How to Choose an X-Ray Technician School near Mansfield Massachusetts

Congrats on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Mansfield MA so you can learn to be a radiologic technologist. But now that you have decided to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you go about selecting the right college and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And because most states do require that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you may require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you research each of the schools you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. A number of potential students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and usually gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location should be considered, there are additional important qualifications as well. For example, you must find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are evaluating are provided later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and education options that are offered.

X-Ray Technician Job Description

There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can 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 visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some elect to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, such as mammography. They can practice in Mansfield MA clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist may utilize 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 routinely analyze its performance and safety. They are also required to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Mansfield MA medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Tech Degrees Available

The standard prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech school is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, normally requires 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to complete and is more expansive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be acceptable as well. One thing to keep in mind is that Mansfield MA radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may typically be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which many colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Massachusetts or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, based on the state where you will be practicing you may need to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so contact your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but many accept additional alternatives for testing also. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, many Mansfield MA employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted 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 Radiology Technologist Colleges

As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree colleges. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a considerable portion of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is usually carried out in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online section of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Mansfield MA home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree often discover that the online approach to learning is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are often more affordable than on-campus alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting may be reduced as well. But just make certain that the online program you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then online classes may be the right choice for you.

Questions to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs

After you have chosen the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of locating and assessing Mansfield MA x-ray tech colleges. 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 naturally the location of the college will be important. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a determining factor also. But along with cost and location, what more should you look at when evaluating schools? Well, you need to 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 selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are considering.

Are the Radiology Technician Schools Accredited? Most xray technician colleges have acquired some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still imperative 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 undergone a rigorous evaluation of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Mansfield MA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask if the Massachusetts radiology technician schools you are reviewing have partnerships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great means 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 form professional relationships in the Mansfield MA medical community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Mansfield MA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For many students, the college they select will have to be within commuting distance of their Mansfield MA home. Individuals who have chosen to attend classes online naturally 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 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 need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually 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.

How Big 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 probably want a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Mansfield MA schools you are reviewing what the typical teacher to student 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 speak with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program also.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the radiographer  program you finally select can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Mansfield MA, verify that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family obligations.

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

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you might be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers typically ask radiographer candidates is "What drove you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not just the personal reasons you might have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but also what qualities and talents you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, as well as a certain number of typical interview questions, so you must ready several ideas about how you would like to address them. Since there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the strengths you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but take down some ideas and topics that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.

Pick the Best X-Ray Technician School near Mansfield MA

Enrolling in the best radiology tech school is an important first step toward launching a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs typically stand for the greater part of the workday and move 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 follow the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. As has been covered in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each program you are considering prior to making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you enroll in an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each college so you can focus your choices and make your decision. And with the appropriate education and your motivation to be successful, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Mansfield MA.

Some Background on Mansfield Massachusetts

 

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