Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Limington ME 04049 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose an X-Ray Tech School near Limington Maine

Limington ME x-ray tech internship program Congratulations on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Limington ME so you can train to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have chosen to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly 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 the majority of states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you might require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you assess each of the colleges you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. A number of prospective students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and frequently settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location should be considered, there are other critical qualifiers as well. For instance, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are reviewing are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiology technician does and the credentials and education choices that are offered.

X-Ray Tech Occupation Description

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, they all have the same principal job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some choose to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They can work in Limington ME clinics, hospitals, 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 have to maintain their equipment plus regularly analyze its functionality and safety. They are additionally required to keep complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Limington ME medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Technician Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Limington ME The basic prerequisite for attending a radiology tech school is to have attained 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 typical among techs, usually requires 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to finish and is more extensive in nature. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be acceptable as well. One thing to keep in mind is that Limington ME radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may often be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification mandates in Maine or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, based on the state where you will be working you might need to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but several approve additional alternatives for testing as well. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. However, many Limington ME employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it may enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technologist Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Limington 04049 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree schools. So even though you can still obtain your online degree, a significant portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is typically provided in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Limington ME home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree often find that the online style of education is much more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are generally less expensive than traditional options. Along with lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials may be reduced as well. But just make sure that the online college you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then online classes may be the best option for you.

Questions 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 searching for and evaluating Limington ME x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be important. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a determining factor also. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you look at when reviewing colleges? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details prior to making your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Technician Schools Accredited? A large number of xray technician colleges have earned some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still important to confirm that the program and school 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 earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive review of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it can also earn 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 premium education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Limington ME employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask if the Maine xray technician programs you are reviewing have relationships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent manner to receive hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help students and graduates establish professional connections in the Limington ME medical community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the radiographer programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Limington ME healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the college they pick will need to be within driving distance of their Limington ME home. Those who have opted to attend classes online obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to bear 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 normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit way in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Limington ME schools you are considering 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 determination. This will also give you a chance to converse with several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the radiographer school you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Limington ME, check that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Choose to Be an Xray Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's a good idea to consider questions you could be asked. Among the things that recruiters typically ask radiographer prospects is "What compelled you to select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not just the private reasons you might have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but also what characteristics and abilities you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, in addition to a significant number of standard interview questions, so you should ready some strategies about how you would like to respond to them. Because there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, aim 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 ideal choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but take down some ideas and talking points that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can help you to formulate your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.

Select the Right Radiology Tech School near Limington ME

Enrolling in the right x-ray technician degree program is an important first step toward beginning a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs frequently stand for the majority of the day and position and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines designed 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. Having social skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and provide the best available patient care. As we have addressed in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each college you are considering before making your final selection. This is just as true whether you decide on an online program or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each program so you can narrow down your options before making your final choice. And with the proper education and your dedication to succeed, you can realize your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Limington ME.

Some Background on Limington Maine

Limington, Maine

Limington is a town in York County, Maine, United States. The population was 3,713 at the 2010 census. Limington is a tourist destination with historic architecture. It is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area.

In 1668, Francis Small traded goods with the Newichewannock tribe of this area. Their Chief Wesumbe, also known as Captain Sunday, was friendly with Small and warned him of a plot against his life. A group of renegade tribesmen planned to murder Small rather than pay him the furs they owed him. Small escaped after watching his trading post in what is now Cornish burn to the ground. The chief made up for the loss by selling Small all the lands bounded by the Great and Little Ossipee Rivers, the Saco River and the New Hampshire border. Known as the Ossipee Tract, it comprised the present-day towns of Limington, Limerick, Cornish (formerly Francisborough), Newfield, Parsonsfield and Shapleigh (which then included Acton).[4]

First called Little Ossipee Plantation (after Ossapee, its original Abenaki name), it was settled by Deacon Amos Chase, who removed here and built a mill in 1773 at the mouth of the Little Ossipee River. Ezra Davis and Jonathan Boothby followed him in 1774, and John McArthur and Joshua Small in 1775. Little Ossipee Plantation was incorporated on February 9, 1792 as the town of Limington. It was named after Limington in Somerset, England, the home county of Sir Ferdinando Gorges, Lord Proprietor of Maine. As the surface of the land was rocky and broken, in 1798 nearly 2,000 acres (8.1 km2) of land were annexed from Little Falls Plantation (Hollis). In 1870, about 1,500 acres (6.1 km2) of land were ceded to Limerick.

Soil was fertile and farmers yielded good crops. Another important early trade was logging, with the timber manufactured at various water power mills into lumber, boxes, shingles and clapboards. There were also gristmills and a tannery. Limington Academy was incorporated in 1848, its structure built in 1852. The population in 1870 was 1,630.[5] Davis Memorial Library was built in 1912 to designs of noted Portland architect John Calvin Stevens. Today, 22 buildings in the town center are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 43.29 square miles (112.12 km2), of which, 41.92 square miles (108.57 km2) of it is land and 1.37 square miles (3.55 km2) is water.[1] Limington is drained by the Little Ossipee River and Saco River. There are 7 ponds, with 4 of these—Boyd, Dole, Foss and Sand ponds—in South Limington, and 3 others—Horn, Ward and Webster ponds—in North Limington. The highest point in town is Sawyer Mountain, elevation 1,198 feet (370 m) above sea level.