How to Select an X-Ray Technician College near Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
Best wishes regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Pittsburgh PA in order to learn to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have decided to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you undertake picking the ideal school and program so that you will get the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that most states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you may require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you research each of the colleges you are considering so that you can compare each program. A number of potential students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and frequently gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while location and cost need to be taken into consideration, there are other important qualifications as well. For example, you must ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are considering are presented later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic technician does and the degrees and education options that are available.
X-Ray Tech Job Description
There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, they all have the identical principal job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for example mammography. They may practice in Pittsburgh PA hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech may work with include:
- Traditional and specialized X-Rays
- Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Sonography or ultrasound
- Fluoroscopy
Radiographers must maintain their equipment and also frequently assess its functionality and safety. They are also required to retain in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Pittsburgh PA medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
Radiology Tech Degree Options
The standard prerequisite for attending a radiology tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, normally takes 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to complete and is more comprehensive in nature. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are acceptable as well. Something to bear in mind is that Pittsburgh PA radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can typically be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification mandates in Pennsylvania or the state you will be working as applicable.
X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing
After you have graduated from an Radiologist college, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might have to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so contact your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but several provide additional options for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, numerous Pittsburgh PA employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it might increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Tech Colleges
As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same 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. Practical training is typically performed in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online segment of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Pittsburgh PA residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually discover that the online style of learning is far more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are generally less expensive than traditional options. Along with lower tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be lessened also. But just confirm that the online program you select is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then online classes may be the best choice for you.
Questions to Ask Radiology Tech Colleges
After you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can initiate the process of looking for and assessing Pittsburgh PA x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to determine if you want to attend classes online or travel to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be a determining factor as well. But along with location and cost, what more should you look at when comparing colleges? Well, you need to find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these important details prior to making your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are assessing.
Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? The majority of radiology tech schools have received some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still important to verify that the school and program are accredited. Among 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 gone through a detailed 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 online or distance learning. 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 securing financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Pittsburgh PA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level positions.
Are Internship Programs Offered? Ask if the Pennsylvania xray tech schools you are assessing have partnerships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific manner to get practical experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Pittsburgh PA healthcare community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the radiographer schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Pittsburgh PA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the school they pick will need to be within commuting distance of their Pittsburgh PA residence. Those who have opted 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 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 need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly 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 likes to sit far in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Pittsburgh PA colleges you are researching what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to converse with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program as well.
Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the x-ray tech program you finally select can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Pittsburgh PA, confirm that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family obligations.
Why Did You Choose to Become an Xray Technician?
When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's advantageous to consider questions you could be asked. Among the questions that recruiters often ask radiographer candidates is "What made you choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not merely the personal reasons you might have for becoming an Xray technician, but also what characteristics and abilities you have that make you good at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, in addition to a significant number of routine interview questions, so you should ready a number of ideas about how you want to respond to them. Since there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the abilities you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but jot down several ideas and topics that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.Enroll in the Right X-Ray Technician College near Pittsburgh PA
Selecting the right radiology tech school is an important first step toward beginning a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the majority of the workday 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 guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best possible patient care. As has been discussed in this report, there are a number of questions that you should ask each program you are looking at before making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you participate in an online program or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each school so you can focus your choices before making your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your dedication to be successful, you can realize your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Pittsburgh PA.
Some Background on Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh (/ˈpɪtsbɜːrɡ/ PITS-burg) is a city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the United States, and is the county seat of Allegheny County. As of 2017, a total population of 305,704 lives within the city limits, making it the 63rd-largest city in the U.S.[2][5] The metropolitan population of 2,353,045 is the largest in both the Ohio Valley and Appalachia, the second-largest in Pennsylvania (behind Philadelphia), and the 26th-largest in the U.S.
Located at the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers, Pittsburgh is known as both "the Steel City" for its more than 300 steel-related businesses, and as the "City of Bridges" for its 446 bridges.[6] The city features 30 skyscrapers, two inclined railways, a pre-revolutionary fortification and the Point State Park at the confluence of the rivers. The city developed as a vital link of the Atlantic coast and Midwest, as the mineral-rich Allegheny Mountains made the area coveted by the French and British empires, Virginians, Whiskey Rebels, and Civil War raiders.[7]
Aside from steel, Pittsburgh has led in manufacturing of aluminum, glass, shipbuilding, petroleum, foods, sports, transportation, computing, autos, and electronics.[8] For part of the 20th century, Pittsburgh was behind only New York and Chicago in corporate headquarters employment; it had the most U.S. stockholders per capita.[9] America's 1980s deindustrialization laid off area blue-collar workers and thousands of downtown white-collar workers when the longtime Pittsburgh-based world headquarters moved out.[10] This heritage left the area with renowned museums, medical centers,[11]parks, research centers, libraries, a diverse cultural district and the most bars per capita in the U.S.[12]
Today, Google, Apple Inc., Bosch, Facebook, Uber, Nokia, Autodesk, and IBM are among 1,600 technology firms generating $20.7 billion in annual Pittsburgh payrolls. The area has served as the long-time federal agency headquarters for cyber defense, software engineering, robotics, energy research and the nuclear navy.[13] The area is home to 68 colleges and universities, including research and development leaders Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh.[14] The nation's eighth-largest bank, eight Fortune 500 companies, and six of the top 300 U.S. law firms make their global headquarters in the Pittsburgh area, while RAND, BNY Mellon, Nova, FedEx, Bayer and NIOSH have regional bases that helped Pittsburgh become the sixth-best area for U.S. job growth.[15]
In 2015, Pittsburgh was listed among the "eleven most livable cities in the world";[16]The Economist's Global Liveability Ranking placed Pittsburgh as the first- or second-most livable city in the United States in 2005, 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2014.[17] The region is a hub for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, sustainable energy, and energy extraction.[18]
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