Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Athol MA 01331 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select a Radiology Tech School near Athol Massachusetts

Athol MA x-ray tech internship program Congratulations on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Athol MA so you can become a radiologic technician. But now that you have made a decision to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you go about choosing the right college and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And because the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you might need training to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering so that you can compare each program. Most prospective students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and frequently gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location need to be considered, there are additional significant qualifications as well. For instance, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are considering are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and training options that are available.

X-Ray Technician Career Summary

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have the same principal job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some opt to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They can work in Athol MA clinics, hospitals, family 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 maintain their equipment and routinely evaluate its performance and safety. They are also expected to retain complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Athol MA health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Technician Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Athol MA The basic prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, usually takes 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to complete and is more extensive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are acceptable as well. One thing to bear in mind is that Athol MA radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may often be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which many colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification mandates in Massachusetts or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, based on the state where you will be working you might have to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites differ so get in touch with your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number offer additional options for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, many Athol MA employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it may enhance 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 calls for re-certification every other year, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technician Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Athol 01331 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree schools. So although you can still obtain your degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is often carried out in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online segment of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Athol MA home. Students who keep working while earning their degree often find that the online approach to learning is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are generally less costly than conventional options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be reduced as well. But just be sure that the online school you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online degree may be the right option for you.

Topics to Ask Radiologic Tech Schools

When you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of finding and evaluating Athol MA x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to determine if you want to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a material variable as well. But along with cost and location, what more should you consider when evaluating schools? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? A large number of xray tech schools have received some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still important 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). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed assessment of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it can also obtain 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. Besides ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Athol MA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Find out if the Massachusetts xray tech programs you are evaluating have relationships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent way to receive practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help graduates and students form professional relationships in the Athol MA health care community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Athol MA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they choose will need to be within commuting distance of their Athol MA residence. Individuals who have opted to attend online classes obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. One thing 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 have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Athol MA colleges you are looking at what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to converse with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program also.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the radiographer school you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Athol MA, verify that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.

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

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to consider questions you could be asked. Among the questions that interviewers typically ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not just the private reasons you may have for being a radiology technician, but also what qualities and talents you have that make you good at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, in addition to a significant number of typical interview questions, so you must ready some strategies about how you would like to respond to them. Considering there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you in addition to the talents you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but jot down some ideas and talking points that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Choose the Right X-Ray Tech Program near Athol MA

Picking the best x-ray tech college is an important first step toward launching a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs frequently stand for the greater part of the day and position and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best available care to patients. As we have discussed in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each program you are looking at prior to making your final decision. This is just as true whether you enroll in an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each school so you can narrow down your options and make your decision. And with the appropriate training and your motivation to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Athol MA.

Some Background on Athol Massachusetts

Athol, Massachusetts

Athol /ˈæθɒl/ is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 11,584 at the 2010 census.

Originally called Pequoiag when settled by Native Americans, the area was subsequently settled by five families in September 1735. When the township was incorporated in 1762, the name was changed to Athol. John Murray, one of the proprietors of the land, chose the name because the hills reminded him of his ancestral home of Blair Atholl, Scotland. Athol means “new Ireland”. Early residents subsisted on agriculture and hunting. By 1791, Athol had four gristmills, six sawmills, a fulling mill, and a shop with a trip hammer, all of which were operated by water power. The Athol Cotton Factory, built in 1811, was one of the first industries to serve a market beyond the local one. Through the 1800s, textile, leather, wood, and metal industries further expanded the market for goods produced in Athol. The construction of the Vermont and Massachusetts Railroad in the 1840s fostered so much industrial growth that a second line connecting Athol and Springfield was constructed in 1870. Construction of the Fitchburg Railroad, an east-west line, came through Athol in 1879, on its way to the Hoosac Tunnel and the Berkshires.

The Athol Machine Company was established in 1868 in order to manufacture a chopping machine invented by Laroy S. Starrett. In 1881, Mr. Starrett established the L. S. Starrett Company, known for making quality precision tools. The company remains the town’s largest employer to this day, and thus does Athol live up to the nickname "Tool Town".

As industries developed along the river valley, homes and stores grew up around the common located on the hill southeast of the factories. This area, today called Uptown, was the location of the first bank. The first trolley lines, established in 1894, ran from Athol to Orange, and additional lines soon provided efficient transportation to surrounding areas. Because of its development of industry, commerce, and transportation, Athol was the center of activity for the entire area at the start of the 20th century.

During the 1930s, the trolley lines closed due to the increased use of private automobiles, bus service, and the generally difficult economic times. When four Swift River Valley towns were flooded to create the Quabbin Reservoir, the Springfield railroad route had to be abandoned. Consequently, Athol’s growth leveled off as commerce became increasingly dependent on the Interstate Highway System. Population reached a peak of 12,186 in 1955.