Accredited Radiology Tech Schools Wexford PA 15090 Archives - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select an X-Ray Technician College near Wexford Pennsylvania

Wexford PA x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Wexford PA in order to become a radiologic technician. But now that you have chosen to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you tackle picking the right college and program so that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified professional? And considering that the majority of states do require that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you might require preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you research each of the schools you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. Most students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and frequently settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location need to be taken into account, there are additional important qualifications also. For example, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are evaluating are provided later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and education options that are offered.

Radiology Tech Occupation Summary

There are a number of professional titles 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, each has the same fundamental job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some elect to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They may practice in Wexford PA clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician 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 also routinely evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally required to retain complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Wexford PA health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degrees

x-ray machine in Wexford PA The primary requirement for attending a radiology tech school 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 prevalent among techs, generally takes 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to complete and is more expansive in nature. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be appropriate as well. One thing to keep in mind is that Wexford PA radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may typically be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Pennsylvania or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, depending on the state where you will be working you might need to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate 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 exam for the licensing application, but a number accept additional options for testing as well. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, many Wexford PA employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technologist Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Wexford 15090 As a part of every 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 while you can still earn your degree online, a substantial amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is usually provided in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online section of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Wexford PA residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree usually find that the online approach to learning is much more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently more affordable than conventional alternatives. Along with lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be reduced also. But just confirm that the online program you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online degree may be the best choice for you.

Points to Ask X Ray Tech Schools

After you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of searching for and evaluating Wexford PA x-ray tech 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 critical. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a determining variable also. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you look at when evaluating schools? Well, you need to find out 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 selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Technician Colleges Accredited? Most xray technician schools have received some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still imperative to confirm 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 a detailed evaluation of their teachers and educational materials. If the college is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Wexford PA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level jobs.

Are Internships Offered? Inquire if the Pennsylvania xray tech schools you are reviewing have associations with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to get practical experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may help graduates and students form professional connections in the Wexford PA medical community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Wexford PA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the college they pick will need to be within driving distance of their Wexford PA residence. Individuals who have decided 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 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 might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally 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 prefers to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Wexford PA schools you are researching 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 ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with some of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program also.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the x-ray tech program you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Wexford PA, make sure that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Radiology Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's advantageous to consider questions you may be asked. Among the questions that interviewers typically ask radiographer candidates is "What made you select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not just the private reasons you may have for being a radiology technician, but additionally what attributes and talents you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, in addition to a certain number of standard interview questions, so you need to organize some approaches about how you would like to respond to them. Considering there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you along with the strengths you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but write down several ideas and topics that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can help you to formulate your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.

Choose the Right Radiology Tech College near Wexford PA

Picking the appropriate x-ray technician college is a crucial first step toward beginning a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs often stand for the majority of the workday and position and at times lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best available patient care. As has been discussed in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are looking at prior to making your final selection. This is equally true whether you opt for an online program or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each program so you can focus your options and make your decision. And with the right education and your motivation to succeed, you can realize your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Wexford PA.

Some Background on Wexford Pennsylvania

Wexford, Pennsylvania

Wexford is an unincorporated community in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States. The area known as Wexford is split among multiple municipalities, including Franklin Park, McCandless Township, Pine Township, and Marshall Township. It is named after County Wexford in Ireland.[2]

Home to many upper-middle-class people, Wexford's commercial landscape is dominated by a mixture of corporate chains, car dealerships, and a number of local small businesses, giving this small town much diversity. Wexford concentrated on the main thoroughfare of the "Wexford Flats", U.S. Route 19. It is also home to what is considered to be one of the top high schools in Pennsylvania, North Allegheny Senior High School.[3] Other schools in the area are Pine-Richland High School, Marshall Middle School, Wexford Elementary School and Vincentian Academy.

It was ranked the twenty-eighth best place to live by Money magazine in 2005,[4] despite it being essentially a postal zip code and a general descriptor of a section of the suburban Pittsburgh metropolitan area, not a municipality of any type. The presence of North Allegheny Senior High School, a large, well funded public high school, the numerous businesses, and a number of churches along the "Wexford Flats" gives the area a more distinct community identity than simply an otherwise unremarkable suburb in the Greater Pittsburgh Area. Adjacent to Wexford is North Park and North Park lake. This area is a great asset to the community featuring many hiking/biking trails, 5-mile paved running path around the lake, many pavilions for outdoor events, outdoor ice rink, golf course, dog parks, many playgrounds, a C.O.P.E. course, and local restaurants and shops. The lake underwent construction, including dredging and refinishing shore lines, between 2009 and 2012.

The Wexford area is a growing community with subdivisions and neighborhoods constantly increasing. To account for the immense increase in population in the past few years and for years to come, the county ultimately expanded U.S. Route 19, the road that runs through the "flats", by adding a center turn lane. Before its expansion, the road was four lanes (two each way), and heavy traffic caused significant problems for drivers attempting to perform left turns.[5]

Unlike most of Allegheny County, Wexford was removed from area code 412 when it was subdivided in 1998, being placed in area code 724 instead. Part of this was because of Wexford's close proximity to Cranberry Township, one of the fastest-growing areas in the United States.[6]