Accredited Radiology Technician Programs New Hope PA 18938 Archives

How to Choose a Radiologic Tech College near New Hope Pennsylvania

New Hope PA x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near New Hope PA in order to become a radiology technician. And now that you have decided to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you undertake choosing the right college and program so that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that most states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you may need training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the schools you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. Many potential students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and often settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location must be taken into account, there are additional important qualifications as well. For instance, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are examining are presented later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology technician does and the credentials and training choices that are offered.

Radiology Tech Career Description

There are several 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 same fundamental job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some elect to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for instance mammography. They can practice in New Hope PA hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech might utilize 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 plus regularly assess its functionality and safety. They are also required to keep in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As New Hope PA medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degree Options

x-ray machine in New Hope PA The basic prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, usually takes 18 months to two years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to complete and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be acceptable as well. One thing to keep in mind is that New Hope PA radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can typically be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Pennsylvania or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiographer Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, based on the state where you will be practicing you might have to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria vary so check with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many accept other alternatives for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. However, numerous New Hope PA employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might 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 comprehensive examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technician Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in New Hope 18938 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree programs. So although you can still obtain your degree online, a significant portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is often performed in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training may be attended in the comfort of your New Hope PA residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online approach to learning is much more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are often less expensive than on-campus alternatives. Along with lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting may be reduced also. But just make certain that the online program you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then online classes may be the ideal option for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiographer Colleges

As soon as you have selected the type of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of finding and evaluating New Hope PA x-ray technician schools. You will also need to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be critical. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a material factor as well. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you look at when reviewing schools? Well, you need to check out if the schools 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 compiled a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? A large number of xray technician colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still crucial to verify 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 an extensive assessment of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it can also receive 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. Besides ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of New Hope PA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level positions.

Are Internships Sponsored? Find out if the Pennsylvania xray tech schools you are evaluating have associations with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent way to get hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are also a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist students and graduates form professional relationships in the New Hope PA health care community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the radiographer schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with New Hope PA healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For many students, the college they choose will need to be within driving distance of their New Hope PA residence. Those who have opted to attend online classes naturally will not have to worry 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 choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the New Hope PA colleges you are looking at what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with a few of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program as well.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the radiographer school you finally choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in New Hope PA, make certain that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Be an X-Ray Tech?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to review questions you might be asked. Among the things that interviewers frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What made you decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not only the personal reasons you might have for becoming an Xray technician, but additionally what attributes and skills you possess that make you good at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, along with a certain number of standard interview questions, so you must organize some ideas about how you want to answer them. Because there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you in addition to the strengths you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but jot down a few ideas and topics that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can help you to formulate your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Enroll in the Right X-Ray Technician College near New Hope PA

Enrolling in the appropriate x-ray tech college is a crucial first step toward initiating a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs often stand for the greater part of the day and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best possible patient care. As has been 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 just as true whether you participate in an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each college so you can narrow down your options and make your decision. And with the proper training and your dedication to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in New Hope PA.

Some Background on New Hope Pennsylvania

New Hope, Pennsylvania

New Hope is a borough in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, USA. The population was 2,528 at the 2010 census. New Hope is located approximately 40 miles (64 km) north of Philadelphia, and lies on the west bank of the Delaware River at its confluence with Aquetong Creek. The two-lane New Hope – Lambertville Bridge carries automobile and foot traffic across the Delaware to Lambertville, New Jersey on the east bank. New Hope's primary industry is tourism.

In 2015, Coldwell Banker reported that New Hope has the most expensive real estate market in Pennsylvania and the 86th most expensive real estate market in the United States.[3]

New Hope is located along the route of the Old York Road, the former main highway between Philadelphia and New York City. It was generally regarded as the halfway point, where travelers would stay overnight and be ferried across the river the next morning. Though this route is largely obsolete, the section of U.S. Route 202 that passes just north of town still bears the name York Road. The original route is now known as Bridge St. (PA 179).

During these early days, the town was known as Coryell's Ferry, after the owner of the ferry business. The current name came into use following a large fire in 1790 that burned down several mills in the area—their reconstruction was considered a "new hope" for the area.

The night prior to his famous crossing of the Delaware several miles to the south, George Washington is said[by whom?] to have lodged in New Hope. He destroyed the ferry so the British could not follow him, and after the battles of Trenton and Princeton, when British troops were sweeping the area for the American forces, there was no response when they rang for the ferry. The British assumed the town was sympathetic to the Colonial forces and shelled the town. Several of the older structures in the town still boast of having unexploded British ordnance lodged in their roofbeams.