How to Become a Radiology Technician Newtown Square PA 19073 Archives

How to Pick an Xray Technician School near Newtown Square Pennsylvania

Newtown Square PA x-ray tech internship program Best wishes on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Newtown Square PA in order to become a radiologic technician. But now that you have decided to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about choosing the right college and program so that you will obtain the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And since the majority of states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you may need training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you investigate each of the schools you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Many potential students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and typically settle on the most affordable cost. But while location and cost need to be taken into account, there are other critical qualifiers also. For example, you need to ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are reviewing are provided later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and education options that are available.

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Radiology Technician Career Description

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have the identical principal job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many choose to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for example mammography. They can work in Newtown Square 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 have to care for their equipment and regularly analyze its performance and safety. They are additionally required to keep detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Newtown Square PA medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Newtown Square PA The basic requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils 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 two years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to finish and is more expansive in scope. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be acceptable as well. One thing to bear in mind is that Newtown Square PA radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can often be fulfilled by participating 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 must comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Pennsylvania or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an Radiologist school, based on the state where you will be working you may need to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements vary so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but a number offer additional alternatives for testing also. A number of states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, numerous Newtown Square PA employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Tech Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Newtown Square 19073 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree programs. So although you can still obtain your degree online, a considerable amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is typically carried out in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Newtown Square PA home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online style of education is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online schools are generally cheaper than conventional options. Along with reduced tuition, costs for commuting and study materials may be lessened also. But just make sure that the online school you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then online classes may be the right choice for you.

Points to Ask X Ray Tech Schools

As soon as you have selected the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of finding and assessing Newtown Square PA x-ray technician schools. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be important. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be a determining factor as well. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you look at when reviewing colleges? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details before you make your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Tech Colleges Accredited? A large number of xray tech schools have obtained some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still imperative to make sure that the school and program 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 earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous evaluation of their teachers and educational materials. If the program is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Newtown Square PA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Inquire if the Pennsylvania xray tech schools you are evaluating have associations with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific manner to receive practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can help students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Newtown Square PA medical community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Newtown Square PA healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the school they choose will have to be within commuting distance of their Newtown Square PA residence. Those 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 importance. Something to consider is that if you decide 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 generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit far in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Newtown Square PA colleges you are researching what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. 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 a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program also.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the x-ray tech program you ultimately select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Newtown Square PA, confirm that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.

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

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to reflect on questions you may be asked. Among the questions that interviewers typically ask radiographer prospects is "What drove you to select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not just the personal reasons you may have for being an X-Ray tech, but additionally what attributes and abilities you possess that make you good at your profession. You will likely be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, in addition to a significant number of general interview questions, so you need to ready a number of strategies about how you would like to address them. Because there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the abilities you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but jot down a few ideas and talking points that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Choose the Right X-Ray Technician Program near Newtown Square PA

Picking the ideal radiology technician college is a crucial first step toward beginning a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs often stand for the majority of the day and move and at times lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. As has been covered in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are considering before making your final decision. This is just as true whether you participate in an online school or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each program so you can narrow down your choices before making your final choice. And with the appropriate education and your motivation to be successful, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Newtown Square PA.

Some Background on Newtown Square Pennsylvania

Newtown Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania

Newtown Township is a township in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, United States. Prior to 1789 it was part of Chester County.[3] The population was 12,216 as of the 2010 census.

The first mention of the township was in 1684, when Thomas Norbury and John Humphrey were appointed collectors of the "Levie for the cort house and Prison for ye Township of Newtowne".[4] Newtown Square was the name used for the townstead with the majority of early settlers being Welshmen. These Welsh "Friends" (Quakers) needed a road to facilitate their journey to meeting, the only established road at the time being Newtown Street Road, which ran north and south. As such, in 1687, an east-west road was laid out (Goshen Road) so the Friends could attend either Goshen or Haverford Meeting. By 1696, these friends had become numerous enough to hold their own meeting in Newtown and continued to meet in a private home until the completion of the Newtown Friends Meetinghouse in 1711. In the 18th century, Newtown was basically a farming community. Blacksmith and wheelwright shops emerged on the main arteries to service horse and buggy travelers. Taverns and inns were also opened to accommodate local patrons as well as drovers taking their livestock to the markets in Philadelphia.

During the Revolutionary War, Newtown township was visited several times by foraging parties of the British Army. On Goshen Road, west of Newtown Square, were the outpost and headquarters of General Potter.[5]

During the 19th century a number of mills sprang up along Crum Creek (the western border) and Darby Creek (in the northeast corner of the Township). These included saw mills, paper mills, shingle mills, and a woolen factory. In the Darby Creek area a number of tenement houses were built as well as a general store to service the needs of the mill workers.

In 1860, the population of Newtown Township was 830; the population of Philadelphia was approximately half a million. At this time, the railroad, so called the "Iron horse," was laying track out of Philadelphia in all directions with service to Chester, Media, West Chester, and Radnor ... but not Newtown Square. As these towns, as well as stops along the way, grew and prospered, mills closed and businesses declined in Newtown Square. By 1890, the population had fallen to 648.