How to Choose an X-Ray Technician Degree Program near Orrstown Pennsylvania

Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Orrstown PA so you can become a radiology technologist. But now that you have made a decision to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about selecting the right school and program to ensure that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And because most states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you might require preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you research each of the schools you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. A number of prospective students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while location and cost need to be considered, there are additional significant qualifications as well. For example, you must find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the schools you are considering are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray technician does and the degrees and training choices that are offered.

X-Ray Tech Occupation Description

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the same fundamental job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many opt to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, such as mammography. They may practice in Orrstown PA 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 must take care of their equipment and frequently assess its performance and safety. They are also expected to retain complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Orrstown PA health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degree Options

The primary requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech program is to have earned 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 techs, generally requires 18 months to two years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to complete and is more comprehensive in nature. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be appropriate also. Something to keep in mind is that Orrstown PA radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may frequently be fulfilled by participating in an internship or 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 must comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Pennsylvania or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an Radiologist program, depending on the state where you will be employed you might need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their prerequisites differ so check with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many provide additional alternatives for testing also. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. However, many Orrstown PA employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it could enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Tech Programs

As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree programs. So although you can still earn your degree online, a significant amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is usually performed in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online segment of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Orrstown PA home. Students who continue working while earning their degree often discover that the online approach to education is much more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently less expensive than traditional options. In addition to lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials can be reduced also. But just confirm that the online college you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online school may be the ideal option for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiology Tech Schools

Once you have chosen the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of finding and assessing Orrstown PA x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to determine if you want to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the school will be important. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be an important variable also. 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 uncover some of these crucial details before you make your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Tech Programs Accredited? Most xray tech schools have received some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still crucial to make sure that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive review of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also help in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Orrstown PA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Inquire if the Pennsylvania xray tech colleges you are reviewing have associations with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent manner to receive hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help students and graduates develop professional connections in the Orrstown PA health care community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Orrstown PA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the college they choose will have to be within travelling distance of their Orrstown PA residence. Students who have opted to attend online classes obviously will not have to concern 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 school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit way in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Orrstown PA schools you are looking at what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the x-ray tech  program you ultimately select can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Orrstown PA, check that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss due to work, illness or family obligations.

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

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to review questions you might be asked. Among the questions that recruiters typically ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not just the private reasons you might have for being a radiology technician, but additionally what attributes and talents you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, in addition to a certain number of general interview questions, so you need to organize a number of strategies about how you want to address them. Given that there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the abilities you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but take down a few concepts and anecdotes 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 wow the recruiter.

Pick the Ideal Radiology Technician Program near Orrstown PA

Enrolling in the appropriate x-ray technician school is a crucial first step toward starting a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs regularly stand for the majority of the working day and move and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and provide the best possible patient care. As we have discussed in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online program or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each program so you can narrow down your choices before making your final choice. And with the proper education and your commitment to be successful, you can realize your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Orrstown PA.

Some Background on Orrstown Pennsylvania

 

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