How to Become an X Ray Technician Millersville PA 17551 Archives

How to Select a Radiologic Technician Program near Millersville Pennsylvania

Millersville PA x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Millersville PA in order to become a radiology technician. But now that you have chosen to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you undertake picking the right college and program to ensure that you will get the proper training to become a qualified professional? And because most states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you might need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you research each of the schools you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. Many potential students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and often settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location need to be considered, there are other significant qualifications as well. For example, you need to ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are evaluating are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and training choices that are available.

Radiology Technician Occupation Description

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have the same fundamental job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many elect to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They may practice in Millersville PA clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech might 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 and also routinely assess its performance and safety. They are also required to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Millersville PA medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Technician Degree Options

x-ray machine in Millersville PA The standard prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical 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 up to 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 are appropriate as well. One thing to consider is that Millersville PA radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can typically be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from any 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.

Radiographer Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, based on the state where you will be practicing 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 licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but many approve additional options for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, many Millersville PA employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it could increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Tech Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Millersville 17551 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree programs. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a large amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is typically provided in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online section of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Millersville PA residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online approach to learning is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are generally less expensive than conventional alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be lessened as well. But just be sure that the online college you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online degree may be the ideal option for you.

Topics to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges

As soon as you have chosen the type of degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of looking for and evaluating Millersville PA x-ray tech schools. You will also have to determine if you want to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the college will be critical. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be an important variable also. But along with cost and location, what else should you look at when reviewing colleges? Well, you should ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details before you make your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Tech Colleges Accredited? The majority of radiology tech colleges have earned some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still crucial to confirm that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive evaluation of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. 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 superior education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Millersville PA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Ask if the Pennsylvania xray technician schools you are interested in have associations with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent way to receive hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can help students and graduates develop professional connections in the Millersville PA medical community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Millersville PA healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the college they select will need to be within driving distance of their Millersville PA home. Individuals 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. Something to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit far in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Millersville PA schools you are researching what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on 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 perspectives regarding the radiology technician program as well.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the x-ray tech program you ultimately select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Millersville PA, check that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Choose to Become a Radiology Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's advantageous to review questions you may be asked. One of the things that recruiters frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not just the private reasons you might have for being an X-Ray tech, but additionally what characteristics and skills you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, as well as a significant number of typical interview questions, so you need to organize a number of strategies about how you would like to respond to them. Since there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you along with the talents you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but write down several ideas and topics that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.

Choose the Best X-Ray Technician College near Millersville PA

Selecting the ideal x-ray technician school is an important 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 frequently stand for the greater part of the working day and position and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best available care to patients. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are looking at prior to making your ultimate decision. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online program or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each school so you can focus your choices before making your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your motivation to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiographer in Millersville PA.

Some Background on Millersville Pennsylvania

Millersville University of Pennsylvania

Millersville University of Pennsylvania (commonly known as Millersville University, The Ville, or MU) is an American public university located in Millersville, Pennsylvania, United States, offering programs embracing the liberal arts as one of the fourteen schools that comprise the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). Founded in 1855 as the first Normal School in Pennsylvania, Millersville is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools[2] and the Pennsylvania Department of Education.[3]

First established in 1854 as the Millersville Academy out of the since demolished Old Main,[4] the Academy specialized in a series of workshop-style teacher institutes in response to the 1934 Free School Act of Pennsylvania.[5]

Millersville University was established in 1855 as the Lancaster County Normal School, the first state normal school in Pennsylvania. It subsequently changed its name to the Millersville State Normal School in 1859 and Millersville later became a state teachers college in 1927. It was renamed Millersville State College in 1959 and officially became Millersville University of Pennsylvania in 1983.

In November 1852, the Lancaster County Educational Association met in Strasburg resolving to form an institute for teacher training. The first institute, which led to the Lancaster County Normal School and received major support from Thomas H. Burrowes, was held in January 1853. While the Association was working to organize, Lewis M. Hobbs, a popular teacher of the Manor district, lobbied heavily in Manor township for a more permanent training facility for teachers. Jacob Shenk, a local farmer, donated a tract of five acres (present-day site of Ganser Library, Biemesderfer Executive Center, and Dutcher Hall) with Hobbs collecting investments from local residents. On April 17, 1855, Lancaster County Normal School opened with James P. Wickersham as Principal and a peak of 147 teachers in attendance. President of the school was Thomas H. Burrowes and Vice President was Lewis M. Hobbs. November 5, 1855 marked the start of the first full session, with a new expansion off of the original Academy building that made 96 rooms available for nearly 200 students and their teachers.[6]

Completed in 1894, the Biemesderfer Executive Center, also known as the Old Library, is the centerpiece of Millersville University's campus. The Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees designated $27,500 for the construction of the library in 1891 with the contract awarded to Lancastrian D.H. Rapp, who submitted the lowest bid in a blind auction.[7]