How to Choose a Radiology Tech School near Lafayette Hill Pennsylvania

Best wishes regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Lafayette Hill PA in order to become a radiologic technician. But now that you have chosen to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you undertake selecting the ideal school and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And since the majority of states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you might need training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you research each of the schools you are considering in order to compare each program. A number of students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and usually settle on the most affordable cost. But while expense and location should be taken into account, there are other significant qualifications also. For example, you need to find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are considering are provided later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic technician does and the degrees and training choices that are available.

X-Ray Tech Career Summary

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, they all have the same major job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some elect to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, such as mammography. They may practice in Lafayette Hill PA clinics, hospitals, family 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 have to maintain their equipment and routinely assess its functionality and safety. They are also expected to retain in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Lafayette Hill PA health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Technician Degrees

The primary requirement for attending a radiology tech college is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, usually requires 18 months to two years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to complete and is more expansive in nature. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are acceptable as well. One thing to keep in mind is that Lafayette Hill PA radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may 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. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any licensing or certification mandates in Pennsylvania or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, depending on the state where you will be employed you may have to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites differ so contact your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but several provide other options for testing also. Some states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Lafayette Hill PA employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might enhance 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 exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Tech Colleges

As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree schools. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a substantial amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is often performed in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online segment of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Lafayette Hill PA home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree often find that the online style of education is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently less expensive than on-campus options. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be decreased also. But just make certain that the online college you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online degree may be the ideal choice for you.

Questions to Ask Radiographer Programs

Once you have selected the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of finding and assessing Lafayette Hill PA x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be critical. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be an important factor also. But along with cost and location, what more should you consider when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are considering.

Are the X-Ray Tech Schools Accredited? Most radiology technician colleges have received some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still important 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). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous evaluation of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also help in getting financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Lafayette Hill PA employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level positions.

Are Internships Offered? Ask if the Pennsylvania radiology technician schools you are reviewing have relationships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great means to obtain practical training in a clinical environment, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help students and graduates develop professional relationships in the Lafayette Hill PA health care community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the radiographer programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Lafayette Hill PA healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the college they decide on will have to be within driving distance of their Lafayette Hill PA residence. Individuals who have opted to attend online classes obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly 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 far in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Lafayette Hill PA colleges you are looking at what the average student to teacher 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 talk with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program also.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the radiographer  program you finally choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Lafayette Hill PA, verify that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Radiology Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to consider questions you could be asked. Among the questions that recruiters often ask radiographer candidates is "What made you select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not just the personal reasons you might have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what characteristics and abilities you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will likely be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, in addition to a certain number of general interview questions, so you must organize a number of approaches about how you want to address them. Since there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can respond to 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 outstanding X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but write down some ideas and talking points that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can help you to develop your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.

Choose the Best Radiology Technician Program near Lafayette Hill PA

Picking the best radiology technician school is a critical first step toward starting a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs frequently stand for the greater part of the day and position and at times lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians 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 good work environment and furnish the best available patient care. As we have discussed in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each program you are assessing before making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you enroll in an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each college so you can focus your choices and make your final choice. And with the proper training and your dedication to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Lafayette Hill PA.

Some Background on Lafayette Hill Pennsylvania

 

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