How to Select a Radiology Technician School near Custer City Pennsylvania
Congrats on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Custer City PA in order to become a radiologic technologist. And now that you have decided to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle picking the right college and program so that you will receive the proper training to become a qualified professional? And considering that most states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you may require preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you research each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can compare each program. Most students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location must be taken into consideration, there are additional critical qualifiers also. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are considering are provided later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and training choices that are available.
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X-Ray Technician Job Description
There are a number of 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 identical major job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They can work in Custer City 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 maintain their equipment and regularly evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to keep detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Custer City PA medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
Radiology Tech Degrees
The basic prerequisite for attending a radiology tech program is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, normally requires 18 months to two years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to complete and is more extensive in nature. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are appropriate also. One thing to consider is that Custer City PA radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can typically be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any licensing or certification mandates in Pennsylvania or the state you will be working as applicable.
Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification
After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, depending on the state where you will be employed you may need to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their requirements vary so check with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but many offer other options for testing as well. Several states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is optional. Having said that, many Custer City PA employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it may enhance 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 exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Technician Schools
As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree colleges. So while you can still earn your online degree, a significant amount of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is usually carried out in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online portion of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Custer City PA home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically discover that the online style of education is far more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are often cheaper than conventional options. Along with lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials may be reduced as well. But just make sure that the online college you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then online classes may be the best choice for you.
What to Ask Radiographer Schools
Once you have selected the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of looking for and assessing Custer City PA x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to decide if you want to attend classes online or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be a material factor as well. But along with location and cost, what else should you look at when comparing schools? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are considering.
Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? A large number of xray technician colleges have acquired some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still crucial to make sure that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed review of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. 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 aid and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Custer City PA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level positions.
Are Internships Sponsored? Inquire if the Pennsylvania xray tech colleges you are interested in have associations with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific means to get hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are also a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help graduates and students develop professional connections in the Custer City PA healthcare community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the radiographer programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Custer City PA healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the College Located? For many students, the school they select will need to be within travelling distance of their Custer City PA residence. Those who have chosen to attend online classes obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit far in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Custer City PA schools you are reviewing what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program also.
Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the x-ray tech school you finally choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Custer City PA, make sure that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Why Did You Desire to Be a Radiology Technician?
When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to reflect on questions you may be asked. One of the questions that recruiters typically ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not merely the private reasons you may have for being a radiology technician, but additionally what characteristics and talents you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, along with a certain number of routine interview questions, so you must organize a number of strategies about how you would like to answer them. Since there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you along with the talents you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the ideal candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but jot down some ideas and topics that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can help you to formulate your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.Enroll in the Ideal Radiology Tech College near Custer City PA
Selecting the ideal x-ray technician college is a critical first step toward launching a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the greater part of the working day and position and at times lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing social skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. As has been discussed in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are considering before making your final decision. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each college so you can focus your choices before making your decision. And with the appropriate education and your commitment to be successful, you can reach your goal to work as a radiographer in Custer City PA.
Some Background on Custer City Pennsylvania
George Armstrong Custer
George Armstrong Custer (December 5, 1839 – June 25, 1876) was a United States Army officer and cavalry commander in the American Civil War and the American Indian Wars. Raised in Michigan and Ohio, Custer was admitted to West Point in 1857, where he graduated last in his class in 1861. With the outbreak of the Civil War, Custer was called to serve with the Union Army.
Custer developed a strong reputation during the Civil War. He participated in the first major engagement, the First Battle of Bull Run on July 21, 1861, near Washington, D.C. His association with several important officers helped his career as did his success as a highly effective cavalry commander. Custer was brevetted to brigadier general at age 23, less than a week before the Battle of Gettysburg, where he personally led cavalry charges that prevented Confederate cavalry from attacking the Union rear in support of Pickett's Charge. He was wounded in the Battle of Culpeper Court House in Virginia on September 13, 1863. In 1864, Custer was awarded another star and brevetted to major general rank. At the conclusion of the Appomattox Campaign, in which he and his troops played a decisive role, Custer was present at General Robert E. Lee's surrender to General Ulysses S. Grant, on April 9, 1865.
After the Civil War, Custer remained a major general in the United States Volunteers until they were mustered out in February 1866. He reverted to his permanent rank of captain and was appointed a lieutenant colonel in the 7th Cavalry Regiment in July 1866. He was dispatched to the west in 1867 to fight in the American Indian Wars. On June 25, 1876, while leading the 7th Cavalry Regiment at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in Montana Territory against a coalition of Native American tribes, he and all of his detachment—which included two of his brothers—were killed. The battle is popularly known in American history as "Custer's Last Stand." Custer and his regiment were defeated so decisively at the Little Bighorn that it has overshadowed all of his prior achievements.
Custer's immigrant ancestors, Paulus and Gertrude Küster, emigrated to the eastern English colonies around 1693 from the Rhineland in Germany, probably among thousands of Palatine refugees whose passage was arranged by the English government to gain settlers in New York and Pennsylvania.[1][2]
According to family letters, Custer was named after George Armstrong, a minister, in his devout mother's hope that her son might join the clergy.[3]
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