Accredited X Ray Tech Schools Lehigh Valley PA 18001 Archives

How to Pick an Xray Tech Program near Lehigh Valley Pennsylvania

Lehigh Valley PA x-ray tech internship program Congratulations regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Lehigh Valley PA in order to learn to be a radiologic technologist. But now that you have chosen to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you undertake selecting the ideal college and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And since most states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you might need training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you research each of the schools you are looking at so that you can compare each program. A number of potential students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and typically gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location need to be considered, there are additional significant qualifiers also. For instance, you must find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are evaluating are provided later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology technician does and the degrees and training options that are available.

X-Ray Tech Career Description

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, each has the same major job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, such as mammography. They may work in Lehigh Valley PA clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician 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 frequently assess its performance and safety. They are also required to retain in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Lehigh Valley PA health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Tech Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Lehigh Valley PA The standard requirement for attending a radiology tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, normally requires 18 months to two years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to finish and is more comprehensive in nature. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be acceptable as well. Something to bear in mind is that Lehigh Valley PA radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Pennsylvania or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might have to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites vary so contact your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but a number provide other alternatives for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, numerous Lehigh Valley PA employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technologist Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Lehigh Valley 18001 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree colleges. So even though you can still obtain your online degree, a substantial portion of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is usually provided in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online segment of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Lehigh Valley PA residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree often discover that the online approach to education is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are frequently more affordable than traditional options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be reduced also. But just confirm that the online college you enroll in 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 online classes may be the ideal choice for you.

Topics to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges

After you have selected the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of searching for and evaluating Lehigh Valley PA x-ray tech schools. You will also need to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the college will be important. The price of tuition and secondary expenses will be an important factor as well. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you factor in when comparing colleges? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are reviewing.

Are the Radiology Tech Programs Accredited? Most xray technician colleges have acquired some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still important to confirm that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed examination of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also help in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Lehigh Valley PA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level jobs.

Are Internships Sponsored? Ask if the Pennsylvania radiology technician programs you are assessing have partnerships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent manner to obtain practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist students and graduates form professional relationships in the Lehigh Valley PA health care community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Lehigh Valley PA healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the college they choose will have to be within commuting distance of their Lehigh Valley PA residence. Individuals who have chosen to attend online classes naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to bear 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 need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the kind of student that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Lehigh Valley PA schools you are considering what the typical teacher to student 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 a chance to talk with several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the x-ray tech program you ultimately choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Lehigh Valley PA, make certain that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Want to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you could be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers often ask radiographer applicants is "What made you decide on radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not only the personal reasons you may have for becoming a radiology technician, but additionally what qualities and talents you have that make you good at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, in addition to a certain number of typical interview questions, so you must prepare several ideas about how you want to answer them. Given that there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the strengths you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the ideal candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but write down a few ideas and talking points that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Choose the Right Radiology Tech School near Lehigh Valley PA

Selecting the ideal radiology technician degree program is a critical first step toward launching a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must 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 obtain the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs 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 possible patient care. As has been covered in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are reviewing prior to making your final selection. This is equally true whether you opt for an online school or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each school so you can focus your choices and make your final choice. And with the proper training and your dedication to be successful, you can reach your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Lehigh Valley PA.

Some Background on Lehigh Valley Pennsylvania

Lehigh Valley

The Lehigh Valley (/ˈli.haɪ ˈvæ.li/), known officially by the United States Census Bureau and the United States Office of Management and Budget[3] as the Allentown–Bethlehem–Easton, PA–NJ Metropolitan Statistical Area and referred to colloquially as The Valley,[4] is a metropolitan region officially consisting of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties in eastern Pennsylvania and Warren county on the western edge of New Jersey, in the Eastern United States.[5] The Lehigh Valley's largest city, with a population of 120,443, is Allentown.[6]

The Lehigh Valley is the fastest growing and third most populous region in the state of Pennsylvania with a population of 821,623 residents as of the 2010 U.S. Census.[2][7] It is eclipsed in total population in Pennsylvania only by the metropolitan areas of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.[2] It is the 64th most populated metropolitan area in the United States. Lehigh County, the Valley's largest county in terms of overall population, is among the fastest growing in the nation and, as of 2010-2012, ranks in the 79th percentile for population growth nationally.[7] The core population centers are located in southern and central Lehigh and Northampton counties along U.S. Route 22 and Interstate 78. The Lehigh Valley is proximate to two of the nation's largest cities: New York City, which is about 75 miles to its east, and Philadelphia, which is 50 miles to its southeast.

In March 2014, the Lehigh Valley was recognized by Site Selection Magazine as the second-best performing region of its size for economic development in the United States.[8] It was also ranked by Fortune in May 2015 as being among the top 10 best places in the U.S. to locate corporate finance and information technology operations for companies, such as call centers and IT support.[9] Allentown, the region's largest city, was cited as a "national success story" in April 2016 by the Urban Land Institute for its downtown redevelopment and transformation, one of only six communities nationwide to achieve this distinction.[10]

The Lehigh Valley is named for the Lehigh River, which runs through it, and owes much of its development and history to the anthracite supplies, timber, and ores which poured down the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company's (LC&N) Lehigh Canal and railroads LC&N built or encouraged parallel to it. The lower Lehigh Valley is geologically part of the Great Appalachian Valley and is bordered on the north by the mineral-rich Ridge and Valley Appalachians, which define its rugged upper parts from White Haven and west of the Poconos, south through the Lehigh Gorge to the Lehigh Gap near Palmerton. The upper drainage basin contains or shares[a] nearly half the southeastern Coal Region, which have the richest anthracite deposits in the world, while the lower valley holds valuable limestone, sandstone, and clay deposits. In the charter of March 20, 1818 for the Lehigh Navigation Company, the legislature gave virtual total control to the Canal Company[b] which it retained until 1964. These transportation improvements overcame the country's first energy crises due to deforestation in the early 19th century. The Canal operated into the Great Depression, feeding ports up and down the Delaware River, the Delaware Canal, and transoceanic demand, and was integral to the regional industrial revolution in the greater Philadelphia-Trenton-Wilmington region. The Morris Canal and the 22–23 miles (35–37 km) coal feeder of the Delaware and Raritan Canal and locks at New Hope on the Delaware Canal were built to fuel the anthracite needs of Newark, Trenton, Jersey City and New York City.

Consequently, culturally and historically, the Valley runs from the drainage divide in the Solomon Gap just north of Mountain Top where coal flowed up the Ashley Planes from the Wyoming Valley coal beds in Luzerne County and across the divide, then downhill to the White Haven, then down through the Lehigh Gorge, past the historic Jim Thorpe terminus of the Summit Hill & Mauch Chunk Railroad (SH&MC)[c] through historic locks and dams below Jim Thorpe or alongside the canal which fueled the American Industrial Revolution and operated into the Great Depression. The American Canal age had its epicenter at the confluence of the Lehigh and Delaware rivers where five major canals[12] met major rivers and coastal waterways, and all gave the people and industries of the Lehigh Valley access to minerals and markets via Easton from Connecticut, New York, Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.