Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Owls Head ME 04854 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select an Xray Technician College near Owls Head Maine

Owls Head ME x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Owls Head ME so you can become a radiology technologist. And now that you have decided to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you set about picking the ideal school and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And since the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you might require training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the colleges you are looking at in order to compare each program. Most potential students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and typically gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while cost and location must be considered, there are other critical qualifiers as well. For example, you must find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are reviewing are presented later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology technician does and the degrees and training choices that are offered.

X-Ray Tech Occupation Summary

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the identical principal job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many opt to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They can practice in Owls Head ME clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist 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 care for their equipment and regularly analyze its performance and safety. They are also required to retain in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Owls Head ME health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degrees

x-ray machine in Owls Head ME The primary requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech program is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, usually requires 18 months to two years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to complete and is more expansive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are acceptable as well. Something to keep in mind is that Owls Head ME radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can frequently be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Maine or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiographer Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, based on the state where you will be employed you might have to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so check with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but several approve additional options for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. However, many Owls Head ME employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it could enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technician Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Owls Head 04854 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree schools. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a significant portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is typically performed in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online portion of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Owls Head ME residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically discover that the online style of education is far more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are frequently cheaper than conventional options. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be decreased as well. But just be sure that the online school you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online school may be the right choice for you.

Topics to Ask Radiographer Programs

After you have selected the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of locating and assessing Owls Head ME x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to decide if you want to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a material factor as well. But along with location and cost, what more should you consider when reviewing schools? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details prior to making 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? The majority of radiology technician colleges have obtained some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still important to confirm 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 receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed examination of their teachers and educational materials. If the college is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Owls Head ME health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level jobs.

Are Internships Sponsored? Ask if the Maine xray tech programs you are reviewing have associations with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent way to obtain hands on training in a clinical environment, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Owls Head ME health care community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask 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 indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Owls Head ME healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the college they decide on will have to be within driving distance of their Owls Head ME residence. Students who have chosen 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 concern. 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 might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually 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 likes to sit way in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Owls Head 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 converse with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the x-ray tech college you finally select can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Owls Head ME, verify that they are available. 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 as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Become a Radiology Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's advantageous to review questions you could be asked. One of the things that recruiters often ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not just the personal reasons you might have for being an X-Ray tech, but additionally what characteristics and abilities you possess that make you good at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, as well as a certain number of general interview questions, so you need to prepare a number of strategies about how you want to answer them. Since there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but take down several ideas and topics that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.

Pick the Best X-Ray Tech School near Owls Head ME

Choosing the ideal x-ray tech degree program is a critical first step toward initiating a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs typically stand for the majority of the day and move and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best available care to patients. As has been discussed in this report, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are considering prior to making your ultimate selection. This is just as true whether you decide on an online school or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each program so you can focus your choices and make your decision. And with the right education and your commitment to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Owls Head ME.

Some Background on Owls Head Maine

Owls Head, Maine

Owls Head is a town in Knox County, Maine, United States. The population was 1,580 at the 2010 census. A resort and fishing area, the community is home to the Knox County Regional Airport. It includes the village of Ash Point.

When Samuel de Champlain explored Owl's Head in 1605, the Abenaki Indians called it Bedabedec Point, meaning "Cape of the Winds." Mariners would name it for the shape of the promontory, which they thought resembled the head of an owl.[4] First incorporated as part of Thomaston in 1777, and then as part of South Thomaston in 1848, Owls Head was itself set off and incorporated on July 9, 1921. The town is home to both the Owls Head Light Station, a 30-foot (9.1 m) tall granite lighthouse built in 1826 to mark the southern entrance of Rockland Harbor, and to the Owls Head Transportation Museum.[5]

Owls Head was home to an electric trolley line that traveled to Crescent Beach. It was started in 1902, and it ended in the years of 1917-1918, largely due in part to a deadly accident in 1914, in which a train left the tracks killing one woman instantly, and injuring several others. [6]

In August 1940 (around the 13th) the English composer Benjamin Britten completed his Diversions for piano (left hand) and orchestra, Op. 21 while staying at the Owl's Head Inn - coincidentally meeting up with Kurt Weill with whom he got on well. On August 22nd he wrote from Owl's Head to Elizabeth Mayer: "We eventually made Pemaquid Point, but found the place most disappointing -- not on the sea, & full of the most terrible Bostonian old ladies, that we left after one gloomy night. Then we came on here which is a grand spot -- very unpretentious --- but quiet & right on the sea. We can work & there are tennis courts nearby. It is too cold to bathe unfortunately -- but there is plenty else to do...."

Owls Head was a filming location for the 2001 movie In the Bedroom.[7]