Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Suitland MD 20746 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose an Xray Technician College near Suitland Maryland

Suitland MD x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Suitland MD in order to become a radiology technician. And now that you have decided to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about choosing the right school and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And because the majority of states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you may need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you research each of the schools you are considering so that you can compare each program. Many prospective students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and usually gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location need to be taken into account, there are other significant qualifications also. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are examining are provided later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and training options that are offered.

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X-Ray Technician Occupation Description

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the same major 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 perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They may work in Suitland MD clinics, hospitals, family 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 have to take care of their equipment plus frequently assess its performance and safety. They are also expected to retain complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Suitland MD health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Tech Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Suitland MD The basic prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, normally takes 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to complete and is more expansive in nature. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are acceptable also. Something to consider is that Suitland MD radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can frequently be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification requirements in Maryland or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, depending on the state where you will be working you may have to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria differ so check with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many provide additional options for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. However, many Suitland MD employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Tech Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Suitland 20746 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree schools. So even though you can still obtain your degree online, a significant portion of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is often carried out in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Suitland MD home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree usually discover that the online style of education is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online schools are frequently less costly than conventional options. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be decreased also. But just make sure that the online college you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online school may be the best option for you.

Topics to Ask X Ray Tech Programs

Once you have decided on the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can start the process of searching for and assessing Suitland MD x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to decide if you want to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be an important factor also. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you consider when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these important details prior to making your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Technician Schools Accredited? The majority of radiology technician schools have earned some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still crucial to confirm that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed evaluation of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Suitland MD health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry-level openings.

Are Internships Sponsored? Find out if the Maryland radiology tech colleges you are reviewing have associations with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great means to obtain practical experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help graduates and students establish professional connections in the Suitland MD healthcare community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are assessing 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 great relationships with Suitland MD 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 college they pick will have to be within travelling distance of their Suitland MD residence. Those who have decided to attend classes online obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. One thing to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit far in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Suitland MD schools you are researching what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program also.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the radiographer college you ultimately select can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Suitland MD, verify that they are offered. 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, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family obligations.

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

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to review questions you could be asked. Among the things that interviewers typically ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not only the private reasons you may have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what attributes and talents you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, in addition to a significant number of routine interview questions, so you need to prepare several strategies about how you would like to address them. Since there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the strengths you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but take down a few concepts and topics that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can help you to formulate your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.

Select the Right X-Ray Tech School near Suitland MD

Selecting the best radiology technician school is a critical first step toward starting a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs typically stand for the greater part of the working day and position and at times lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best possible patient care. As has been discussed in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are reviewing before making your ultimate decision. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online school or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each program so you can focus your options and make your decision. And with the proper training and your motivation to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Suitland MD.

Some Background on Suitland Maryland

Suitland, Maryland

Suitland is an unincorporated community and census designated place (CDP) in Prince George's County, Maryland, about 1 mile (1.6 km) southeast of Washington, D.C. As of the 2010 census, the population of the CDP was 25,825.[1] Prior to 2010, Suitland was part of the Suitland-Silver Hill census-designated place.

Suitland is named after 19th century landowner and businessman Senator Samuel Taylor Suit, whose estate, "Suitland," was located near the present-day intersection of Suitland and Silver Hill Roads.[2]

In the 1600s, the Piscataway tribe inhabited the lands in southern Maryland.[3] European settlers first visited Saint Clement's Island on the Potomac River and then established their first Maryland colony downriver at Saint Mary's City in 1634, and by the 1660s through the 1680s, settlers had moved into what is now known as Prince George's County. Faced with this encroachment, the Piscataways left the area in 1697, and moved north to what is now known as Conoy Island. They eventually moved further north into Pennsylvania and Michigan. The sole export of the European settlers was tobacco, and slaves were first brought to the county in the 1700s.

Prior to the American Civil War, tobacco production had made Prince George's County one of the wealthiest counties in Maryland, and half of the county's population was enslaved.[3] After the war, old plantations were broken up and replaced by communities centered on small farming and country villages.

In 1867, Samuel Taylor Suit moved to Maryland and purchased more than 800 acres (320 ha) near Washington, D.C.[4] In the 1870s and 1880s, such prominent guests as U.S. Presidents Ulysses S. Grant and Rutherford B. Hayes visited the Suitland estate. It was the 1871 site of negotiations preliminary to the international tribunal in Geneva that arbitrated the Alabama Claims. After Suit's death in 1888, portions of the estate were sold (circa 1892 to 1903) to William A. Harrison, and the land was subsequently subdivided and sold over the years. Suit's son, Arthur B. Suit, retained 3 acres (1.2 ha) of land near the corner of Suitland and Silver Hill Roads, where he maintained a general store, a bar, a bowling alley, and the community's one-room jailhouse.[5]