How to Find a Radiology Tech School near Stonington Maine
Congrats regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Stonington ME in order to train to be a radiologic technician. And now that you have made a decision to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about choosing the right school and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And since most states do require that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you might require training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you research each of the colleges you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. A number of students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and usually gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location need to be taken into account, there are other critical qualifications also. For instance, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are examining are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and training options that are available.
X-Ray Tech Work Summary
There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the identical primary job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, such as mammography. They can work in Stonington ME clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician 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 take care of their equipment and also regularly analyze its performance and safety. They are additionally required to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Stonington ME medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
Radiology Tech Degree Options
The standard requirement for attending a radiology tech school is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity 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 finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to complete and is more extensive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be acceptable also. One thing to bear in mind is that Stonington ME radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may typically be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any licensing or certification mandates in Maine or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification
When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, based on the state where you will be practicing you might have to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so contact your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many provide additional options for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, many Stonington ME employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it might improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Tech Programs
As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree schools. So although you can still earn your degree online, a considerable portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is typically performed in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Stonington ME residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online style of education is much more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently less costly than on-campus alternatives. Along with lower tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be reduced as well. But just confirm that the online program you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online degree may be the best choice for you.
Subjects to Ask Radiographer Colleges
After you have decided on the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of finding and assessing Stonington ME x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to decide if you want to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the school will be critical. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a determining variable also. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you factor in when reviewing schools? Well, you should check out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these important details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are looking at.
Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? Most xray tech colleges have obtained some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still imperative to confirm that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting agencies 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 examination of their instructors and course materials. If the college 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 acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Stonington ME health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level positions.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask if the Maine radiology technician colleges you are assessing have associations with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific means to obtain practical experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist students and graduates form professional relationships in the Stonington ME healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help 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 assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech schools 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 good relationships with Stonington ME healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Program Located? For many students, the college they decide on will have to be within driving distance of their Stonington ME residence. Those who have opted to attend online classes naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Stonington ME colleges you are looking at what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with a few of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program also.
Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the radiographer college you ultimately select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Stonington ME, make certain that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.
Why Did You Want to Be a Radiology Technician?
When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's a good idea to consider questions you could be asked. One of the questions that recruiters often ask radiographer applicants is "What made you select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not merely the personal reasons you may have for becoming a radiology technician, but additionally what characteristics and talents you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, along with a significant number of typical interview questions, so you should ready some strategies about how you would like to address them. Considering there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the strengths you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but take down some ideas and talking points that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can help you to prepare your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.Pick the Best Radiology Tech Program near Stonington ME
Enrolling in the appropriate radiology technician school is a critical first step toward beginning a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs typically stand for the majority of the working day and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. As we have discussed in this report, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are reviewing before making your final selection. This is similarly true whether you decide on an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can focus your options and make your decision. And with the proper education and your motivation to be successful, you can realize your goal to work as a radiology tech in Stonington ME.
Some Background on Stonington Maine
Stonington, Maine
Stonington is a town in Hancock County, Maine, United States, located on the southern portion of Deer Isle. The population was 1,152 at the 2000 census. It includes the villages of Oceanville and West Stonington. A picturesque old seaport and tourist destination on Penobscot Bay, the town is home to Stonington Municipal Airport, and terminus for mailboat ferry service to the island town of Isle au Haut.
The first people to live on Deer Isle, as early as 6,100 years ago, were Native Americans. Their descendants were known to early French explorers as Etchemins; some continued to live on the island even after Anglo-Americans established settlements. The first European to venture into the region was Estevan Gomez, a Portuguese working for the Spanish Crown. Gomez sailed his ship La Anunciada up Eggemoggin Reach, which divides Deer Isle from the mainland. The French, however, would be the most active in the region, establishing a fort in Castine and intermarrying with Abenaki natives. A body buried in full armor (believed to be French) was discovered on nearby Campbell Island.[1]
Toward the end of the French and Indian War, Deer Isle was settled by New England colonists around 1760. Sailors on the island became noted for maritime skills, some even serving as crew in the America's Cup Races of 1895 and 1899. Ironically, their ancestors hadn't come looking for a life on the sea, but on the land. Following a southerly migration from the mainland above, the first settlers established farms and built cabins on the northern part of Deer Island. On the southern part, Green's Landing (as Stonington was initially known) would be settled after 1800.[2]
Soil became exhausted from over farming and deforestation, so inhabitants of Deer Isle took to the sea. They became active in shipbuilding, seafaring and fishing. Green's Landing, a sparsely populated fishing village, didn't change much until the granite boom after 1870, when quarrying became a major occupation. Stone excavated here was used to build important structures across the country, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Europeans, mainly from Italy, were imported as stonecutters. Some were housed in barracks on Crotch Island, while others lived in hotels and large boarding houses built for that purpose. Many of the original buildings have been transformed since into restaurants, galleries and shops.[3]
On February 18, 1897, Green's Landing was set off and incorporated by the Maine State Legislature as Stonington, named for its granite quarries. To the west of the main harbor lies Steamboat Wharf, now home to the Isle au Haut Boat Company. Prior to that it was a sardine factory. Before the Deer Isle-Sedgwick Bridge connected to the mainland in 1939, the wharf was an essential link to Deer Isle in general, and Stonington in particular. Steamboats arrived daily from ports such as Rockland, transporting freight and passengers from as far as Boston. The harbor has long been filled with Friendship Sloops, which are powered by sail only. Lobstermen once used them to haul traps. Most of their trips were to the outer islands (like York Island) near Isle au Haut, fishing during the week and returning to the harbor on weekends. This changed with the advent of gasoline or diesel engines, along with new hull designs, which enabled fishermen to make day trips to fishing grounds in Penobscot Bay.[4]
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