How to Choose a Radiologic Technician College near Shenandoah Pennsylvania
Congratulations on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Shenandoah PA so you can train to be a radiology technician. And now that you have chosen to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you undertake selecting the ideal school and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And since most states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you may need preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you assess each of the schools you are looking at in order to compare each program. Many potential students start 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 should be taken into consideration, there are additional critical qualifications as well. For instance, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are reviewing are provided later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and education options that are available.
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X-Ray Tech Occupation Description
There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, each has the identical primary job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for example mammography. They may work in Shenandoah PA clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist 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 plus frequently analyze its functionality and safety. They are also expected to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Shenandoah PA medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
Radiology Tech Degrees Available
The primary prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech college is to have earned 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 prevalent among technicians, normally takes 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to finish and is more comprehensive in nature. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are acceptable also. Something to keep in mind is that Shenandoah PA radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may often be fulfilled by taking part in an externship program which a large number of schools offer through local hospitals and clinics 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
Once you have graduated from an Radiologist college, based on the state where you will be working you might have to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so check with your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but a number provide additional options for testing as well. Several states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Shenandoah PA employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it could enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Tech Degrees
As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree programs. So although you can still earn your degree online, a large portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is often performed in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Shenandoah PA residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically find that the online style of learning is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online programs are frequently less expensive than conventional alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be lessened as well. But just make certain that the online program you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then online classes may be the best choice for you.
Questions to Ask Radiographer Schools
When you have chosen the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of looking for and assessing Shenandoah PA x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be an important variable as well. But along with cost and location, what else should you look at when comparing colleges? Well, you should check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these crucial details before you make your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are reviewing.
Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? A large number of xray tech colleges have received some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still important to make sure 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). Programs earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive assessment of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Shenandoah PA employers will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry-level jobs.
Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask if the Pennsylvania radiology tech schools you are evaluating have partnerships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific means to obtain practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Shenandoah PA medical community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the radiographer schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Shenandoah PA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the school they decide on will have to be within travelling distance of their Shenandoah PA residence. Those who have chosen to attend online classes obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. One thing to consider is that if you choose 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 normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit way in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Shenandoah PA schools you are reviewing what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with a few of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program as well.
Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the radiographer program you ultimately select can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Shenandoah PA, verify that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify 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 may miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Why Did You Choose to Be a Radiology Technician?
When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to consider questions you might be asked. Among the things that recruiters frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What made you pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not merely the private reasons you may have for becoming a radiology technician, but also what characteristics and abilities you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, along with a certain number of general interview questions, so you need to ready a number of approaches about how you want to address them. Given that there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the strengths you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the best choice for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down some ideas and anecdotes that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can help you to develop your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.Pick the Right Radiology Technician School near Shenandoah PA
Enrolling in the best x-ray technician degree program is a critical first step toward launching a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the majority of the workday and move and in some cases lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best available patient care. As has been covered in this report, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are considering before making your final decision. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each program so you can narrow down your choices and make your final choice. And with the right education and your commitment to succeed, you can realize your goal to work as a radiology tech in Shenandoah PA.
Some Background on Shenandoah Pennsylvania
Shenandoah, Pennsylvania
Shenandoah is a borough in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, United States, located in the anthracite-mining region approximately 100 miles (160 km) northwest of Philadelphia. It is distinct from Shenandoah Heights, which is part of West Mahanoy Township immediately to the north.
The area that became Shenandoah was first settled by a farmer named Peter Kehley in 1835 where he cleared a patch of land at the center of the valley and built a log cabin. Peter Kehley maintained his farm for about 20 years in total isolation.[3] He sold his claim to the Philadelphia Land Company, which in anticipation of the opening of coal mines in the area, laid out the town in 1862.[4]
Booming growth occurred during the Civil War years caused by the development and opening of several anthracite coal mines.[citation needed] The area was incorporated as a borough in 1866 [4] and was a famous hotbed of activity during the era of the Molly Maguires in the 1870s.[citation needed]
After the original influx of English, Welsh, Irish, and German immigrants a large influx of people from central, eastern and southern European countries such as Poland, Lithuania, and Italy occurred in the decades before and after the turn of the 20th century.[citation needed] By 1920, the town had a population of nearly 30,000 residents.[citation needed] The community was hard hit by the decline of the anthracite coal industry after World War II and heavy emigration by coal miners occurred in order to find work elsewhere.[citation needed]
In Schuylkill County Court, January 1902, those interested filed their petition for retail, wholesale, bottling or brewing licenses at the Office of the Clerk of the Court. Shenandoah was represented with bars and breweries. This coal town offered more bars per thousand people than any other location in the world.[citation needed]
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