Schools for X Ray Techs Plymouth PA 18651 Archives - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose an Xray Technician Program near Plymouth Pennsylvania

Plymouth PA x-ray tech internship program Congratulations regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Plymouth PA so you can become a radiologic technologist. But now that you have made a decision to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you go about choosing the right school and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And because the majority of states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you might need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you assess each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can compare each program. Many students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and usually gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location should be taken into account, there are additional critical qualifiers as well. For instance, you must ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are considering are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and training options that are available.

X-Ray Tech Job Description

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have the same fundamental job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some choose to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They may work in Plymouth PA clinics, hospitals, private 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 have to care for their equipment and also regularly analyze its performance and safety. They are also expected to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Plymouth PA medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degrees

x-ray machine in Plymouth PA The primary requirement for attending a radiology tech college is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. 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 techs, normally requires 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to finish and is more comprehensive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be acceptable also. One thing to consider is that Plymouth PA radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which many colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification requirements in Pennsylvania or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiographer Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, based on the state where you will be working you may have to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites differ so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but a number approve other alternatives for testing as well. Several states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. However, numerous Plymouth PA employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it could improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Tech Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Plymouth 18651 As a component of every 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 colleges. So while you can still earn your degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is usually performed in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online portion of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Plymouth PA residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually discover that the online approach to learning is much more practical with their active schedules. Plus online schools are generally cheaper than conventional options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be reduced also. But just confirm that the online school you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online school may be the ideal choice for you.

Questions to Ask Radiology Tech Colleges

When you have selected the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of finding and evaluating Plymouth PA x-ray tech schools. You will also need to determine if you want to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a material variable as well. But along with location and cost, what else should you factor in when reviewing schools? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are considering.

Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? Most xray tech colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to make sure that the program and school 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 gone through a detailed evaluation of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized 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 obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Plymouth PA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level openings.

Are Internships Sponsored? Ask if the Pennsylvania radiology tech schools you are interested in have associations with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific means to get hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist graduates and students form professional relationships in the Plymouth PA health care community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the radiographer schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Plymouth PA healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the school they pick will need to be within driving distance of their Plymouth PA home. Those who have decided to attend online classes naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. One thing to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit way in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Plymouth PA schools you are looking at what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with some of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program also.

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

Why Did You Decide to Become an Xray Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's advantageous to consider questions you may be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers typically ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not just the private reasons you may have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but also what characteristics and abilities you have that make you good at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, as well as a significant number of general interview questions, so you should ready some ideas about how you want to answer them. Considering there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the abilities you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but take down some concepts and topics that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.

Pick the Right Radiology Tech Program near Plymouth PA

Selecting the appropriate radiology tech school is a critical first step toward launching a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs frequently stand for the majority of the day and position and at times lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best available care to patients. As we have covered in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are reviewing before making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you decide on an online school or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each college so you can focus your options and make your final choice. And with the right training and your dedication to be successful, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiology tech in Plymouth PA.

Some Background on Plymouth 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]