How to Choose a Radiology Tech Degree Program near Old Town Maine
Best wishes on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Old Town ME in order to train to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have made a decision to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about selecting the right school and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified professional? And considering that the majority of states do require that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you may need training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the schools you are considering in order to evaluate each program. A number of prospective students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and frequently settle on the most affordable cost. But while expense and location must be considered, there are other important qualifications also. For instance, you need to find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are examining are provided later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and education options that are available.
Radiology Tech Occupation Summary
There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, each has the identical primary job function, which is to utilize 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. Many elect to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They can practice in Old Town ME clinics, hospitals, 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 have to take care of their equipment and regularly analyze its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to keep complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Old Town ME medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
X-Ray Technician Degrees
The primary requirement for enrolling in 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 or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, generally requires 18 months to two years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to complete and is more expansive in nature. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be acceptable as well. Something to keep in mind is that Old Town ME radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may typically be fulfilled by taking part in an externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Maine or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing
After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, based on the state where you will be practicing you may have to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their criteria vary so check with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many provide additional options for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, numerous Old Town ME employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it might enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Technician Colleges
As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree programs. So although you can still obtain your online degree, a significant amount of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is usually provided in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online portion of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Old Town ME residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually discover that the online style of education is much more practical with their active schedules. Plus online schools are frequently less expensive than traditional options. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be lessened also. But just confirm that the online program you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online degree may be the right option for you.
Points to Ask Radiology Tech Schools
After you have decided on the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can start the process of finding and assessing Old Town ME x-ray technician schools. You will also need to determine if you want to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a material factor also. But along with location and cost, what else should you factor in 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 important details prior to making your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are looking at.
Are the Radiology Technician Colleges Accredited? A large number of xray technician colleges have obtained some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still important 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). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive assessment of their teachers and educational materials. If the program is online it might also earn 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 guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also help in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Old Town ME employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry-level openings.
Are Internships Provided? Inquire if the Maine radiology tech schools you are assessing have relationships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific way to receive practical experience in a clinical environment, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Old Town ME medical community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the radiographer schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Old Town ME healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they pick will have to be within commuting distance of their Old Town ME home. Those who have decided to attend online classes naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. One thing to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit far in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Old Town ME schools you are reviewing 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 final determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program as well.
Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the radiographer program you ultimately select can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Old Town ME, make certain that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.
Why Did You Choose to Become a Radiologic Technologist?
When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you might be asked. One of the things that interviewers often ask radiographer prospects is "What compelled you to decide on 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 additionally what characteristics and skills you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, as well as a significant number of typical interview questions, so you must organize a number of approaches about how you would like to address them. Because there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the talents you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the best choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but take down several concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.Choose the Best Radiology Technician College near Old Town ME
Enrolling in the appropriate radiology tech degree program is an important first step toward launching a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the greater part of the workday and move and in some cases lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best available patient care. As has been discussed in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each college you are looking at prior to making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you participate in an online program or commute to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each school so you can narrow down your options before making your decision. And with the appropriate training and your dedication to be successful, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Old Town ME.
Some Background on Old Town Maine
Old Town, Maine
Old Town is a city in Penobscot County, Maine, United States. The population was 7,840 at the 2010 census. The city's developed area is chiefly located on relatively large Marsh Island, though its boundaries extend beyond that. The island is surrounded and defined by the Penobscot River to the east, and the Stillwater River to the west.
Abenaki Indians called it Pannawambskek, meaning "where the ledges spread out," referring to rapids and drops in the river bed. The French established a Jesuit Catholic mission here in the 1680s. Nearly a century later after Great Britain took over French territory following its victory in the Seven Years' War, the area was settled by English pioneers in 1774. The name Old Town derives from "Indian Old Town", which was the English name for the largest Penobscot Indian village, now known as Indian Island.
Located within the city limits but on its own island in the Penobscot River, the reservation is the current and historical home of the Penobscot Nation.[4]
In 1820, when the present city was set off from neighboring Orono (named for a Penobscot sachem), it was given the name Old Town because it contained the Penobscot village. Over time, the Penobscot village ceased to be called Old Town and the name migrated to the much newer American settlement across the river.[5]
Old Town may be best known for Old Town Canoe Co., a major manufacturer of canoes and kayaks, which has been based in the city for more than 100 years. The city's location along a series of rapids in the Penobscot River, near the head of tide just downstream in Bangor, made it an ideal location in the 1800s to marshal the water power for mills to process lumber from the millions of board feet of spruce and pine logs floated annually down the Penobscot.[6]
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