How to Become a Radiologic Technologist Riverdale MD 20737 Archives

How to Choose a Radiology Technician Program near Riverdale Maryland

Riverdale MD x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Riverdale MD so you can train to be a radiology technician. But now that you have decided to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you go about picking the ideal college and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And because the majority of states do require that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you may require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you investigate each of the schools you are looking at so that you can compare each program. A number of prospective students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and frequently settle on the lowest cost. But while expense and location should be considered, there are other significant qualifications also. For example, you must find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are reviewing are provided later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology tech does and the degrees and education choices that are offered.

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Radiology Technician Work Summary

There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, each has the identical principal job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They can practice in Riverdale MD hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may utilize include:

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

Radiographers have to take care of their equipment plus routinely analyze its performance and safety. They are also required to retain detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Riverdale MD health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Tech Degrees

x-ray machine in Riverdale MD The basic requirement for attending a radiology 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 prevalent 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 4 years to complete and is more extensive in scope. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be appropriate also. One thing to keep in mind is that Riverdale MD radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which many schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their region. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Maryland or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, based on the state where you will be working you might have to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements vary so contact your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many accept additional options for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, many Riverdale MD employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it might increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technologist Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Riverdale 20737 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 degree online, a large portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is usually carried out in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online section of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Riverdale MD residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree often find that the online style of learning is far more practical with their active schedules. Plus online schools are frequently less expensive than conventional options. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be lessened as well. But just make sure that the online college you choose 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 an online degree may be the right choice for you.

Topics to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges

After you have selected the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of searching for and assessing Riverdale MD x-ray tech schools. You will also have to determine if you want to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a determining factor also. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you look at when evaluating 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 must ask the programs you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Technician Schools Accredited? A large number of xray tech schools have received some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still imperative to confirm 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 obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed evaluation of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial aid and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Riverdale MD employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level openings.

Are Internships Sponsored? Ask if the Maryland xray tech programs you are evaluating have relationships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent means to get hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist graduates and students establish professional connections in the Riverdale MD healthcare community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Riverdale MD healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For many students, the college they decide on will have to be within driving distance of their Riverdale MD home. Those who have chosen to attend online classes obviously will not have to trouble 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 program that is out of state or even 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 commonly charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Riverdale MD schools you are reviewing what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the radiographer school you ultimately choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Riverdale MD, make sure that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Want to Become an Xray Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to consider questions you could be asked. Among the questions that recruiters typically ask radiographer applicants is "What made you select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not just the personal reasons you may have for being a radiology technician, but also what qualities and talents you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, along with a certain number of general interview questions, so you should organize some approaches about how you would like to answer them. Because there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you as well as the abilities you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but write down some concepts and talking points that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Select the Right X-Ray Tech College near Riverdale MD

Selecting the best x-ray tech degree program is an important first step toward starting a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the majority of the working day and position and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing social skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best possible care to patients. As has been covered in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each program you are reviewing before making your final decision. This is just as true whether you enroll in an online school 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 and make your final choice. And with the right education and your motivation to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Riverdale MD.

Some Background on Riverdale Maryland

Riverdale Park, Maryland

Riverdale Park, formerly known and often referred to as Riverdale, Maryland is a semi-urban town in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States, a suburb in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.[5] The population was 6,956 as of 2010.[6]

Riverdale Park and the neighboring community of West Riverdale developed in the late 19th century as streetcar suburbs in central Prince George’s County. The town is located approximately seven miles northeast of downtown Washington, D.C., and is bounded to the north by East-West Highway. The area is also bisected by the heavily traveled Baltimore Avenue (U.S. Route 1). The city of College Park is located to the north, the town of University Park to the east across Baltimore Avenue, and Hyattsville is located to the south and southwest.

The area was first developed in 1801 when a Belgian aristocrat, Henri Joseph Stier, purchased 800 acres situated between two tributaries of the Anacostia River, known as the Paint and Northwest branches. Stier and his family moved to the United States several years earlier to escape the French Revolution (1788-1789). Upon purchase, he named his holdings Riversdale, and began constructing his residence that same year. The mansion was modeled after the Stier family’s Belgian home, Chateau du Mick, and when completed in 1807, the building stood as a two-story stuccoed-brick dwelling in the style of late Georgian architecture.

Just two years after purchasing the property, in 1803, the political tension that had caused Stier to flee his native country subsided, and he and his wife, Marie Louise, returned to Belgium. Riversdale was given to their daughter, Rosalie, who had married George Calvert, the grandson of Charles Calvert, 5th Baron Baltimore, in 1799. After Rosalie Stier Calvert died in 1821 and George Calvert in 1838, their son, Charles Benedict Calvert, took over the plantation. Charles Calvert was a renowned agriculturist and helped establish the Maryland Agricultural College, now the University of Maryland at College Park. In May 1853, Calvert announced he would donate land for an agricultural college.[7] In 1861, Calvert was elected to the United States Congress and fought for the establishment of the United States Department of Agriculture. During his life, Charles Calvert conducted a variety of agricultural experiments at Riversdale, and expanded his family's original holdings to 2,200 acres. Calvert died in 1864; however, the property remained in the ownership of the Calvert family for another twenty years.

The 1861 Martenet map depicts the rural setting of Riversdale and identifies Charles B. Calvert as its owner. The old Baltimore Turnpike, now known as US Route 1, is located to the west of the mansion house.[8] To the east of the house is the Washington Branch of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, which opened in 1833. The railway is located inside the boundaries of Riverdale Park, just west of the Paint Branch tributary. The 1878 Hopkins map depicts little development having had happened since 1861.