How to Become a Radiologic Technologist Perkasie PA 18944 Archives

How to Find a Radiology Tech Program near Perkasie Pennsylvania

Perkasie PA x-ray tech internship program Congratulations regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Perkasie PA in order to become a radiology technologist. But now that you have chosen to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you tackle selecting the ideal college and program to ensure that you will get the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And because the majority of states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you may need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the colleges you are considering in order to compare each program. Many potential students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location must be taken into consideration, there are other significant qualifications also. For example, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are considering are provided later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and education choices that are available.

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Radiology Tech Career Description

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the identical fundamental job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many elect to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for instance mammography. They may work in Perkasie PA clinics, hospitals, 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 care for their equipment plus regularly analyze its performance and safety. They are also expected to keep complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Perkasie PA health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Tech Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Perkasie PA The primary prerequisite for attending a radiology tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, normally takes 18 months to two years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to complete and is more extensive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be acceptable also. Something to consider is that Perkasie PA radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from any 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.

Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an Radiologist program, based on the state where you will be working you might have to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so contact your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but a number approve other options for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is optional. However, numerous Perkasie PA employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it might increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Tech Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Perkasie 18944 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree programs. So while you can still obtain your degree online, a large amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is usually performed in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online segment of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Perkasie PA home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically discover that the online style of learning is far more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are often cheaper than on-campus alternatives. Along with lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting can be lessened also. But just make sure that the online college you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online school may be the ideal choice for you.

Topics to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges

When you have selected the type of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of searching for and evaluating Perkasie PA x-ray tech schools. You will also need to determine if you want to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be critical. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a material variable as well. But along with cost and location, what else should you consider when comparing schools? Well, you need to ask 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 must ask the schools you are reviewing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? A large number of xray technician schools have acquired some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still important to make sure that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous assessment of their teachers and educational materials. If the program is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Perkasie PA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Inquire if the Pennsylvania xray technician colleges you are assessing have associations with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to get practical training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help students and graduates develop professional relationships in the Perkasie PA healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Perkasie PA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they pick will have to be within driving distance of their Perkasie PA residence. Students who have chosen to attend online classes obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Perkasie PA schools you are researching what the typical 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 determination. This will also give you a chance to converse with several of the students and instructors 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 radiographer program you finally choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Perkasie PA, make certain 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 need to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Desire to Be an Xray Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to review questions you may be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers typically ask radiographer applicants is "What made you select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not only the private reasons you may have for being an Xray technician, but additionally what attributes and talents you have that make you good at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, along with a certain number of general interview questions, so you need to prepare several approaches about how you want to address them. Because 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 profession appeals to you in addition to the strengths you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but write down some ideas and talking points that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can help you to develop your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.

Select the Best Radiology Technician Program near Perkasie PA

Enrolling in the right radiology tech school is a critical first step toward initiating a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the greater part of the workday and move and sometimes lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs 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 pleasant work environment and deliver the best possible patient care. As has been addressed in this report, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are considering prior to making your ultimate 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 evaluate and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices before making your decision. And with the proper training and your motivation to be successful, you can realize your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Perkasie PA.

Some Background on Perkasie Pennsylvania

Perkasie, Pennsylvania

Perkasie is a borough in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, 35 miles (56 km) north of Philadelphia. Establishments in the borough early in the twentieth century included silk mills, baseballs, brickyards, lumber mills, tile works, a stone crusher, and manufacturies of cigars, tags and labels, wire novelties, etc. The population in 1900 was 1,803; in 1910, 2,779 people lived in Perkasie. The population was 8,511 at the 2010 census.

Both the town of Perkasie and Pocasie Creek derive their name from the Lenape Unami phrase Pèhpahkàsink/Poekskossing which translates to "One who goes to the place to crack nuts" Or " one who cracks nuts there". Pahkàsink/Pokesing means "a place to crack nuts". Lastly, Pahkàsi/Pocasie means "to crack nuts". The Dutch/Swedish (before the British settlements) pronounced the word with an r and it stuck. Sink sounded a lot like sing which translates to place or area. There was doubtless a village on the site of the present town before William Penn’s Perkasie Manor was settled."[3] "The "Manor" of Perkasie was one of several in Bucks County and contained 11,462 acres (4,639 ha). Laid out and surveyed in 1708 it embraced most of Hilltown and Rockhill Township."[4]

On June 8, 1890, a disastrous fire began at the livery stable located at 7th and Chestnut Streets; twelve buildings were destroyed. Personal buckets and ladders were used to extinguish the fire. Less than a month later, on July 4, 1890, a committee appointed by Perkasie Borough Council met to form the Hope Fire Company. On September 8, 1890, the Hope Fire Company met at Groover's Hall (517 Chestnut Street) and adopted a constitution and by-laws; 32 members were present.

At the same time, Borough Council turned over to the fire company a hand pumper purchased from Newtown Fire Association, and a hose cart purchased from Philadelphia with 800 feet (240 m) of hose. One month later the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad presented the Fire Company with a tire for a steam locomotive driver wheel for use as a fire alarm. This was installed in a cupola of the Groover building (now in front of Silverdale Fire Company).

Between 1920 and 1950, a factory at 815 Chestnut Street in Perkasie produced millions of major-league baseballs through the Hubbert/Spalding contract. The building was subsequently converted into the Senior Citizens Center, which has since moved to the neighboring borough of Silverdale. It is now scheduled to be converted to six two-bedroom condominiums by Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County, to provide a new start for families in need. The organization plans to utilize green building techniques while preserving the building's historical exterior.