Schools for Radiologic Technologists Plymouth Meeting PA 19462 Archives

How to Choose a Radiologic Technician Degree Program near Plymouth Meeting Pennsylvania

Plymouth Meeting PA x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Plymouth Meeting PA in order to become a radiology technician. But now that you have decided to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about picking the right school and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified professional? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you may need training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you assess each of the schools you are considering in order to compare each program. A number of potential students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while location and cost should be taken into consideration, there are other important qualifications also. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are evaluating are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and training options that are available.

X-Ray Tech Work Description

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has 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 provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some opt to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They can work in Plymouth Meeting PA hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist 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 also required to retain complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Plymouth Meeting PA health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Tech Degrees

x-ray machine in Plymouth Meeting PA The basic requirement for attending an x-ray tech school is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity 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 finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to complete and is more extensive in nature. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be appropriate as well. Something to bear in mind is that Plymouth Meeting PA radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may typically be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which many colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. 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 working as applicable.

Radiographer Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an Radiologist program, based on the state where you will be employed you may need to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their requirements differ so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many accept other alternatives for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, numerous Plymouth Meeting PA employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it could enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technician Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Plymouth Meeting 19462 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree schools. So while you can still earn your degree online, a substantial amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is typically provided in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online portion of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Plymouth Meeting PA home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually discover that the online approach to learning is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are generally more affordable than conventional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be lessened also. But just make certain that the online program you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then online classes may be the right option for you.

Questions to Ask Radiographer Colleges

As soon as you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of locating and assessing Plymouth Meeting PA x-ray technician schools. You will also have to decide if you want to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a determining factor also. But along with location and cost, what more should you look at when reviewing colleges? Well, you should ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these important details before you make your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are reviewing.

Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? A large number of xray tech colleges have earned some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to verify that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting agencies 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 examination of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Plymouth Meeting PA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level positions.

Are Internships Provided? Ask if the Pennsylvania xray tech schools you are evaluating have partnerships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great means to receive hands on training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may help graduates and students form professional connections in the Plymouth Meeting PA healthcare community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the radiographer schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Plymouth Meeting PA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the school they decide on will need to be within driving distance of their Plymouth Meeting PA residence. Individuals who have opted to attend classes online obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically 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 way in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Plymouth Meeting PA colleges you are looking at what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program also.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the x-ray tech program you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Plymouth Meeting PA, make certain 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 enroll in. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you might be asked. One of the questions that interviewers often ask radiographer applicants is "What made you pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not just the private reasons you may have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what attributes and skills you possess that make you good at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, along with a significant number of standard interview questions, so you need to prepare some approaches about how you would like to answer them. Given that there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the talents you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down some concepts and talking points that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Enroll in the Best X-Ray Tech School near Plymouth Meeting PA

Choosing the ideal radiology tech degree program is a crucial first step toward launching a fulfilling new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs regularly stand for the greater part of the working day and move and at times lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. As we have addressed in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are looking at prior to making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you decide on an online program or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each program so you can focus your choices before making your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your motivation to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Plymouth Meeting PA.

Some Background on Plymouth Meeting Pennsylvania

Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania

Plymouth Meeting is a census-designated place (CDP) that straddles Plymouth and Whitemarsh Townships in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, United States. The settlement was founded in 1686.

The population of Plymouth Meeting was 6,177 in the 2010 census. Plymouth Meeting is home to the Colonial School District, the recently renovated Plymouth Meeting Mall and several large office parks and shopping centers. It was home to IKEA's U.S. headquarters.[3] The confluence of the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-276), the Blue Route (I-476) and the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-476) at the Mid-County Interchange occur in Plymouth Meeting. This interchange contributes to regional commerce and was a major driver for business and retail development.

The area was originally settled by members of the Religious Society of Friends, or Quakers, who built the Plymouth Friends Meetinghouse in 1708. They sailed from Devonshire, England, on the ship Desire, arriving in Philadelphia on June 23, 1686. The settlement takes its name from the founders' hometown of Plymouth in Devon.

During the Revolutionary War, in May 1778, the Plymouth Friends Meetinghouse served as a temporary military hospital. General George Washington, then at Valley Forge, learned that a British force intended to seize the area and cut off movement of the Continental Army. He sent the Marquis de Lafayette and 2,100 troops to counter. They camped around the meetinghouse on the night before the May 19 Battle of Barren Hill. The next morning the British arrived with a massive force of 16,000, and tried to cut off any escape route. Lafayette instead took advantage of the Americans' knowledge of local roads, and escaped with minimal casualties.

Slave holding was condemned by the Society of Friends in 1754. Few slaves were held in Plymouth Township, and only one remained by 1830. The Maulsby and Corson families were early abolitionists, sheltering runaway slaves beginning in the 1810s and turning their properties into stations on the Underground Railroad.[5] The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 increased the penalties for giving assistance to an escaped slave to six months in prison and a $1,000 fine. It allowed slavecatchers to pursue a fugitive across state lines into every U.S. state and territory. Local resident George Corson was involved in hiding Jane Johnson, whose 1855 escape exposed a loophole in the federal law.[6] When the doors to local churches and schools were closed to Abolitionist speakers, Corson built Abolition Hall (1856) on his farm at Germantown and Butler Pikes. The hall could accommodate up to 200 people, and hosted speakers such as Frederick Douglass, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Lucretia Mott, Mrs. Stephen Foster and William Lloyd Garrison.[7]