Accredited X Ray Tech Schools Pittston PA 18640 Archives - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find an Xray Technician Degree Program near Pittston Pennsylvania

Pittston PA x-ray tech internship program Congratulations regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Pittston PA in order to learn to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have chosen to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle choosing the ideal school and program to ensure that you will receive the proper training to become a qualified professional? And because most states do require that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you might require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you research each of the schools you are looking at in order to compare each program. A number of students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and usually gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location must be considered, there are additional critical qualifiers also. For instance, you should find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are reviewing are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiology technician does and the degrees and training choices that are available.

Radiology Tech Occupation Description

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the identical major job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many choose to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, such as mammography. They can work in Pittston PA hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may work with include:

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

Radiographers must maintain their equipment and also frequently assess its performance and safety. They are additionally required to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Pittston PA medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Tech Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Pittston PA The basic prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech school is to have received a high school diploma or GED. 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 two years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to complete and is more expansive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are appropriate also. One thing to keep in mind is that Pittston PA radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can often be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Pennsylvania or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might have to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria differ so get in touch with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but several accept other alternatives for testing as well. Some states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. However, many Pittston PA employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it may improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technologist Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Pittston 18640 As a part of any 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 large amount of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is usually carried out in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Pittston PA home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online style of learning is much more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are generally less costly than conventional options. Along with lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be reduced as well. But just make sure that the online program you select is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then online classes may be the ideal choice for you.

Questions to Ask Radiology Tech Schools

As soon as you have selected the type of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of searching for and assessing Pittston PA x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to determine if you want to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be important. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a determining factor also. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you factor in when comparing schools? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details before you make your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are considering.

Are the Radiology Tech Programs Accredited? The majority of xray technician colleges have earned some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to verify that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting agencies 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 a detailed review of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also help in securing financial aid and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Pittston PA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Inquire if the Pennsylvania xray technician schools you are interested in have partnerships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great manner to get practical experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist graduates and students form professional connections in the Pittston PA medical community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Pittston PA healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the school they pick will need to be within driving distance of their Pittston PA home. Students who have opted to attend classes online obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area 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 might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit way in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Pittston PA schools you are reviewing what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to converse with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program also.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the radiographer college you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Pittston PA, confirm that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Be an Xray Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you could be asked. Among the things that interviewers frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What drove you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not just the personal reasons you might have for becoming a radiology technician, but also what qualities and skills you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, along with a significant number of standard interview questions, so you must organize some ideas about how you would like to respond to them. Since there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you along with the talents you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the ideal candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down a few ideas and talking points that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Select the Ideal X-Ray Tech Program near Pittston PA

Selecting the appropriate x-ray technician college is a critical first step toward starting a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs often stand for the majority of the workday and position and at times lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines developed 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 interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best available care to patients. As has been addressed in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each program you are assessing before making your ultimate selection. This is similarly true whether you decide on an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each school so you can focus your options and make your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your commitment to succeed, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Pittston PA.

Some Background on Pittston Pennsylvania

Pittston, Pennsylvania

Pittston is a city in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is situated between Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. The city gained prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as an active anthracite coal mining city, drawing a large portion of its labor force from European immigrants. The population was 7,739 as of the 2010 census, making it the fourth largest city in Luzerne County.[3] At its peak in 1920, the population of Pittston was 18,497. The city consists of three sections: The Downtown (in the center of the city), the Oregon Section (in the southern end), and the Junction (in the northern end). Pittston City is at the heart of the Greater Pittston region (a 65.35 square mile region in Luzerne County). Greater Pittston has a total population of 48,020 (as of 2010).[4]

Pittston lies in the Wyoming Valley on the east side of the Susquehanna River and on the south side of the Lackawanna River. It is approximately midway between Wilkes-Barre and Scranton. Named after the famous British statesman William Pitt the Elder, the city was settled around 1770 by the Susquehanna Company of Connecticut. It was originally called "Pittstown."

During the Revolutionary War, the Wyoming Valley was an active battleground between the British and the Continentals (American Patriots). On July 3, 1778, a force of British soldiers, with the assistance of about 700 Indians, attacked and killed nearly 300 American Patriots (in present-day Wyoming). Connecticut Continentals (Patriots), led by Captain Jeremiah Blanchard and Lieutenant Timothy Keyes, held and maintained a fort in Pittstown (present-day Pittston City). On July 4, 1778 (one day after the Battle of Wyoming), a group of British soldiers took over the fortress and some of it was destroyed. Two years later, the Continentals stormed the fortification and recaptured it. From then on it was under Patriot control until the end of the war in 1783, with the signing of the Treaty of Paris. Today a marker stands at the site where the fort once stood.

Pittston broke away from Pittston Township and officially became a borough in 1853. John Hosie served as the first burgess of the Borough of Pittston. It was later chartered as a city on December 10, 1894. Thomas J. Maloney served as the city’s first mayor from 1894 to 1898. Throughout the late 1890s, Pittston's borders extended from Scranton to Wilkes-Barre, but due to financial and civil differences, the community would soon be divided into the many townships and boroughs that exist throughout the central Wyoming Valley today.

Pittston is located within Pennsylvania’s Coal Region. The first discovery of the anthracite coal (in the Wyoming Valley) occurred around 1770. The first mine was established in 1775 near Pittston.[5] With the opening of a canal in the 1830s, Pittston became an important link in the coal industry. Money made through the mining and transportation of coal led some of the leading merchants to petition its separation from Pittston Township. The anthracite and railroad industry attracted thousands of immigrants, making Pittston a true melting pot with once-distinct ethnic and class neighborhoods. The population of Pittston boomed in the late 19th century. The boom continued well into the 20th century.