Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Thorndike ME 04986 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose a Radiology Tech College near Thorndike Maine

Thorndike ME x-ray tech internship program Congratulations on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Thorndike ME so you can train to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have chosen to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle choosing the ideal college and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And since most states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you might need 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. Many prospective students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and usually settle on the most affordable cost. But while expense and location must be taken into account, there are additional critical qualifiers as well. For instance, you must find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are considering are provided later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray technician does and the degrees and education options that are offered.

Radiology Technician Career Summary

There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, each has the identical fundamental job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many choose to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They may work in Thorndike 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 have to take care of their equipment and frequently assess its performance and safety. They are additionally required to keep complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Thorndike ME health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Tech Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Thorndike ME The primary prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech college is to have received 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 common among techs, usually requires 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to complete and is more extensive in nature. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be appropriate also. Something to consider is that Thorndike ME radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may frequently be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor 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 requirements in Maine or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, depending on the state where you will be working you may need to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their requirements vary so check with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number offer other options for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, numerous Thorndike ME employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technician Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Thorndike 04986 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree schools. So although you can still earn your degree online, a significant portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is usually carried out in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Thorndike ME residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically find that the online style of learning is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently less costly than on-campus options. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be decreased also. But just make sure that the online school you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online degree may be the best choice for you.

Subjects to Ask X Ray Tech Schools

Once you have decided on the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of locating and assessing Thorndike ME x-ray technician schools. You will also have to determine if you want to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a determining variable as well. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you consider when reviewing colleges? Well, you need to find out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details before you make your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Technician Schools Accredited? Most xray tech colleges have earned some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still important to make sure that the school and program are accredited. Among 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 gone through a detailed review of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also help in getting financial aid and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Thorndike ME health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level jobs.

Are Internships Offered? Inquire if the Maine xray technician programs you are reviewing have relationships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific manner to obtain practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help graduates and students establish professional connections in the Thorndike ME medical community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the radiographer programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Thorndike ME healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they pick will have to be within commuting distance of their Thorndike ME home. Those who have decided to attend classes online obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. One thing 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 be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Thorndike 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 final determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the radiographer program you finally choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Thorndike ME, verify that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Choose to Become an Xray Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to review questions you might be asked. One of the questions that interviewers frequently ask radiographer prospects is "What compelled you to select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not only the private reasons you may have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but additionally what attributes and talents you possess that make you good at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, along with a significant number of general interview questions, so you should organize several approaches about how you want to answer them. Because there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the talents you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the best choice for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but write down several concepts and topics that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can help you to formulate your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Enroll in the Right Radiology Tech School near Thorndike ME

Selecting the appropriate radiology technician degree program is an important first step toward initiating a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the greater part of the day and position and at times lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and provide the best available care to patients. As we have discussed in this report, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each program you are assessing prior to making your final decision. This is just as true whether you decide on an online program or commute to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each school so you can focus your choices and make your decision. And with the proper training and your dedication to succeed, you can realize your goal to practice as a radiographer in Thorndike ME.

Some Background on Thorndike Maine

Thorndike, Maine

Thorndike is a town in Waldo County, Maine, United States. The town was named after Israel Thorndike, a landowner.[4] The population was 890 at the 2010 census.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 25.26 square miles (65.42 km2), all of it land.[1] The town is drained by Halfmoon Stream. The town is crossed by state routes SR 220 and SR 139.

As of the census[2] of 2010, there were 890 people, 330 households, and 232 families residing in the town. The population density was 35.2 inhabitants per square mile (13.6/km2). There were 396 housing units at an average density of 15.7 per square mile (6.1/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 97.5% White, 0.2% African American, 0.1% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.8% of the population.

There were 330 households of which 36.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.0% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 29.7% were non-families. 20.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 3.16.

The median age in the town was 38 years. 27.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26% were from 25 to 44; 25.9% were from 45 to 64; and 12.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 51.6% male and 48.4% female.