Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Sebago ME 04029 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select an Xray Tech Program near Sebago Maine

Sebago ME x-ray tech internship program Best wishes on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Sebago ME in order to learn to be a radiologic technologist. But now that you have decided to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about choosing the ideal school and program so that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you may require training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the colleges you are looking at in order to compare each program. Most prospective students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and often settle on the most affordable cost. But while location and cost must be taken into consideration, there are additional significant qualifications as well. For example, you need to find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are reviewing are presented later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and education choices that are offered.

Radiology Tech Career Summary

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, each has the same major job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many elect to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They may work in Sebago ME hospitals, clinics, family 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 must care for their equipment plus routinely assess its performance and safety. They are additionally required to keep in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Sebago ME medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degree Options

x-ray machine in Sebago ME The standard prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech school is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, usually requires 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to finish and is more comprehensive in nature. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are appropriate as well. One thing to bear in mind is that Sebago ME radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which many colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Maine or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiographer Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, depending on the state where you will be working you may need to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so get in touch with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but a number accept additional alternatives for testing also. Some states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. However, numerous Sebago ME employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it might enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Tech Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Sebago 04029 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree colleges. So although you can still obtain your online degree, a large amount of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is typically provided in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Sebago ME residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online style of learning is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are frequently less costly than on-campus alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be lessened also. But just be sure that the online program you choose is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online school may be the right option for you.

What to Ask Radiographer Colleges

After you have chosen the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of locating and assessing Sebago ME x-ray tech schools. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be important. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a determining factor also. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you look at when reviewing schools? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details prior to making your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are reviewing.

Are the X-Ray Tech Schools Accredited? A large number of radiology technician schools have received some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative 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). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed assessment of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online 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 help in securing financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Sebago ME health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Inquire if the Maine xray technician colleges you are assessing have partnerships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent means to receive hands on experience in a clinical setting, 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 develop professional relationships in the Sebago ME healthcare community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Sebago ME healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the school they decide on will have to be within travelling distance of their Sebago ME home. Students who have decided to attend online classes naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit far in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Sebago ME schools you are considering what the typical 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 decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program as well.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the x-ray tech school you finally pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Sebago ME, confirm 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 need to enroll in. 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 Decide to Be an Xray Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to reflect on questions you may be asked. Among the things that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not just the private reasons you may have for becoming a radiology technician, but also what qualities and skills you have that make you good at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, as well as a significant number of typical interview questions, so you must organize some approaches about how you would like to respond to them. Because there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but write down several concepts and topics that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Choose the Right Radiology Technician School near Sebago ME

Selecting the best radiology tech degree program is an important first step toward launching a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs often stand for the majority of the day and move and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines developed 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 necessity in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best possible patient care. As has been discussed in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are looking at before making your ultimate selection. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online school or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each school so you can narrow down your choices before making your final choice. And with the right training and your dedication to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Sebago ME.

Some Background on Sebago Maine

Sebago, Maine

Sebago is a town in Cumberland County, Maine, United States. The population was 1,719 at the 2010 census.[4] It is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area.

Originally called Flintstown, it was granted in 1774 by the Massachusetts General Court to survivors of Captain John Flint's company of soldiers from Concord, Massachusetts. It replaced a grant of 1735 that awarded them Township No. 3 (now Walpole, New Hampshire), but which was ruled invalid when the border between Massachusetts and New Hampshire was redrawn to satisfy prior claims by the descendants of John Mason. On June 23, 1802, Flintstown was incorporated as Baldwin. Then on February 10, 1826, Sebago was set off from Baldwin and incorporated as a separate town. It took the name of Sebago Lake. Land was annexed from Denmark in 1830, and taken in 1834 to help form Naples.[5]

Lumberjacks and woodsmen were the first European inhabitants of the area, but they left as soon as the first growth of pine was cut. It 1790, Joseph Lakin from Groton, Massachusetts, built a cabin, then returned with his family and possessions. The surface of the town is very uneven and generally rocky, so it was hard work to clear a farm for cultivation. But the soil was good and yielded abundant crops. Mills were built at water power sites, and products included long and short lumber, shooks, and boots and shoes. In 1832, the Cumberland and Oxford Canal opened, increasing trade between Sebago Lake and Portland. In the early 1870s, the Portland and Ogdensburg Railroad carried tourists and freight to Sebago Lake Station in Standish, where steamboats took them to various landings around the lake. Inns, hotels and summer camps opened, and the town became a recreation area, which it remains today.[6]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 48.93 square miles (126.73 km2), of which, 32.76 square miles (84.85 km2) of it is land and 16.17 square miles (41.88 km2) is water.[1] Situated beside Sebago Lake, Sebago is drained by the Northwest River and Mill Brook. Douglas Mountain has an elevation of 1,416 feet (432 m) above sea level, the highest point in both the town and southwestern Maine.

The town is crossed by state routes 11, 107 and 114. It is bordered by the towns of Bridgton to the north, Naples to the northeast, Baldwin and Standish to the south, and Denmark and Hiram to the west.