Accredited X Ray Tech Schools Bernville PA 19506 Archives - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select an Xray Technician Degree Program near Bernville Pennsylvania

Bernville PA x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Bernville PA in order to train to be a radiologic technologist. But now that you have made a decision to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you tackle selecting the ideal college and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And since the majority of states do require that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you might require training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you assess each of the colleges you are considering in order to compare each program. A number of students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and often gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while location and cost must be considered, there are other critical qualifiers as well. For example, you must find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the colleges you are evaluating are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray tech does and the degrees and training choices that are available.

Radiology Technician Job Description

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, each has the same major job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They can practice in Bernville PA hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech may utilize include:

Traditional and specialized X-Rays
Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Sonography or ultrasound
Fluoroscopy

Radiographers must take care of their equipment and routinely evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally required to keep complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Bernville PA health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Tech Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Bernville PA The basic prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech program 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 typical among techs, generally requires 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to finish and is more comprehensive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be acceptable as well. Something to bear in mind is that Bernville PA radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may often be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or 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 will need to abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Pennsylvania or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiographer 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. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements differ so contact your state. Presently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but many approve other options for testing also. Some states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, many Bernville PA employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it may increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Tech Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Bernville 19506 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree schools. So even though you can still obtain your online degree, a significant portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is usually conducted in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online section of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Bernville PA home. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually find that the online style of education is much more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are often cheaper than on-campus alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be decreased as well. But just confirm that the online school 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 right choice for you.

Questions to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges

When you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of locating and assessing Bernville PA x-ray technician schools. You will also have to determine if you want to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a material factor as well. But along with location and cost, what else should you factor in when reviewing schools? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details prior to making your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are considering.

Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? The majority of xray tech colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still important to make sure that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly regarded 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 gone through a rigorous evaluation of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it may also receive 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. Along with ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Bernville PA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level openings.

Are Internships Offered? Ask if the Pennsylvania xray tech programs you are reviewing have partnerships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific manner to obtain practical training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help students and graduates form professional connections in the Bernville 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 getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Bernville PA healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the school they decide on will need to be within driving distance of their Bernville PA home. Students who have decided to attend online classes obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. One thing to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or even 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 generally charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit way in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Bernville PA colleges you are considering what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with a few of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program as well.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the radiographer school you finally select can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Bernville 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 credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Become an X-Ray Tech?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's a good idea to consider questions you may be asked. One of the questions that interviewers typically ask radiographer prospects is "What drove you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not only the private reasons you might have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but also what characteristics and talents you possess that make you good at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, along with a certain number of general interview questions, so you need to organize a number of approaches about how you want to address them. Considering there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the strengths you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but write down several concepts and topics that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can help you to prepare your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Pick the Ideal Radiology Technician Program near Bernville PA

Selecting the best radiology tech degree program is an important first step toward beginning a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs regularly stand for the majority of the working day and move and at times lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best available care to patients. As we have addressed in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are looking at before making your final selection. This is equally true whether you opt for an online program or commute to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each school so you can narrow down your options before making your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your dedication to be successful, you can reach your goal to work as a radiology tech in Bernville PA.

Some Background on Bernville Pennsylvania

Bernville, Pennsylvania

Bernville is a borough in Berks County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 955 at the 2010 census.[3] Bernville is bordered by Penn Township to the north, east, and south and by Jefferson Township to the west.

Before European settlers arrived in the Tulpehocken Creek valley, the area was inhabited by the Lenape people.[4] In 1723, thirty-three Palatine families from Schoharie, New York, moved to the confluences of the Tulpehocken and Northkill Creeks.[5][6][7] By 1735, a saw and grist mill was located three and a half miles up the Tulpehocken river from Bernville.[8]

In 1737, Stephanus Umbenhauer immigrated from Bern, Switzerland, and purchased 220 acres (0.89 km2) from Thomas Penn. In 1819, Stephanus' grandson, Johann Thomas Umbenhauer, set aside 46 acres (190,000 m2) to be divided into 62 lots. On 24 August 1819, Peter Bennethum bought the first six lots. In January 1820, the town was named Bernville after Stephanus' birthplace.[9] The first house was built by Philip Filbert in 1820.[10] In 1828, the Union Canal was completed, connecting the Susquehanna and Schuylkill rivers. Union Canal guard lock #36 and Lock #36 with a lift of 5.0 feet (1.5 m) is located at the southwest corner of Bernville, near where Northkill Creek empties into Tulpehocken Creek. An historic marker on Route 183 states: "The canal, at this point, followed the north bank of the Tulpehocken. A dam, two locks, and a mule bridge made it possible for boats to cross Northkill Creek. Nearby were grist mills, a lime kiln, and a tannery."[11] Due to the proximity of the Bernville Locks and the town's location on the canal, Bernville was a primary and prospering canal port.[12][13]

In 1851, the village of Bernville, discontented with Penn Township's road maintenance and community services, incorporated as a borough.[12] The borough included the original 62 lots, most of which measured 60 by 260 feet (18 by 79 m). In 1884, the Union Canal closed.[4] With no canal or railroad access, Bernville withered. In 1950, Bernville Borough annexed property from Penn Township at both ends of Main Street.[9] In 2007, the Bernville Bruisers were formed.

Bernville is located at 40°26′1″N 76°6′40″W / 40.43361°N 76.11111°W / 40.43361; -76.11111 (40.433742, -76.111039).[14] According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 0.42 square miles (1.1 km2), of which 0.008 square miles (0.02 km2), or 1.52%, is water.[3] The boundary with Jefferson Township is formed primarily by Northkill Creek, but diverges from the creek north of its confluence with Little Northkill Creek.