How to Choose a Radiology Tech College in Massachusetts
Best wishes regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school in Massachusetts in order to train to be a radiology technician. But now that you have decided to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you tackle choosing the ideal school and program to ensure that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And because the majority of states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you may require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the schools you are considering in order to evaluate each program. A number of students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and typically gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while location and cost need to be taken into consideration, there are additional important qualifiers also. For instance, you should find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are evaluating are presented later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and education options that are offered.
X-Ray Technician Occupation Summary
There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, they all have the identical fundamental job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, such as mammography. They may work in Massachusetts clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may utilize 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 plus regularly analyze its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Massachusetts medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
X-Ray Tech Degrees Available
The standard requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech program is to have earned 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 prevalent among technicians, normally requires 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to finish and is more comprehensive in scope. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are appropriate also. One thing to bear in mind is that Massachusetts radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may often be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which many colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Massachusetts or the state you will be working as applicable.
X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification
Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, depending on the state where you will be employed you may have to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their requirements vary so check with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but a number approve additional options for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, many Massachusetts employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it might improve 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 requires re-certification every two years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.
Online Radiology Technologist Programs
As a part of every degree program, Massachusetts x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree schools. So while you can still obtain your online degree, a considerable portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is often conducted in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online portion of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Massachusetts home. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically find that the online style of education is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are frequently less expensive than on-campus options. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials may be decreased also. But just make certain that the online college you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then online classes may be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Radiology Tech Schools
After you have selected the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of looking for and evaluating Massachusetts x-ray technician schools. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be relevant. The price of tuition and ancillary expenses will be an important factor also. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you factor in when reviewing schools? Well, you need to find out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these important details before you make your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are looking at.
Are the Radiology Technician Schools Accredited? A large number of xray tech colleges have received some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still important to confirm that the school and program 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 earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous assessment of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Massachusetts employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level positions.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask if the Massachusetts xray technician colleges you are evaluating have relationships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent manner to obtain practical training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may help students and graduates form professional relationships in the Massachusetts healthcare community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the radiographer schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Massachusetts healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the school they select will need to be within travelling distance of their Massachusetts home. Those who have decided to attend classes online 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 bear 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 frequently charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit far in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Massachusetts schools you are considering what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with some of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program also.
Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the radiographer college you ultimately choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Massachusetts, verify that they are available. 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, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of work, illness or family obligations.
Choose the Right X-Ray Tech School in Massachusetts
Choosing the ideal x-ray technician college is a critical first step toward initiating a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs frequently stand for the greater part of the workday and position and at times lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best possible care to patients. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each program you are considering prior to making your ultimate selection. This is similarly true whether you enroll in an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each school so you can focus your options before making your final choice. And with the right education and your dedication to succeed, you can realize your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Massachusetts.