How to Find an Xray Technician Degree Program near Lewisburg Pennsylvania
Best wishes on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Lewisburg PA in order to learn to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have made a decision to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you undertake selecting the ideal college and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you may need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you research each of the schools you are looking at in order to compare each program. A number of potential students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and usually settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location need to be considered, there are other critical qualifiers as well. For example, you must ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are reviewing are presented later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and training options that are offered.
Radiology Tech Work Description
There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have the same primary job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some elect to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They can practice in Lewisburg PA clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist might utilize include:
- Traditional and specialized X-Rays
- Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Sonography or ultrasound
- Fluoroscopy
Radiographers must care for their equipment and also routinely analyze its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to retain complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Lewisburg PA medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
Radiology Tech Degrees Available
The primary prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech school is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, normally requires 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to complete and is more extensive in nature. Most students opt for 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 Lewisburg PA radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may frequently be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which many schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any certification or licensing mandates in Pennsylvania or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
Radiographer Certification and Licensing
When you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, based on the state where you will be working you might need to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites differ so check with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many provide additional alternatives for testing as well. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, many Lewisburg PA employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it may increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Technician Colleges
As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree programs. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a substantial portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is often carried out in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online segment of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Lewisburg PA home. Students who continue working while earning their degree usually find that the online approach to learning is much more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are generally less costly than on-campus alternatives. Along with lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be reduced as well. But just make certain that the online program you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online degree may be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Radiology Tech Schools
When you have selected the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the process of looking for and assessing Lewisburg PA x-ray technician schools. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a material factor also. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you look at when evaluating schools? Well, you need to check out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these important details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are reviewing.
Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? The majority of radiology technician colleges have earned some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, 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 obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed review of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial aid and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Lewisburg PA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry-level jobs.
Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask if the Pennsylvania xray tech schools you are assessing have associations with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific way to obtain hands on training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help graduates and students form professional connections in the Lewisburg PA health care community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the radiographer programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Lewisburg PA healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the College Located? For many students, the college they choose will need to be within driving distance of their Lewisburg PA residence. Those who have opted to attend classes online obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit way in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Lewisburg PA colleges you are reviewing what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program also.
Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the x-ray tech school you ultimately pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Lewisburg PA, make sure that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Why Did You Want to Become an X-Ray Tech?
When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to reflect on questions you may be asked. Among the questions that recruiters frequently ask radiographer prospects is "What compelled you to pick radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not merely the personal reasons you might have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but also what attributes and talents you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, along with a significant number of standard interview questions, so you need to organize a number of ideas about how you want to answer them. Because there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work 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 make an effort to memorize a response, but write down several ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.Pick the Best X-Ray Technician College near Lewisburg PA
Choosing the right radiology technician college is a crucial first step toward starting a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs often stand for the greater part of the working day and position and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and provide the best available patient care. As has been discussed in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are considering before making your ultimate decision. This is equally true whether you participate in an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can focus your choices before making your final choice. And with the right training and your motivation to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Lewisburg PA.
Some Background on Lewisburg Pennsylvania
Lewisburg, Pennsylvania
Lewisburg is a borough in Union County, Pennsylvania, United States, 30 miles (48 km) south by southeast of Williamsport and 60 miles (97 km) north of Harrisburg. In the past, it was the commercial center for a fertile grain and general farming region. The population was 5,620 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Union County.[3] Located in central Pennsylvania, on the West Branch Susquehanna River, Lewisburg is northwest of Sunbury. It is home to Bucknell University and is near the Lewisburg Federal Penitentiary. Its 19th-century downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places. Lewisburg is the principal city of the Lewisburg, PA Micropolitan Statistical Area, and is also part of the larger Bloomsburg-Berwick-Sunbury, PA Combined Statistical Area.
Lewisburg was founded in 1785 by Ludwig Derr. A settler of the area (since as early as 1763–1769), Derr had purchased several tracts of land from the William Penn family and other neighboring land owners, the largest of which was known as "The Prescott". Having been on the land for such a long time, Derr had befriended the local Native Americans of the area. His relationship with these indigenous peoples was so well founded that, even as many of the other local settlers' homesteads were routinely sacked by Native Americans, Derr's lands remained free from attacks. Subsequently, in 1784, he worked with Samuel Weiser to lay out his combined land tracts, and create Derrstown. The name was later changed to Lewisburgh when Union County was separated from Snyder County.
Much has been considered[by whom?] regarding 'how' the name changed from Derrstown to Lewisburg. The most likely truth is that Derr's first name "Ludwig" translated into English as "Louis" but, being of German descent, it was spelled "Lewis". Later, after Derr's death, the traditional Germanic "burgh" was appended to his first name to create Lewisburgh.[citation needed]
Note: U.S. Postal Service records contradict this story. The post office was named Lewisburgh when it was established in 1796; in 1893, the name was shortened to Lewisburg.[4]
The street names that run east and west are a local urban mystery. St. George, St. Catherine, and St. Louis etc. appear to be named for saints. However, since Derr was a Lutheran, and did not pay homage to Catholic saints, this is unlikely. Rather, the street names are more likely named for Derr's family members, as those streets are consecutively parallel, and emanate from what was then Derr's home, and the location of the first available lot sold (which were both situated on, what is now, Mill Street). George was Ludwig's son, his wife Catherine and Ludwig/Lewis (sic) himself. The other original street names that still exist are St. John, St. Mary and St. Anthony, which are probably the names of other children from families with whom Derr's own family were friends. However, there is an indication that Derr also had a daughter named Mary. Overall, however, the premise is further supported by the notion that the German word for street is Strasse (Straße, abbreviated St). At the time, street names were pronounced as Strasse Mary or Strasse George. Later, when signs were made to note the street names, the abbreviation for Strasse was allowed to remain, but the US/English abbreviation was redundantly added to the signs.[citation needed]
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