How to Select an Xray Tech School near Rumford Maine
Congrats on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Rumford ME so you can learn to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have made a decision to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you tackle choosing the right college and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And considering that most states do require that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you may need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you research each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. A number of prospective students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and often gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location need to be considered, there are other critical qualifications as well. For example, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are considering are provided later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray technician does and the degrees and training options that are available.
Radiology Tech Work Summary
There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the identical fundamental job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They may work in Rumford 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 also regularly assess its functionality and safety. They are also required to retain complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Rumford ME health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
X-Ray Tech Degrees Available
The primary prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech college is to have attained 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 technicians, usually requires 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to complete and is more comprehensive in nature. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be acceptable also. Something to keep in mind is that Rumford 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 sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing mandates in Maine or the state you will be working as applicable.
X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification
Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, depending on the state where you will be practicing you may need to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so check with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but a number provide other options for testing as well. Several states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. However, many Rumford ME employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Technician Programs
As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree colleges. So although you can still earn your online degree, a considerable portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is usually carried out in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online section of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Rumford ME home. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually find that the online style of education is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are generally less expensive than traditional options. Along with lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting can be lessened also. But just make sure that the online college you select is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online degree may be the right choice for you.
Topics to Ask Radiographer Programs
When you have selected the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can initiate the process of looking for and evaluating Rumford ME x-ray tech schools. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the college will be important. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a determining variable as well. But along with cost and location, what more should you factor in when reviewing colleges? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details before you make your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are looking at.
Are the Radiology Tech Programs Accredited? A large number of xray technician colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still crucial to confirm that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed review of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial aid and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Rumford ME employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level openings.
Are Internships Provided? Ask if the Maine xray technician schools you are evaluating have relationships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great manner to obtain practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist graduates and students establish professional connections in the Rumford ME medical community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Rumford ME healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the College Located? For many students, the college they pick will need to be within driving distance of their Rumford ME home. Those who have decided to attend classes online obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to bear in mind 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 generally charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit way in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Rumford ME colleges you are considering what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with some of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program also.
Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the x-ray tech school you ultimately pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Rumford ME, confirm that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Why Did You Decide to Become an Xray Technician?
When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's advantageous to consider questions you may be asked. One of the things that interviewers typically ask radiographer prospects is "What made you pick radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not just the personal reasons you may have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but additionally what attributes and skills you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, as well as a significant number of routine interview questions, so you must organize several ideas about how you want to answer them. Since there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you in addition to the strengths you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but take down several concepts and talking points that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can help you to develop your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.Pick the Right X-Ray Tech College near Rumford ME
Enrolling in the appropriate x-ray tech school is a critical first step toward beginning a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs often stand for the greater part of the day and move and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with 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 radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best possible care to patients. As we have covered in this report, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are reviewing before making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you decide on an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each college so you can focus your options before making your decision. And with the proper education and your dedication to be successful, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiographer in Rumford ME.
Some Background on Rumford Maine
Rumford, Maine
Rumford is a town in Oxford County, Maine, United States. The population was 5,841 at the 2010 census. Rumford is home to both Catalyst Paper's Rumford Mill and the Black Mountain of Maine ski resort.
Originally called New Pennacook Plantation, the township was granted in 1779 to Timothy Walker, Jr. and associates of Concord, New Hampshire. Both Pennacook and Rumford are former names of Concord, from which many early settlers arrived. The first pioneers, however, were Jonathan Keyes and his son Francis in 1782 from Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. Incorporated in 1800, the town would later annex land from Peru and Franklin Plantation.[4]
Located in the foothills of the White Mountains, Rumford is the site of Pennacook Falls, called by historian George J. Varney "the grandest cataract in New England," where the Androscoggin River drops 177 feet (54 m) over solid granite. Bands of St. Francis Indians once hunted and fished here, where salmon spawn in the 13-acre (5.3 ha) pool below Upper Falls, a barrier that fish cannot pass. The river is home to a large population of the finless brown variety of trout. Indians also came here to trade furs brought from the lakes region. Sawmills and gristmills were built to harness water power from the falls, although Rumford would remain primarily agricultural during its first 100 years.[5]
In 1882, industrialist Hugh J. Chisholm recognized the falls' potential for the manufacture of paper. Chisholm directed construction of the Portland and Rumford Falls Railway connecting Rumford to the national rail network in 1892.[6] The first paper mill began operation in 1893, drawing an infusion of people and money into the sleepy community of about 200 residents. Oxford Paper Company, owned by Chisholm, would dominate Rumford's riverfront and economy.[7]
Much of the mill town was built in the spurt of prosperity at the turn-of-the-century, and Rumford retains significant Victorian and Edwardian architecture. Most notable is Strathglass Park, perhaps the finest company housing in the nation. Wishing to avoid the stacked slums endemic at Lowell and Lawrence, Massachusetts, Hugh Chisholm commissioned Cass Gilbert in 1900 to plan a 30-acre (12 ha) site in his company town, instructing the prominent architect that "We will build of brick and stone and slate, and we will provide not merely for a house, but for comfort, elegance and social gratification."[8]
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