Maine Archives - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find an Xray Tech School near West Baldwin Maine

West Baldwin ME x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near West Baldwin ME so you can learn to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have chosen to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about picking the ideal school and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And considering that the majority of states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you may need training 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. A number of potential students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location should be taken into account, there are other important qualifiers also. For example, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are considering are provided later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiology technician does and the credentials and education options that are offered.

Radiology Technician Job Summary

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, they all have the identical primary job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many elect to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, such as mammography. They may practice in West Baldwin ME hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech may utilize include:

Traditional and specialized X-Rays
Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Sonography or ultrasound
Fluoroscopy

Radiographers must maintain their equipment and regularly assess its performance and safety. They are also required to retain complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As West Baldwin ME health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Tech Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in West Baldwin ME The primary requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech college is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, normally requires 18 months to two years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to finish and is more comprehensive in nature. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable also. One thing to keep in mind is that West Baldwin ME radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any licensing or certification mandates in Maine or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiographer Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, depending on the state where you will be employed you might have to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria differ so check with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number offer additional alternatives for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. However, many West Baldwin ME employers would rather 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 exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technician Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in West Baldwin 04091 As a part 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 obtain your degree online, a significant portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is usually performed in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your West Baldwin ME home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree often discover that the online approach to education is far more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online programs are generally less costly than traditional alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be decreased as well. But just make sure that the online school you select is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then online classes may be the ideal option for you.

Points to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges

Once you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of locating and assessing West Baldwin ME x-ray technician schools. You will also have to determine if you want to attend online classes or travel to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a material variable as well. But along with cost and location, what else should you factor in when comparing schools? Well, you need to find out if the colleges 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 put together a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? Most xray tech colleges have received some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still important to make sure 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). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive review of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it can 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. Besides ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of West Baldwin ME employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask if the Maine radiology tech programs you are reviewing have partnerships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great manner to obtain hands on training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may help students and graduates establish professional relationships in the West Baldwin ME medical community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the radiographer programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with West Baldwin ME healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For many students, the school they choose will have to be within travelling distance of their West Baldwin ME home. Individuals who have opted to attend online classes naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit far in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the West Baldwin ME colleges you are considering what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to speak with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the radiographer school you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in West Baldwin ME, check that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out 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 Want to Become a Radiologic Technologist?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to consider questions you could be asked. One of the questions that interviewers typically ask radiographer prospects is "What compelled you to select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not only the personal reasons you may have for being an Xray technician, but also what attributes and skills you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, as well as a certain number of standard interview questions, so you should ready some ideas about how you would like to answer them. Considering there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you along with the talents you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but take down a few concepts and topics that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can help you to develop your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Pick the Ideal X-Ray Technician Program near West Baldwin ME

Enrolling in the best radiology tech college is a critical first step toward launching a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs frequently stand for the greater part of the workday and move and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and furnish the best available patient care. As we have discussed in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are considering before making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you decide on an online school or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each college so you can focus your choices and make your decision. And with the proper training and your motivation to succeed, you can realize your goal to work as a radiology tech in West Baldwin ME.

Some Background on West Baldwin Maine

Baldwin, Maine

Baldwin is a town in Cumberland County, Maine, United States. The population was 1,525 at the 2010 census.[4] It is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine, metropolitan statistical area.

First called Flintstown Plantation, it was granted in 1774 by the Massachusetts General Court to survivors of the Concord, Massachusetts, company commanded by Captain John Flint. It replaced a grant of about 1735 which gave them Township No. 3, because when state borders were adjusted in 1741, the town turned out to be in New Hampshire—present-day Walpole. On June 23, 1802, Flintstown was incorporated as Baldwin, named for Colonel Loammi Baldwin, for whom the Baldwin apple was named. Sebago was set off and incorporated in 1826.[5]

The surface of the town is broken, but with soil favorable to grain and hay. Baldwin would be noted for its orchards, and a factory was established in East Baldwin for drying apples. There was also a corn factory. Brooks provided water power for various mills which produced board lumber, barrel staves and shooks. During times of drought, the Saco Water Power Company could regulate water at Great Falls to run mills down the Saco River in Saco and in Biddeford. The Portland and Ogdensburg Railroad followed the Saco River valley for the length of Baldwin.[6]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 36.35 square miles (94.15 km2), of which, 35.32 square miles (91.48 km2) of it is land and 1.03 square miles (2.67 km2) is water.[1] Baldwin is drained by Breakneck Brook and the Saco River.

The town is crossed by state routes 5, 107, 113 and 117, and is bordered by Sebago on the north; Standish on the east; Hiram on the west; and Cornish and Limington on the south.