Accredited Radiology Technician Schools Swarthmore PA 19081 Archives

How to Choose an X-Ray Tech College near Swarthmore Pennsylvania

Swarthmore PA x-ray tech internship program Congratulations regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Swarthmore PA so you can train to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have decided to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle selecting the ideal school and program so that you will get the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And since most states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you may need preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the schools you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. A number of prospective students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and usually gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while location and cost should be taken into account, there are additional important qualifications also. For example, you should ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are examining are presented later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology tech does and the degrees and education options that are available.

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Radiology Technician Job Summary

There are a number of professional titles 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, each has the identical fundamental job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some elect to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They can work in Swarthmore PA hospitals, clinics, 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 have to care for their equipment and also regularly analyze its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to retain detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Swarthmore PA health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Technician Degrees

x-ray machine in Swarthmore PA The basic prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, usually requires 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to complete and is more comprehensive in scope. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are acceptable as well. One thing to bear in mind is that Swarthmore PA radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may often be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing mandates in Pennsylvania or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an Radiologist school, depending on the state where you will be working you may need to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites vary so contact your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but several accept other options for testing also. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. However, many Swarthmore PA employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might improve your career options to become certified. 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 other year, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technologist Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Swarthmore 19081 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree schools. So while you can still earn your degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is typically performed in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Swarthmore PA residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online style of learning is much more practical with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are generally cheaper than traditional options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be lessened as well. But just be sure that the online program you select is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online school may be the best option for you.

Topics to Ask X Ray Tech Schools

When you have chosen the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of searching for and evaluating Swarthmore PA x-ray technician schools. You will also have to determine if you want to attend classes online or drive to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a material variable as well. But along with cost and location, what more should you consider when comparing schools? Well, you need to check 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 selection, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are considering.

Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? The majority of radiology tech schools have earned some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still important to confirm that the school and program 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 earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive assessment of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in getting financial aid and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Swarthmore PA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry level openings.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask if the Pennsylvania radiology tech programs you are evaluating have partnerships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great way to get practical experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist students and graduates develop professional relationships in the Swarthmore PA healthcare community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the radiographer schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Swarthmore PA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For many students, the college they choose will have to be within commuting distance of their Swarthmore PA home. Students who have opted to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. 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 might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit way in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Swarthmore PA schools you are considering what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to converse with some of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the x-ray tech college you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Swarthmore PA, check that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.

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

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to reflect on questions you might be asked. One of the questions that recruiters typically ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not just the private 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, in addition to a significant number of routine interview questions, so you should prepare several approaches about how you want to respond to them. Because there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the abilities you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but write down several concepts and topics that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to develop your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.

Enroll in the Ideal X-Ray Tech Program near Swarthmore PA

Selecting the best x-ray technician school is a critical first step toward initiating a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs typically stand for the greater part of the workday and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology 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 good work environment and furnish the best possible care to patients. As we have discussed in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each college you are looking at before making your final selection. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online school or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can focus your options before making your final choice. And with the appropriate education and your dedication to succeed, you can realize your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Swarthmore PA.

Some Background on Swarthmore Pennsylvania

Swarthmore College

Swarthmore College (/ˈswɑːθ.mɔːr/ SWAHTH-mor locally, or /ˈswɔːrθ.mɔːr/ SWAWRTH-mor) is a private liberal arts college located in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, 11 miles (18 km) southwest of Philadelphia.[6] Founded in 1864, Swarthmore was one of the earliest coeducational colleges in the United States.[7] It was established to be a college "...under the care of Friends, at which an education may be obtained equal to that of the best institutions of learning in our country."[8] By 1906, Swarthmore dropped its religious affiliation, becoming officially non-sectarian.[9]

Swarthmore is a member of the "Tri-College Consortium", a cooperative arrangement among Swarthmore, Bryn Mawr, and Haverford Colleges. In addition, the College is affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania through the "Quaker Consortium," allowing for students to cross-register for classes at all four institutions.[10] It offers more than 600 courses a year in over 40 courses of study including an engineering program in which at the completion of four years' work, students are granted a B.S. in Engineering.[11] Swarthmore has a variety of sporting teams with a total of 22 Division III Varsity Intercollegiate Sports Teams and competes in the Centennial Conference, a group of private colleges in Pennsylvania and Maryland.[12]

The college was ranked the best liberal arts college in the United States a total of six times by U.S. New World & Report,[13] and as of 2017, is currently ranked 3rd best liberal arts college in the country.[14]

Despite its small size, Swarthmore's alumni have gone on to make advances in their field. Graduates include five Nobel Prize winners (second highest number of Nobel Prize winners per graduate in the U.S.), 11 MacArthur Foundation fellows (second highest per graduate in the U.S.), 30 Rhodes Scholars, 27 Truman Scholars, 10 Marshall Scholars, 201 Fulbright Grantees, and hundreds of prominent figures in law, art, science, business, politics, and other fields. Swarthmore also counts 49 alumni as members of the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine, the fourth highest ratio per graduates in the U.S.

The name "Swarthmore" has its roots in early Quaker history. In England, Swarthmoor Hall near the town of Ulverston, Cumbria, (previously in Lancashire) was the home of Thomas and Margaret Fell in 1652 when George Fox, (1624–1691), fresh from his epiphany atop Pendle Hill in 1651, came to visit. The visitation turned into a long association, as Fox persuaded Thomas and Margaret Fell of his views. Swarthmoor was used for the first meetings of what became known as the "Religious Society of Friends" (later pejoratively labeled ""The Quakers").