Schools for Radiologic Technologists Parker PA 16049 Archives

How to Find a Radiologic Technician Program near Parker Pennsylvania

Parker PA x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Parker PA in order to learn to be a radiologic technician. And now that you have made a decision to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you go about choosing the ideal college and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And since most states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you might require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you investigate each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can compare each program. A number of prospective students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and frequently settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location must be taken into account, there are other critical qualifiers also. For instance, you should find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the colleges you are reviewing are presented later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and education choices that are offered.

X-Ray Technician Career Description

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, they all have the identical fundamental job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some choose to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for example mammography. They can practice in Parker PA hospitals, clinics, 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 must care for their equipment and also regularly assess its functionality and safety. They are also expected to keep detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Parker PA health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Tech Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Parker PA The standard requirement for attending a radiology tech program is to have earned 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 typical among techs, usually takes 18 months to two years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to finish and is more extensive in scope. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are acceptable as well. One thing to consider is that Parker PA radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may frequently be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which many colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing requirements 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 tech program, based on the state where you will be employed you might need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their prerequisites differ so contact your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many offer other alternatives for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, many Parker PA employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it may increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technician Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Parker 16049 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 schools. So while you can still obtain your degree online, a significant amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is typically carried out in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Parker PA home. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically discover that the online approach to education is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are generally cheaper than traditional options. Along with reduced tuition, costs for commuting and study materials may be lessened also. But just confirm that the online college you choose is accredited (more on the advantages 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 right choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiographer Colleges

As soon as you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of searching for and evaluating Parker PA x-ray technician schools. You will also need 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 critical. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be an important variable also. But along with location and cost, what else should you look at when comparing colleges? Well, you need to check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Tech Programs Accredited? Most xray tech schools have received some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still important to verify 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). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive assessment of their teachers and course 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 organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also help in securing financial aid and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Parker PA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level openings.

Are Internships Offered? Ask if the Pennsylvania radiology tech colleges you are evaluating have partnerships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great manner to receive practical experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist students and graduates develop professional relationships in the Parker PA healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the radiographer programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Parker PA healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the school they choose will have to be within driving distance of their Parker PA residence. Those who have decided to attend classes online naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. One thing to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit far in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Parker PA colleges you are looking at what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. 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 speak with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program as well.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the x-ray tech school you finally choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Parker PA, confirm that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Become an Xray Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you could be asked. Among the questions that recruiters often ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not just the personal reasons you might have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but also what characteristics and skills you possess that make you good at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, in addition to a significant number of general interview questions, so you need to ready some approaches about how you want to respond to them. Given that there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the abilities you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the ideal candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but write down some ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.

Pick the Right X-Ray Tech College near Parker PA

Selecting the ideal radiology tech college is an important first step toward starting a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the greater part of the day and move and in some cases lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and provide the best available care to patients. As has been addressed in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are assessing prior to making your ultimate selection. This is just as true whether you opt for an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each college so you can focus your choices before making your decision. And with the proper training and your commitment to succeed, you can achieve your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Parker PA.

Some Background on Parker Pennsylvania

Parker, Pennsylvania

Parker is a city located in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is in the extreme northwestern portion of the county. The population was 840 at the 2010 census. The city was named for Judge John Parker, a lead surveyor of Lawrenceburg and founder/owner of Parker's Landing, the two villages combined to create Parker.

Parker is sometimes referred to as the "Smallest City in the USA." Parker was incorporated as a city on March 1, 1873, by special state legislation in the midst of the northwestern Pennsylvania oil boom. The new municipality was called "Parker" and made up the earlier villages of Parker's Landing (on the Allegheny River) and Lawrenceburg (on the bluff above the river). Residents assumed that Parker would quickly become a major population center, and at the height of the oil boom, the population of Parker grew to over 20,000. The boom quickly went bust, however, and by the 1880s the "city" returned to its historic small village size, and a population of approximately 1,000.

Parker received national attention again in 2014 when a massive ice jam along the Allegheny River formed and started some minor flooding. The jam was so massive that it attracted tourists to the area, and a local bar even named a drink after the ice jam. The ice jam was severe enough that the National Weather Service issued a flood warning for the area in case the ice started melting.[3][4]

There are two highways that pass through Parker. From the east, PA 268 goes right through downtown, then proceeds north towards Foxburg, and Emlenton. There is also an intersection with PA 368 at the Parker Bridge.

The Allegheny River, at this point is not used to transport goods and materials, but is still a navigable waterway for boating. The first lock (Allegheny River Lock and Dam No. 9) is located south of Parker, just past the borough of East Brady.