How to Pick an X-Ray Tech School near Jenkintown Pennsylvania

Best wishes regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Jenkintown PA in order to become a radiology technologist. But now that you have made a decision to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you undertake choosing the ideal school and program so that you will get the proper training to become a skilled professional? And because the majority of states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you may need preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you research each of the schools you are considering in order to evaluate each program. A number of students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and often settle on the lowest cost. But while expense and location need to be taken into account, there are additional significant qualifiers as well. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are reviewing are presented later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and education options that are available.

Radiology Tech Career Description

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, each has the identical principal job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They may practice in Jenkintown PA clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist might 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 also regularly evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also expected to retain complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Jenkintown PA medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degree Options

The primary prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech school 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 technicians, normally takes 18 months to two years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to complete and is more extensive in scope. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are appropriate as well. Something to bear in mind is that Jenkintown PA radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can typically be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification mandates in Pennsylvania or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, based on the state where you will be practicing you might need to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so check with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but several accept additional options for testing also. Several states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, many Jenkintown PA employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it may improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technician Programs

As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree colleges. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a considerable amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is typically provided in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Jenkintown PA home. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually discover that the online approach to learning is much more practical with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently less expensive than on-campus alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be lessened as well. But just make certain that the online program you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online school may be the right choice for you.

What to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges

When you have selected the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the process of finding and evaluating Jenkintown PA x-ray tech schools. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a material variable also. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you consider when comparing schools? Well, you should check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? Most radiology tech schools have received some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to verify 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 undergone a detailed examination of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Jenkintown PA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Inquire if the Pennsylvania radiology tech programs you are assessing have partnerships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent manner to receive hands on training in a clinical environment, they are also a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist students and graduates establish professional connections in the Jenkintown PA health care community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the radiographer programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Jenkintown PA healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the school they pick will need to be within commuting distance of their Jenkintown PA residence. Those who have opted to attend classes online naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. One thing to keep in mind is that if you choose 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 usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit way in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Jenkintown PA colleges you are researching what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program as well.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the radiographer  program you finally choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Jenkintown PA, make certain that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.

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

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you may be asked. One of the things that recruiters typically ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not just the personal reasons you might have for being a radiology technician, but also what characteristics and talents you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, along with a certain number of typical interview questions, so you must ready some strategies about how you want to address them. Because there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the talents you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but take down some concepts and topics that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Choose the Right X-Ray Tech Program near Jenkintown PA

Enrolling in the appropriate radiology technician college is a crucial first step toward starting a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs often stand for the greater part of the working day and position and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements designed 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. Possessing social skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and provide the best available care to patients. As has been discussed in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are assessing prior to making your final decision. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online program or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each school so you can narrow down your choices before making your decision. And with the appropriate education and your dedication to be successful, you can realize your goal to work as a radiology tech in Jenkintown PA.

Some Background on Jenkintown Pennsylvania

 

More Cities of Interest in Pennsylvania

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Lampeter PA 17537

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Levittown PA 19054

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Cresco PA 18326

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Eighty Four PA 15330

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Germansville PA 18053

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Towanda PA 18848

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Tunkhannock PA 18657

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Curllsville PA 16221

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Gaines PA 16921

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Willow Grove PA 19090