Accredited Radiology Technician Programs Kensington MD 20891 Archives

How to Pick a Radiologic Tech College near Kensington Maryland

Kensington MD x-ray tech internship program Best wishes on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Kensington MD in order to train to be a radiologic technician. And now that you have chosen to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you go about picking the ideal college and program to ensure that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And considering that most states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you might need training to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you assess each of the colleges you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. A number of potential students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and typically settle on the lowest cost. But while location and cost must be taken into account, there are additional significant qualifiers also. For instance, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are evaluating are provided later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and training options that are available.

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Radiology Tech Occupation Description

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, they all have the identical 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 provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some choose to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They can work in Kensington MD hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist 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 also regularly analyze its functionality and safety. They are additionally required to retain in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Kensington MD medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Tech Degrees

x-ray machine in Kensington MD The primary requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have received 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 common among technicians, normally requires 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to complete and is more extensive in scope. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be acceptable as well. One thing to consider is that Kensington MD radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may typically be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which many colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification mandates in Maryland or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, depending on the state where you will be employed you might have to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their requirements vary so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but a number offer additional alternatives for testing also. Several states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. However, numerous Kensington MD employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it may improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technologist Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Kensington 20891 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree colleges. So although you can still earn your degree online, a considerable amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is usually performed in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online segment of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Kensington MD home. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually discover that the online approach to learning is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are often more affordable than traditional options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be reduced as well. But just confirm that the online school 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 best option for you.

Topics to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges

After you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of locating and assessing Kensington MD x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to determine if you want to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be an important factor as well. But along with location and cost, what more should you consider when evaluating colleges? Well, you should check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are reviewing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? A large number of radiology technician colleges have received some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still imperative to verify that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed evaluation 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 organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Kensington MD health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask if the Maryland radiology tech programs you are interested in have associations with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to obtain hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can help graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Kensington MD health care community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Kensington MD healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the college they pick will need to be within driving distance of their Kensington MD residence. Individuals who have decided to attend classes online naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit way in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Kensington MD schools you are looking at what the typical teacher to student 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 a chance to talk with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the x-ray tech school you ultimately select can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Kensington MD, check that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss because of illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Choose to Become an Xray Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to review questions you could be asked. One of the questions that recruiters frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What made you select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not only the personal reasons you might have for becoming an Xray technician, but also what qualities and abilities you possess that make you good at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, as well as a significant number of general interview questions, so you should organize some ideas about how you want to respond to them. Given that there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the talents you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but take down some ideas and topics that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can assist you to develop your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.

Pick the Right Radiology Technician Program near Kensington MD

Selecting the right x-ray tech college is an important first step toward beginning a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs often stand for the majority of the workday and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements 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. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and furnish the best available care to patients. As has been addressed in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are reviewing before making your final decision. This is equally true whether you opt for an online school or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each school so you can focus your options before making your decision. And with the right education and your dedication to succeed, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiographer in Kensington MD.

Some Background on Kensington Maryland

Kensington, Maryland

Kensington is a town in Montgomery County, Maryland. The population was 2,213 at the 2010 United States Census. Greater Kensington encompasses the entire 20895 ZIP code, with a population of 19,054.

The area around the Rock Creek basin where Kensington is located was primarily agricultural until 1873, when the B&O Railroad completed the Metropolitan Branch which traversed Montgomery County. A community arose where the new railroad line intersected the old Rockville-to-Bladensburg road. This early settlement was first known as Knowles Station. In the early 1890s, Washington, D.C. developer Brainard Warner began purchasing land parcels to build a planned Victorian community, complete with church, library and a local newspaper. Fascinated by a recent trip to London, Warner named his subdivision Kensington Park, the 10th and largest subdivision in the area which became the Town of Kensington. Upon incorporation in 1894, Warner convinced the Mayor and Council to name the town Kensington.[5] The historic core of Kensington was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as the Kensington Historic District in 1980.[6]

Originally a farming community at Knowles Station, Kensington developed into a summer refuge for Washington, D.C., residents wishing to escape the capital's humid summers. As years passed and its residents increasingly remained year round, Kensington evolved into a commuter suburb. The large southernmost section originally mapped out by Warner remains largely unchanged since inception, and is a historically preserved zone. Indeed, the only major changes in the town's basic layout have been the bridging over of the original railroad crossing in 1937, and the extension and widening of Connecticut Avenue, the town's main thoroughfare, in 1957.

In March 1975, Kensington gained attention regionally due to the disappearance of Sheila and Katherine Lyon. The sisters walked to Wheaton Plaza, a local shopping mall where they were seen by witnesses including their brother. However, they never returned home and the case remains unsolved.

The town gained national attention three times in a 10-month span early in the 21st century as a result of events which occurred within a mere quarter-mile radius. In December 2001, the town responded to complaints from anonymous citizens by banning Santa Claus from the annual holiday parade. Protesters arrived at the parade en masse, including dozens of Santas riding everything from motorcycles to fire trucks. Eight months later, an Amtrak train derailed adjacent to the town center when the tracks separated at an overheated joint, injuring 72 people,[7] though there were no fatalities. Then, on October 2, 2002, Lori Ann Lewis-Rivera became the fifth victim of the snipers who terrorized the Washington area that month, while cleaning her auto at a Kensington gas station. (See Beltway sniper attacks.)