Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Methuen MA 01844 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose an X-Ray Tech Degree Program near Methuen Massachusetts

Methuen MA x-ray tech internship program Congratulations on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Methuen MA so you can learn to be a radiology technician. But now that you have made a decision to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you set about selecting the ideal college and program so that you will get the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And because the majority of states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you might require training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you assess each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. A number of potential students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and typically settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location must be considered, there are additional significant qualifications as well. For example, you need to find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the colleges you are evaluating are provided later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology tech does and the credentials and education options that are available.

Radiology Technician Career Summary

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, each has the identical major job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some opt to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for instance mammography. They may work in Methuen MA hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech 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 care for their equipment and also routinely assess its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Methuen 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 Methuen MA The standard requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, normally takes 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to complete and is more extensive in nature. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be acceptable as well. Something to bear in mind is that Methuen MA radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may frequently be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Massachusetts or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, depending on the state where you will be working you may need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so check with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but a number accept other options for testing also. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, numerous Methuen MA employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Tech Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Methuen 01844 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree programs. So while you can still obtain 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 performed in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Methuen MA residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree typically discover that the online style of education is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are often less costly than conventional alternatives. Along with lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting can be lessened as well. But just make sure that the online school you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online degree may be the ideal choice for you.

What to Ask Radiology Tech Schools

As soon as you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of locating and evaluating Methuen MA x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to determine if you want to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a determining factor also. But along with cost and location, what more should you consider when comparing schools? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are looking at.

Are the X-Ray Tech Programs Accredited? The majority of xray tech colleges have acquired some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still imperative to confirm that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive examination of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it may also earn 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. In addition to ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Methuen MA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Inquire if the Massachusetts radiology technician programs you are assessing have partnerships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent means to get practical training in a clinical environment, they are also a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help graduates and students form professional relationships in the Methuen MA healthcare community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the radiographer schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Methuen MA healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students 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 driving distance of their Methuen MA home. Those who have chosen to attend classes online obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. One thing to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually 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 hide in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Methuen MA schools you are looking at what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the radiographer college you ultimately pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Methuen MA, confirm that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of work, illness or family emergencies.

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

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to consider questions you might be asked. Among the questions that recruiters frequently ask radiographer prospects is "What compelled you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not just the personal reasons you might have for becoming an Xray technician, but additionally what characteristics and abilities you have that make you good at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, as well as a certain number of general interview questions, so you should prepare some strategies about how you want to address them. Given that there are numerous factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you as well as the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but take down some ideas and topics that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can help you to develop your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.

Choose the Best X-Ray Tech Program near Methuen MA

Choosing the right radiology technician degree program is an important first step toward initiating a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the greater part of the workday and position and in some cases lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to 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 social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. As has been addressed in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are considering before making your final selection. This is equally true whether you opt for an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices and make your decision. And with the right education and your motivation to be successful, you can achieve your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Methuen MA.

Some Background on Methuen Massachusetts

Methuen, Massachusetts

Methuen /mɛˈθuːɛn/ is a city[2] in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 47,255 at the 2010 census.[3]

Methuen was first settled in 1642 and was officially incorporated in 1726. Methuen was originally part of Haverhill, Massachusetts. In 1724 Stephen Barker and others in the western part of that town petitioned the General Court to grant them permission to form a new town above Hawke's Meadow Brook. Although opposed by their fellow townsmen, the petition was approved the following year (December 8, 1725), and the General Court gave them an act of incorporation under the name of Methuen. The town was named for Sir Paul Methuen, a member of the King's Privy Council and friend of acting Provincial Governor William Dummer. The first town meeting was held March 9, 1726, in the home of a resident. Land was set aside for a meetinghouse, which was erected later in 1726 on what is now Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery.[4]

The residents in the northern part of the new town of Methuen soon petitioned to have their own meetinghouse (a combination of town hall and puritan church), and in 1736 the north parish was set off. Land for a meetinghouse was donated by descendants of the original proprietors of Haverhill, and in 1738 the second Methuen meetinghouse was raised. The structure survives to this day, as the Salem N.H. Historical Society building. In 1741, with the fixing of the Northern boundary of Massachusetts, most of this new north parish was removed from Methuen and placed in New Hampshire. It was incorporated as Salem, New Hampshire in 1750.[5]

Industrial growth in the 1800s influenced Methuen's development. Construction of the Methuen Cotton Mills at the Spicket River falls in the 1820s and the increased manufacture of hats and shoes in small factories along the Spicket spurred the centralization of Methuen's economic, residential and cultural activities within the area around Osgood, Broadway, Hampshire and Pleasant streets. Three wealthy and prominent families—the Nevins, the Tenneys and the Searles—played a significant role in Methuen's history and development. These families were instrumental in the founding of many of Methuen's landmarks, including the Nevins Memorial Library, the Searles building, Tenney Gatehouse, Nevins Home, Spicket Falls, and the Civil War monument between Pleasant and Charles streets.[6]

Methuen is located at 42°43′48″N 71°10′46″W / 42.73000°N 71.17944°W / 42.73000; -71.17944 (42.730040, −71.179352).[7] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 23.1 square miles (59.7 km2), of which 22.2 square miles (57.6 km2) is land and 0.77 square miles (2.0 km2), or 3.42%, is water.[8]