Accredited Radiology Technician Programs Glenshaw PA 15116 Archives

How to Pick an Xray Tech College near Glenshaw Pennsylvania

Glenshaw PA x-ray tech internship program Best wishes regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Glenshaw PA in order to become a radiology technologist. But now that you have decided to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle selecting the ideal college and program so that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And since the majority of states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you may need preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you research each of the schools you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. Many prospective students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and typically gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location should be taken into account, there are other critical qualifiers also. For instance, you must find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are examining are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and training choices that are available.

X-Ray Technician Career Description

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, each has the identical principal job function, 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 the treatment of cancer. Many elect to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They can practice in Glenshaw PA hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician 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 maintain their equipment and frequently assess its performance and safety. They are also expected to keep in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Glenshaw PA health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Technician Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Glenshaw PA The standard requirement for attending a radiology tech school 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, generally requires 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to finish and is more comprehensive in nature. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be appropriate as well. Something to consider is that Glenshaw PA radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may often be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which many colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Pennsylvania or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, based on the state where you will be practicing you might need to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites differ so check with your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but a number provide other alternatives for testing also. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, numerous Glenshaw PA employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it might increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Tech Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Glenshaw 15116 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree schools. So while you can still earn your online degree, a substantial portion of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is typically provided in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Glenshaw PA residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree often find that the online style of education is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online schools are frequently less costly than on-campus options. Along with lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be decreased as well. But just make certain that the online program you choose is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online degree may be the ideal choice for you.

What to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges

Once you have selected the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of looking for and assessing Glenshaw PA x-ray tech colleges. 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 naturally the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be an important factor as well. But along with location and cost, what more should you consider when comparing schools? Well, you need to find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are looking at.

Are the X-Ray Tech Schools Accredited? A large number of radiology tech schools have acquired some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, 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 receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed examination of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Glenshaw PA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level jobs.

Are Internships Provided? Ask if the Pennsylvania xray technician programs you are reviewing have associations with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great means to obtain hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist students and graduates develop professional relationships in the Glenshaw PA health care community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the radiographer schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Glenshaw PA healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For many students, the college they decide on will have to be within travelling distance of their Glenshaw PA home. Individuals who have opted to attend online classes obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally 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.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit way in the rear of class 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 Glenshaw PA schools you are looking at what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to converse with some of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the radiographer school you finally choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Glenshaw PA, confirm that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you might be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers typically ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not just the personal reasons you might have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what qualities and skills you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, along with a significant number of standard interview questions, so you should prepare a number of strategies about how you want to respond to them. Considering there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the talents you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but write down some ideas and talking points that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can help you to formulate your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Choose the Right X-Ray Tech College near Glenshaw PA

Selecting the best x-ray tech college is a crucial first step toward launching a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the greater part of the day and position and at times lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and provide the best available patient care. As we have covered in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are looking at before making your final selection. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online school or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each college so you can focus your options and make your decision. And with the right education and your motivation to succeed, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Glenshaw PA.

Some Background on Glenshaw Pennsylvania

Shaler Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania

Shaler Township is a township in Allegheny County in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. It consists of much of the community of Glenshaw and several neighboring communities. The population was 28,757 at the 2010 census.

Traders began settling in the Shaler area in the mid-18th century. The most prominent early trader in the area was George Croghan, who came in the early 1740s. By 1754, settlement included the Pine Creek trading post, where Europeans traded fur and skins with the Mingo and other Native Americans in the Ohio Valley. The second early European settlement was Girty's Run, established by Simon Girty.[3]

The village of Glenshaw, Pennsylvania—at the center of what became Shaler Township—was established in the early 19th century, beginning with a log sawmill built by John Shaw, Sr. after he bought 600 acres (2.4 km2) of land north of Pittsburgh in 1800. The area became known as "Shaw's Glen", and later Glenshaw. Members of the Shaw family subsequently built a log gristmill, a sickle factory, and a coal mine.[4]

On March 20, 1845, a petition to form a new township from portions of Ross and Indiana townships was presented to the Court of Quarter Sessions. Col. James A. Gibson, Alexander V. Brackenridge and John Murray were appointed as viewers. They reported in favor on June 10 of the same year, although it was two years later on March 20, 1847 that the court decree establishing the township was issued, in the name of Marion.[5] While the township was initially confirmed with the name Marion; on the same day the name was changed to Shaler, after Charles Shaler, a prominent mid-19th century Pittsburgh area judge, who served as President Judge of the 5th District Court in Beaver County.[6] The township is not named for the numerous deposits of shale rock found within its borders; this is instead a common misconception.

At the time of establishment, Shaler Township encompassed all of its current holdings plus the boroughs of Etna, Millvale, and a large tract of Ross Township. By 1868, Shaler lost much of its land to the new boroughs. In 1900, Shaler became one of the early townships to be classified as a township of the first class. The township's boundaries remain basically the same today as they were in 1900.