How to Pick a Radiologic Tech Degree Program in Delaware
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school in Delaware in order to become a radiologic technologist. And now that you have chosen to go into 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 considering that most states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you might need training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you research each of the schools you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Most potential students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and frequently gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while cost and location need to be taken into consideration, there are additional significant qualifications also. For example, you should ask 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 article. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and education options that are available.
Radiology Technician Job Summary
There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, they all have the identical fundamental job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some elect to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for example mammography. They may practice in Delaware 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 frequently evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to retain complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Delaware health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
X-Ray Tech Degrees Offered
The standard prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech school is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, normally requires 18 months to two years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to complete and is more extensive in nature. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable as well. One thing to bear in mind is that Delaware radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may frequently be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which many schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Delaware or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification
When you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, based on the state where you will be employed you might need to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so contact your state. Presently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but several offer other options for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, numerous Delaware employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it could increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Technologist Schools
As a component of any degree program, Delaware x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree colleges. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a significant portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is typically performed in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Delaware residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree often discover that the online approach to learning is far more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online schools are often cheaper than traditional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be lessened as well. But just make sure that the online program you select is accredited (more on the advantages 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.
Topics to Ask Radiologic Tech Schools
When you have decided on the type of degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of locating and assessing Delaware 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 choose the latter, then of course the location of the college will be critical. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be an important factor as well. But along with location and cost, what else should you factor in when reviewing schools? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details before you make your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are looking at.
Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? The majority of radiology tech schools have earned some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still crucial to confirm 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 receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive review of their instructors and educational materials. If the program is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also help in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Delaware employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level positions.
Are Internship Programs Offered? Find out if the Delaware radiology tech programs you are assessing have associations with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great means to get hands on training in a clinical environment, they are also a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help graduates and students establish professional connections in the Delaware healthcare community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Delaware healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the college they choose will have to be within driving distance of their Delaware 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 keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or even 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 typically charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.
What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit far in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Delaware 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 ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program also.
Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the radiographer program you finally choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Delaware, make certain that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Select the Best X-Ray Tech Program in Delaware
Enrolling in the ideal x-ray tech college is a crucial first step toward launching a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs typically stand for the majority of the workday and position and in some cases lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe 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 radiologists and other doctors. Possessing social skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and furnish the best possible patient care. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each program you are assessing before making your final selection. This is equally true whether you opt for an online school or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each school so you can narrow down your options before making your decision. And with the appropriate education and your dedication to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiology tech in Delaware.