Background on Kennebunk Maine

Kennebunk, Maine

Kennebunk (/ˈkɛnɪbʌŋk/ or locally /ˈkɛniːbʌŋk/) is a town in York County, Maine, United States. The population was 10,798 at the 2010 census (The population does not include Kennebunkport, a separate town). Kennebunk is home to several beaches, the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, the 1799 Kennebunk Inn, many historic shipbuilders' homes, the Brick Store Museum and the Nature Conservancy Kennebunk Plains (known locally as the Blueberry Plains), with 1,500 acres (6 km²) of nature trails and blueberry fields.

First settled in 1621, the town developed as a trading and, later, shipbuilding and shipping center with light manufacturing. It was part of the town of Wells until 1820, when it incorporated as a separate town. "Kennebunk, the only village in the world so named," was featured on a large locally famous sign attached to the Kesslen Shoe Mill on Route One. To the Abenaki Indians, Kennebunk meant "the long cut bank," presumably the long bank behind Kennebunk Beach. Kennebunk's coastline is divided into three major sections. Mother's Beach, Middle Beach or Rocky Beach, and Gooch's Beach or Long Beach. Separate from Kennebunk Beach is secluded Parson's Beach, a quiet alternative to the summer crowds. Note there is some local controversy regarding the "Mother's Beach" moniker, (nickname). According to many local residents, the smaller of the three main beaches - at the intersection of Beach Ave and Ridge Ave - is officially Kennebunk Beach or, alternatively, Boothby Beach. The term Boothby beach was from the mid-1730s when a Mabel Littlefield married Richard Boothby and settled on land near what came to be known as Boothby Beach.The information about the Boothbys was taken from "Old News From Southern Maine" article on Mable and Richard Boothby, by Sharon Cummins. Many natives today may not remember it being called Boothby Beach and over the years the beach came to be known as Kennebunk Beach or Mothers Beach. Older residents also recall the name Dipsy Bath Beach, a reference to the baths once located there. The term Mother's Beach didn't come into widespread use until the mid '80s; Although other native residents will dispute that date and say they remember it being called "Mothers Beach" as far back as the late 1950s. The name likely evolved due to its small size and generally calmer water, due to the rocks under and above the ocean, thus making it a natural made harbor of refuge that is safer for swimming and which makes it popular with mothers keeping a watchful eye on their progeny, (children). The name is clearly descriptive rather than official, in spite of the recent installation of road signs pointing the way to "Mother's Beach".[5] Contradicting the above beach naming is the Town's website listing "Permits are valid for Gooch’s Beach, Kennebunk Beach (Middle Beach) and Mother’s Beach."[6] Additionally without public parking access both Libbys and Crescent beaches are in Kennebunk between Parson's beach and Mother's beach.

In the 19th Century and early 20th Century many industrial concerns were attracted to Mousam River at Kennebunk to provide motive force for their mills. Among the firms to do business there were the Kennebunk Manufacturing Company, the Mousam Manufacturing Company, the Leatheroid Company and the Rogers Fibre Company.

The town is a popular summer tourist destination. Kennebunk contains fine examples of early architecture, the most noted of which is the Wedding Cake House, a Federal-style dwelling extensively decorated with scroll saw Gothic trim. This was added to the house for his wife of many years by George Washington Bourne late in his life, and not as legend has it by a ship captain for a young bride lost at sea. Local economy is tourism based. The headquarters for the natural health-care product manufacturer Tom's of Maine is located in Kennebunk. The town's archives are located at the local history and art center, the Brick Store Museum, on Main Street. Many residents commute to Portland, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.[7]

The Lafayette Elm was a tree which was planted to commemorate General Lafayette's 1825 visit to Kennebunk. It became famous for its age, size, and survival of the Dutch elm disease that destroyed the hundreds of the other elms that once lined Kennebunk's streets. The elm is featured on the town seal. The restored Kesslen Shoe Mill has been renamed the Lafayette Center. Kennebunk is home to two of the state's oldest banks—Ocean Bank (1854) and Kennebunk Savings Bank (1871). Only Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution (1827) and Bangor Savings Bank (1852) are older. Summer Street was Maine's first Historic District that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[8]