Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Whitefield ME 04353 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find an X-Ray Tech Program near Whitefield Maine

Whitefield ME x-ray tech internship program Congratulations on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Whitefield ME so you can learn to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have chosen to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you tackle selecting the ideal college and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And since the majority of states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you might need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you assess each of the schools you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. A number of prospective students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and typically gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location need to be taken into consideration, there are other significant qualifications also. For example, you should ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are considering are provided later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray tech does and the degrees and education choices that are offered.

X-Ray Tech Work Description

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, they all have the identical primary job description, which is to employ 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. Many opt to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, such as mammography. They can work in Whitefield ME hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist 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 complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Whitefield ME health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Tech Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Whitefield ME The basic requirement for attending an x-ray tech school is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, 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 finish and is more comprehensive in nature. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are appropriate as well. One thing to keep in mind is that Whitefield ME radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can frequently be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Maine or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, depending on the state where you will be working you may need to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites vary so check with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but many offer other options for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. However, numerous Whitefield ME employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it may improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technician Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Whitefield 04353 As a component of any 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 programs. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a large amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is usually carried out in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online segment of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Whitefield ME home. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically discover that the online approach to education is much more practical with their active schedules. Plus online programs are often more affordable than conventional alternatives. Along with lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials can be decreased also. But just make sure that the online school you select 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.

Subjects to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges

Once you have chosen the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the process of finding and assessing Whitefield ME x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be an important factor also. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you factor in when evaluating schools? Well, you should ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details before you make your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are reviewing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? A large number of xray tech schools have received some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still imperative to make sure 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). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive assessment of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting agencies 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 assist in getting financial aid and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Whitefield ME health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level openings.

Are Internships Provided? Inquire if the Maine xray technician programs you are reviewing have relationships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent manner to get practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist graduates and students establish professional connections in the Whitefield ME medical community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the radiographer programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Whitefield ME healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the college they decide on will have to be within travelling distance of their Whitefield ME residence. Individuals who have opted to attend online classes naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly 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 likes to sit way in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Whitefield ME colleges you are reviewing what the average teacher to student 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 speak with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the x-ray tech college you ultimately pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Whitefield ME, check that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because 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 advantageous to review questions you might be asked. One of the things that interviewers typically ask radiographer prospects is "What drove you to pick radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not just the private reasons you might have for being a radiology technician, but also what characteristics and abilities you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, as well as a certain number of typical interview questions, so you must prepare some strategies about how you want to respond to them. Because there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the strengths you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but jot down some concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.

Choose the Ideal Radiology Technician College near Whitefield ME

Picking the best radiology technician college is a critical first step toward beginning a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs often stand for the majority of the working day and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians 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 deliver the best available patient care. As has been covered in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are reviewing before making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you decide on an online school or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each program so you can focus your options before making your decision. And with the appropriate education and your motivation to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Whitefield ME.

Some Background on Whitefield Maine

George Whitefield

George Whitefield (/ˈdʒɔːdʒ ˈwɪtfiːld/; 27 December [O.S. 16 December] 1714 – 30 September 1770), also spelled Whitfield, was an English Anglican cleric who was one of the founders of Methodism and the evangelical movement.[1]

Born in Gloucester, he matriculated at Pembroke College at the University of Oxford in 1732. There he joined the "Holy Club" and was introduced to the Wesley brothers, John and Charles, with whom he would work closely in his later ministry. Whitefield was ordained after receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree. He immediately began preaching, but he did not settle as the minister of any parish. Rather he became an itinerant preacher and evangelist. In 1740, Whitefield traveled to North America, where he preached a series of revivals that came to be known as the "Great Awakening". His methods were controversial and he engaged in numerous debates and disputes with other clergymen.

Whitefield received widespread recognition during his ministry; he preached at least 18,000 times to perhaps 10 million listeners in Great Britain and the American colonies. Whitefield could enthrall large audiences through a potent combination of drama, religious rhetoric, and imperial pride.[2]

Mr. George Whitefield was born on 27 December [O.S. 16 December] 1714 at the Bell Inn, Southgate Street, Gloucester in England. Mr. George Whitefield was the fifth son (seventh child) of Thomas Whitefield and Elizabeth Edwards who kept an inn at Gloucester.[3] At an early age, he found that he had a passion and talent for acting in the theatre, a passion that he would carry on with the very theatrical re-enactments of Bible stories he told during his sermons. He was educated at the Crypt School, Gloucester, and Pembroke College, Oxford.[4][not in citation given]

Because business at the inn had become poor, Mr. George Whitefield did not have the means to pay for his tuition.[5] He therefore came up to Oxford as a servitor, the lowest rank of undergraduates; granted free tuition, he acted as a servant to Fellows and Fellow-commoners, duties including teaching them in the morning, helping them bathe, cleaning their rooms, carrying their books and assisting them with work.[5] He was a part of the "Holy Club" at the University with the Wesley brothers, John and Charles. An illness, as well as Henry Scougal's The Life of God in the Soul of Man, influenced him to turn to the Church. Following a religious conversion, he became passionate for preaching his new-found faith. The Bishop of Gloucester ordained him a deacon.[6]