Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Topsham ME 04086 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select a Radiologic Tech College near Topsham Maine

Topsham ME x-ray tech internship program Congratulations regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Topsham ME so you can become a radiology technician. And now that you have chosen to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you undertake picking the right school and program so that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And because most states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you might require training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the schools you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. Most students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and often settle on the lowest cost. But while cost and location should be considered, there are other critical qualifications also. For example, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are evaluating are provided later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and education options that are offered.

Radiology Tech Job Summary

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, they all have the same primary job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some opt to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They may work in Topsham ME clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech may 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 care for their equipment and also frequently evaluate its performance and safety. They are also expected to retain detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Topsham ME health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degrees

x-ray machine in Topsham ME The primary prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, generally takes 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. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be acceptable as well. One thing to bear in mind is that Topsham ME radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may often be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Maine or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, based on the state where you will be employed you might have to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites vary so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but many provide additional alternatives for testing also. A number of states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, numerous Topsham ME employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it may enhance 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 examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Tech Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Topsham 04086 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree programs. So while you can still earn your degree online, a substantial amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is usually conducted in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online segment of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Topsham ME home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually discover that the online approach to education is far more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are often less expensive than conventional alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting can be reduced as well. But just confirm that the online school you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online school may be the right option for you.

What to Ask Radiographer Colleges

As soon as you have decided on the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the process of looking for and assessing Topsham ME x-ray tech schools. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a material variable as well. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you look at when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to find out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Technician Colleges Accredited? The majority of xray tech schools have obtained some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still crucial to verify that the program and school 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). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed examination of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Topsham ME employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level openings.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Ask if the Maine radiology technician colleges you are interested in have associations with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent manner to receive practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist graduates and students form professional relationships in the Topsham ME medical community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly 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 radiographer schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Topsham ME healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the school they decide on will have to be within driving distance of their Topsham ME home. Those who have opted to attend online classes naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. Something to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that likes to sit way in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Topsham ME colleges you are considering what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with some of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program as well.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the x-ray tech school you finally select can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you decide to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Topsham ME, check that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option 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 due to illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Become an X-Ray Tech?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to reflect on questions you may be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to decide on radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not merely the private reasons you might have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what attributes and talents you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, along with a significant number of standard interview questions, so you need to ready a number of approaches about how you want to respond to them. Because there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the abilities you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but write down some concepts and anecdotes that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can help you to develop your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.

Choose the Best X-Ray Technician Program near Topsham ME

Selecting the right radiology technician degree program is a critical first step toward initiating a fulfilling new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs often stand for the majority of the working day and move and at times lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also show an ability 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 techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and provide the best possible patient care. As we have addressed in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are reviewing prior to making your final selection. This is equally true whether you opt for an online program or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each program so you can narrow down your options and make your decision. And with the right training and your commitment to be successful, you can realize your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Topsham ME.

Some Background on Topsham Maine

Topsham, Maine

Topsham is a town in Sagadahoc County, Maine, United States. The population was 8,784 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area. The town is home to the annual Topsham Fair.

Called Sawacook, the area was territory of the Pejepscot Abenaki Indians, a subtribe of the Anasagunticooks (now Androscoggins), who controlled the Androscoggin River. They lived and fished at Pejepscot Falls. But a plague, probably smallpox brought by Europeans, decimated the tribe's population in 1615–1616. On June 16, 1632, the area was granted by the Plymouth Council to Thomas Purchase and George Way, later acquired by Richard Wharton and then, in 1714, by the Pejepscot Company.[4]

The first sawmill was built in 1716 on the Cathance River and, in 1717, the plantation received the name Topsham, named for Topsham in Devon, England. On January 31, 1764, it was incorporated as a town by the Massachusetts General Court.[5]Shipbuilding and lumber mills were important early businesses, the latter especially active between 1750–1770. There was a gristmill and brickyard. Pejepscot Falls provided water power to operate mills, and industries included a door, window sash and stairway factory, shingle mill, watch factory, pottery maker, nail factory, pitchfork factory, two tanneries, tobacco manufacturer, two feldspar quarries and a marble works. In 1856, the Sagadahoc Agricultural & Horticultural Society erected its building and fairgrounds, and the town remains host to the annual Topsham Fair.[6]

In 1756, a toll bridge connecting Brunswick and Topsham was constructed by the "Proprietors of the Androscoggin Bridge." It was destroyed by fire in 1842. The current Frank J. Woods bridge, known as "the green bridge", was opened in 1932. In 1936, a large flood hit Brunswick and Topsham, damaging the pedestrian "Swing Bridge" and causing the Androscoggin to flow through the lower levels of the Pejepscot Mill.

It is thought that Topsham and Brunswick have safe houses related to the Underground Railroad. Although the Underground Railroad was only metaphorically underground, it is thought that in Brunswick and Topsham, it was (in parts) actually underground, utilizing tunnels which ran between safe houses. These tunnels were constructed of carefully laid red brick with vertical side walls, an arched top and a flat brick-paved bottom up to some 5 feet wide which would allow the easy passage of individuals on foot as well as a horse and buggy if desired. In Topsham, tunnels were constructed from the Granny-Hole Mill on the Androscoggin River up to the Samuel Veazie House, passing through the Charles Thompson House and the Walker Homestead on the way.[7]