Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Kittery Point ME 03905

How to Select a Radiology Tech College near Kittery Point Maine

Kittery Point ME x-ray tech internship program Best wishes regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Kittery Point ME in order to become a radiology technologist. And now that you have decided to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you tackle picking the right college and program to ensure that you will receive the proper training to become a qualified professional? And since most states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you may require training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering in order to compare each program. A number of prospective students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and frequently gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while location and cost should be taken into account, there are other important qualifications as well. For example, you must find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are reviewing are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray technician does and the degrees and training choices that are available.

Radiology Tech Occupation Summary

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, each has the same fundamental job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some choose to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for example mammography. They can practice in Kittery Point ME hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech might 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 routinely evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also required to keep complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Kittery Point ME medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Tech Degrees

x-ray machine in Kittery Point ME The primary prerequisite for attending a radiology tech program is to have attained 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 depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to complete and is more expansive in nature. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be acceptable as well. Something to bear in mind is that Kittery Point ME radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may typically be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which many schools offer through local clinics and hospitals 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

Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, based on the state where you will be working you may have to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so contact your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but a number approve additional options for testing also. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. However, many Kittery Point ME employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it might enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technologist Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Kittery Point 03905 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree colleges. So even though you can still obtain your online degree, a considerable portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is typically carried out in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Kittery Point ME residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually discover that the online approach to learning is much more practical with their active schedules. Plus online programs are generally less costly than on-campus options. Along with lower tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be decreased also. But just make certain that the online college you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then online classes may be the best option for you.

What to Ask Radiographer Colleges

As soon as you have chosen the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of finding and assessing Kittery Point ME x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or travel to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be an important variable also. But along with cost and location, what more should you factor in when comparing schools? Well, you need to check out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these crucial details before you make your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Tech Programs Accredited? A large number of xray technician colleges have received some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still imperative to make sure that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive review of their instructors and educational materials. If the college 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 recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also help in getting financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Kittery Point ME employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level openings.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask if the Maine xray technician colleges you are interested in have relationships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent manner to receive hands on training in a clinical environment, they are also a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help students and graduates establish professional connections in the Kittery Point ME health care community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Kittery Point ME healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the college they choose will have to be within commuting distance of their Kittery Point ME residence. Those who have chosen to attend online classes naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or even 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 normally charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that prefers to sit far in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Kittery Point ME schools you are considering what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program as well.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the radiographer program you ultimately select can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Kittery Point ME, verify that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Become a Radiologic Technologist?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to reflect on questions you could be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What made you choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not only the personal reasons you may have for becoming an Xray technician, but also what qualities and talents you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, along with a significant number of routine interview questions, so you must prepare several ideas about how you would like to answer them. Given that there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the abilities you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but jot down a few concepts and topics that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can assist you to develop your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Enroll in the Right Radiology Tech College near Kittery Point ME

Selecting the ideal x-ray tech school is a critical first step toward starting a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs often stand for the majority of the workday and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe 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. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and furnish the best available care to patients. As has been covered in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are assessing prior to making your final selection. This is similarly true whether you decide on an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each program so you can focus your choices before making your final choice. And with the proper training and your commitment to be successful, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Kittery Point ME.

Some Background on Kittery Point Maine

Kittery Point, Maine

Kittery Point is a census-designated place (CDP) in the town of Kittery, York County, Maine, United States. First settled in 1623, Kittery Point traces its history to the first seafarers who colonized the shore of what became Massachusetts Bay Colony and later the State of Maine. Located beside the Atlantic Ocean, it is home to Fort McClary State Historic Site, and Fort Foster Park on Gerrish Island,. Cutts Island is home to Seapoint Beach and the Brave Boat Harbor Division of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge.

Kittery Point is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 1,012 at the 2010 census.[1]

First settled as early as 1623, the southern part of Kittery was once called Champernowne's after Sir Francis Champernowne, a prominent merchant adventurer and cousin of Sir Ferdinando Gorges, the prime mover behind settlement north of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.[2] Nicholas Shapleigh built the first house in the area, and Edward Godfrey established a trading post in 1632. Early professions included fishermen, hunters and trappers. Others harvested the region's abundant timber, which was shipped to England or the West Indies. The town of Kittery was incorporated in 1652 when Maine became part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

The Pepperrells were a distinguished Kittery Point family who established fisheries to supply the London market. William Pepperrell Sr. had arrived from Devonshire as a lowly fisherman's apprentice at the Isles of Shoals in New Hampshire. He went on to build a mercantile empire, which his son Sir William Pepperrell inherited and expanded. Sir William became the first baronet in New England for commanding a militia which defeated the French in 1745 at the Siege of Louisbourg. His gambrel mansion of 1733 remains a landmark at Pepperrell Cove on the Piscataqua River. In 1760, his widow built the Lady Pepperrell House, a noted Georgian building formerly owned by Historic New England.[3]

Pepperrell himself built an elaborate wooden house called the Sparhawk Mansion at Kittery Point as a gift to his daughter on her marriage to Nathaniel Sparhawk in 1750.[4] Crowned with an elegant cupola, the house contained finely carved panelling in its 19 rooms. Sadly, over two centuries later, in 1967 the Sparhawk Mansion was demolished, just as preservation efforts in the area were emerging.[5] More fortunate is the John Bray House, built by a shipwright in 1662 and considered the oldest surviving house in Maine. Recently threatened with redevelopment because of its desirable view of Pepperrell Cove and Portsmouth Harbor, the building has instead been restored. Some speculate that the Bray House was the birthplace of the mother of Sir William Pepperrell, whose father William Pepperrell Sr. married John Bray's daughter Margery, but it is more likely that she was born in England.[6]