How to Choose an Xray Technician School near Bethlehem Pennsylvania

Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Bethlehem PA in order to train to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have decided to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about picking the right school and program so that you will receive the proper training to become a skilled professional? And considering that most states do require that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you may need training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you assess each of the schools you are looking at so that you can compare each program. Most prospective students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and typically settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location need to be taken into consideration, there are additional important qualifications also. For example, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are evaluating are provided later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and training choices that are offered.

Radiology Tech Occupation Summary

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the same primary job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They can work in Bethlehem PA hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech may work with 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 routinely assess its functionality and safety. They are additionally required to retain in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Bethlehem PA health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Tech Degree Options

The primary prerequisite for attending a radiology tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, usually takes 18 months to two years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to finish and is more comprehensive in scope. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable as well. Something to consider is that Bethlehem PA radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may typically be fulfilled by taking part in an externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing requirements 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 program, depending on the state where you will be working you may need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their prerequisites differ so check with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many accept other alternatives for testing also. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, numerous Bethlehem PA employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it may enhance your career options to earn certification. 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 two years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technologist Programs

As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree programs. So while you can still earn your degree online, a considerable portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is usually performed in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Bethlehem PA residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree often find that the online style of learning is much more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are generally less costly than traditional alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting can be reduced as well. But just be sure that the online college you choose is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online degree may be the ideal option for you.

What to Ask X Ray Tech Programs

As soon as you have selected the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of searching for and evaluating Bethlehem PA x-ray technician schools. You will also need to determine if you want to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be critical. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be an important factor as well. But along with cost and location, what more should you factor in when reviewing schools? Well, you should find out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details before you make your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are reviewing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? The majority of radiology technician colleges have received some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still important to confirm that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting organizations 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 an extensive review of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial aid and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Bethlehem PA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry-level openings.

Are Internships Offered? Inquire if the Pennsylvania radiology technician programs you are evaluating have partnerships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific manner to receive hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help students and graduates develop professional connections in the Bethlehem PA medical community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Bethlehem PA healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the college they choose will have to be within commuting distance of their Bethlehem PA residence. Students who have chosen 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 concern. One thing to bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit way in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will likely prefer a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Bethlehem PA colleges you are researching what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to converse with several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program also.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the x-ray tech  program you finally choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Bethlehem PA, verify that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Be an Xray Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you might be asked. One of the things that hiring managers often ask radiographer prospects is "What compelled you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not merely the private reasons you may have for being a radiology technician, but additionally what attributes and talents you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, as well as a certain number of general interview questions, so you should prepare some approaches about how you want to address them. Considering there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the talents you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but take down a few concepts and topics that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can help you to formulate your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Pick the Best X-Ray Tech Program near Bethlehem PA

Choosing the best radiology technician school is a crucial first step toward starting a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs often stand for the greater part of the working day and move and in some cases lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. As we have discussed in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are assessing prior to making your ultimate selection. This is just as true whether you decide on an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each college so you can focus your choices before making your final choice. And with the proper education and your commitment to succeed, you can realize your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Bethlehem PA.

Some Background on Bethlehem Pennsylvania

 

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