Accredited Radiology Tech Schools Birdsboro PA 19508 Archives

How to Select an X-Ray Tech College near Birdsboro Pennsylvania

Birdsboro PA x-ray tech internship program Best wishes regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Birdsboro PA so you can learn to be a radiologic technologist. But now that you have chosen to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you tackle picking the ideal school and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you may require preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering in order to evaluate each program. Most students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and frequently gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location should be taken into consideration, there are other important qualifiers also. For instance, you must ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the colleges you are evaluating are provided later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and training choices that are offered.

Radiology Technician Occupation Description

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have the identical major job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many opt to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for example mammography. They may work in Birdsboro PA hospitals, clinics, private 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 routinely assess its functionality and safety. They are also expected to keep in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Birdsboro PA health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Tech Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Birdsboro PA The standard requirement for attending 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 prevalent among technicians, generally takes 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to finish and is more expansive in nature. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are appropriate as well. Something to bear in mind is that Birdsboro PA radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may frequently be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which many schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Pennsylvania or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, based on the state where you will be working you might have to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites differ so check with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but many offer additional alternatives for testing also. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, numerous Birdsboro PA employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it may increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technologist Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Birdsboro 19508 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree colleges. So while you can still obtain your degree online, a considerable amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is usually provided in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online portion of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Birdsboro PA home. Students who continue working while earning their degree typically find that the online approach to learning is much more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are frequently less costly than conventional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials may be reduced as well. But just make sure that the online college you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online degree may be the right choice for you.

Topics to Ask Radiology Tech Schools

When you have selected the type of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of locating and evaluating Birdsboro PA x-ray tech schools. You will also have to determine if you want to attend classes online or travel to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be relevant. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be an important variable also. But along with cost and location, what else should you consider when reviewing colleges? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are reviewing.

Are the X-Ray Tech Schools Accredited? Most radiology technician schools have received some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still crucial to make sure that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive review of their instructors and educational materials. If the program is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial aid and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Birdsboro PA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out if the Pennsylvania radiology tech schools you are assessing have relationships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent manner to get hands on training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist students and graduates develop professional connections in the Birdsboro PA healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Birdsboro PA healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the school they select will need to be within driving distance of their Birdsboro PA home. Students who have chosen 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. One thing to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit far in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Birdsboro PA colleges you are looking at what the typical 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 decision. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the radiographer program you ultimately pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Birdsboro PA, make certain that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Want to Become a Radiologic Technologist?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to consider questions you could be asked. One of the things that recruiters frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to pick radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not just the private reasons you may have for becoming an Xray technician, but additionally what qualities and skills you possess that make you good at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, along with a certain number of typical interview questions, so you should prepare several ideas about how you would like to respond to them. Since there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the strengths you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but take down a few ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Select the Best Radiology Technician Program near Birdsboro PA

Choosing the ideal x-ray tech school is a critical first step toward beginning a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs regularly stand for the majority of the day and position and in some cases lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best available patient care. As has been discussed in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you enroll in an online school or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each college so you can narrow down your options before making your final choice. And with the appropriate education and your motivation to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Birdsboro PA.

Some Background on Birdsboro Pennsylvania

Birdsboro, Pennsylvania

Birdsboro is a borough in Berks County, Pennsylvania, United States. Located along the Schuylkill River, it is 8 miles (13 km) southeast of Reading. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 5,163.[3] In the past, Birdsboro was noted for its large foundries and machine shops, none of which remain in operation today.

Birdsboro was named for ironmaker William Bird, who established a forge on Hay Creek about 1740. His son Marcus founded Hopewell Furnace in 1771, which was the largest domestic producer of iron by the time of the American Revolution. The Schuylkill Canal, running parallel to the river, was completed in 1827. The Philadelphia and Reading Railroad, constructed to haul anthracite coal, was completed in 1843. Edward and George Brooke, descendants of the Birds, established the Birdsboro Iron Foundry Company (1867), which became Birdsboro Steel Company (1905). The principal employer for 120 years, the steel plant closed in 1988, following a lengthy strike.[4]

The borough was created in 1872, from sections of Union and Robeson townships. Its population increased slowly from 2,261 in 1890, to 2,264 in 1900, to 2,930 in 1910. The population was 5,064 at the 2000 census.[5]

Armorcast Corporation built a plant in the borough in 1944, which manufactured tanks for World War II and the Korean War.[6] The plant closed in 1988.

Suburban housing developments such as Mansion Heights, built on the hills overlooking the valley in the 1980s and 1990s, increased the borough's population markedly. Still, the local Episcopal church closed in 2002, and the Roman Catholic parish built a new church and school outside the borough, in Douglassville, in 2005.[7]