Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Smithfield ME 04978 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find an X-Ray Technician Degree Program near Smithfield Maine

Smithfield ME x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Smithfield ME so you can learn to be a radiology technician. But now that you have made a decision to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you tackle choosing 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 require that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you might require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the colleges you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Many prospective students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and frequently gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while location and cost should be taken into account, there are additional critical qualifications also. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the schools you are evaluating are presented later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and training options that are offered.

Radiology Tech Occupation Description

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, they all have the identical major job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many opt to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for example mammography. They may practice in Smithfield ME clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech 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 take care of their equipment and regularly analyze its functionality and safety. They are also required to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Smithfield ME medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Smithfield ME The basic prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, usually requires 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to finish and is more expansive in scope. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are acceptable also. One thing to keep in mind is that Smithfield ME radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can typically be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which many colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing mandates in Maine or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, based on the state where you will be employed you may have to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their prerequisites differ so contact your state. Presently, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many approve other options for testing as well. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, numerous Smithfield ME employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it could improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technician Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Smithfield 04978 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 no different for online degree programs. So even though you can still obtain your degree online, a considerable portion of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is usually performed in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online portion of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Smithfield ME residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree often find that the online approach to education is much more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are generally cheaper than conventional options. Along with lower tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be decreased as well. But just make certain that the online college you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then online classes may be the right choice for you.

Points to Ask X Ray Tech Schools

Once you have chosen the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of locating and assessing Smithfield ME x-ray technician schools. You will also need to determine if you want to attend classes online or travel to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the college will be critical. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a material factor as well. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you look at when reviewing colleges? Well, you should check out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details before you make your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are considering.

Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? The majority of xray tech colleges have acquired some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still imperative to confirm that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed assessment of their teachers and course materials. If the college is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also help in securing financial aid and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Smithfield ME employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Ask if the Maine radiology tech schools you are interested in have associations with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent means to get hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may help graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Smithfield ME health care community and assist 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 programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Smithfield ME healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the college they select will have to be within travelling distance of their Smithfield 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 importance. One thing 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 typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type 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 Smithfield 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 ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the radiographer college you ultimately choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Smithfield ME, check that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, ask 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 Choose to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to consider questions you might be asked. Among the questions that recruiters frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What drove you to pick radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not only the private reasons you might have for being an Xray technician, but also what characteristics and skills you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, as well as a significant number of standard interview questions, so you must prepare some ideas about how you would like to answer them. Since there are numerous factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the strengths you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but take down a few concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can help you to prepare your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.

Select the Right X-Ray Technician Program near Smithfield ME

Choosing the appropriate x-ray tech school is a critical first step toward beginning a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs often stand for the greater part of the workday and position and at times lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and furnish the best possible care to patients. As has been covered in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are considering prior to making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each school so you can narrow down your choices and make your final choice. And with the right training and your motivation to be successful, you can realize your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Smithfield ME.

Some Background on Smithfield Maine

Smithfield, Maine

Smithfield is a town in Somerset County, Maine, United States. The population was 1,033 at the 2010 census. The town was incorporated on February 29, 1840 making it the only town in Maine incorporated on Leap Day.[4] The town was named after the Rev. Henry Smith, an early settler.[5]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 24.76 square miles (64.13 km2), of which, 19.90 square miles (51.54 km2) of it is land and 4.86 square miles (12.59 km2) is water.[1]

As of the census[2] of 2010, there were 1,033 people, 451 households, and 314 families residing in the town. The population density was 51.9 inhabitants per square mile (20.0/km2). There were 727 housing units at an average density of 36.5 per square mile (14.1/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 97.6% White, 0.1% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.1% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.0% of the population.

There were 451 households of which 23.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.0% were married couples living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 30.4% were non-families. 23.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.62.

The median age in the town was 49.2 years. 18% of residents were under the age of 18; 3.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22% were from 25 to 44; 39.3% were from 45 to 64; and 16.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 49.2% male and 50.8% female.