Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Penobscot ME 04476 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select a Radiologic Technician School near Penobscot Maine

Penobscot ME x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Penobscot ME in order to train to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have chosen to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about picking the right college and program to ensure that you will get the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And since the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you might need training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you research each of the schools you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. Most prospective students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and frequently gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location must be considered, there are additional significant qualifications as well. For example, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries 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 tech does and the degrees and training choices that are available.

X-Ray Tech Career 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. Regardless of the name, each has the same major job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for example mammography. They can practice in Penobscot ME hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist might utilize 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 and also frequently analyze its performance and safety. They are also required to retain in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Penobscot ME medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Penobscot ME The basic prerequisite for attending a radiology tech school is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, generally requires 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to finish and is more comprehensive in scope. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are appropriate also. Something to keep in mind is that Penobscot ME radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which many schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Maine or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, depending on the state where you will be employed you may need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but several provide additional alternatives for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. However, numerous Penobscot ME employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technician Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Penobscot 04476 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree colleges. So while you can still obtain your online degree, a large amount of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is typically performed in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Penobscot ME home. Students who continue working while earning their degree often find that the online style of learning is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently more affordable than traditional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials can be decreased as well. But just confirm that the online school you pick 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 Programs

Once you have chosen the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the process of looking for and evaluating Penobscot ME x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to determine if you want to attend classes online or drive to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the school will be important. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a material factor as well. But along with location and cost, what else should you consider when comparing colleges? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details before you make your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? A large number of radiology tech schools have obtained some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still important to confirm that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly regarded 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 a detailed evaluation of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies 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 many times not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Penobscot ME employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out if the Maine radiology technician schools you are reviewing have associations with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent way to obtain hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are also a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist students and graduates form professional connections in the Penobscot ME healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the radiographer programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Penobscot ME healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the college they decide on will need to be within travelling distance of their Penobscot ME home. Those who have chosen to attend online classes obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. Something to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often 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 sort of person that likes to sit way in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Penobscot ME schools you are reviewing what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to speak with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program also.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the x-ray tech college you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Penobscot ME, check that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Become an Xray Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to reflect on questions you might be asked. One of the things that hiring managers typically ask radiographer candidates is "What made you pick radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not only the private reasons you may have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but also what characteristics and talents you possess that make you good at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, in addition to a certain number of standard interview questions, so you should ready a number of approaches about how you want to respond to 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 preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the talents you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but take down several ideas and talking points that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can help you to develop your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Select the Best Radiology Technician Program near Penobscot ME

Enrolling in the ideal x-ray technician school is an important first step toward launching a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs regularly stand for the majority of the day and position and at times lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best available care to patients. As has been discussed in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are assessing prior to making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you opt for an online program or commute to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each school so you can focus your options before making your decision. And with the proper education and your motivation to be successful, you can realize your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Penobscot ME.

Some Background on Penobscot Maine

Penobscot County, Maine

Penobscot County is a county located in the U.S. state of Maine. As of the 2010 census, the population was 153,923.[1] Its county seat is Bangor.[2] The county was established on February 15, 1816 from a portion of Hancock County when the area was still part of Massachusetts. Penobscot County is home to the University of Maine.

Penobscot County comprises the Bangor, ME Metropolitan Statistical Area.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 3,557 square miles (9,210 km2), of which 3,397 square miles (8,800 km2) is land and 160 square miles (410 km2) (4.5%) is water.[3]

As of the census[9] of 2000, there were 144,919 people, 58,096 households, and 37,820 families residing in the county. The population density was 43 people per square mile (16/km²). There were 66,847 housing units at an average density of 20 per square mile (8/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 96.60% White, 0.49% Black or African American, 1.00% Native American, 0.70% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.23% from other races, and 0.96% from two or more races. 0.61% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 17.8% were of English, 17.3% United States or American, 14.0% French, 13.0% Irish and 6.7% French Canadian ancestry. 95.8% spoke English and 2.3% French as their first language.

There were 58,096 households out of which 30.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.50% were married couples living together, 9.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.90% were non-families. 26.70% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.88.