Schools with Radiologic Technologist Programs West Decatur PA 16878 Archives

How to Choose a Radiology Tech School near West Decatur Pennsylvania

West Decatur PA x-ray tech internship program Congratulations on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near West Decatur PA in order to become a radiologic technician. But now that you have chosen to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you go about selecting the ideal school and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And since the majority of states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you might need training to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you research each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can compare each program. Many potential students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and typically settle on the most affordable cost. But while location and cost must be taken into account, there are other important qualifications also. For example, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are evaluating are provided later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and education options that are offered.

X-Ray Technician Work Description

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, they all have the same fundamental job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some elect to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They can practice in West Decatur PA clinics, hospitals, family 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 take care of their equipment plus frequently evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally required to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As West Decatur PA health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Technician Degrees

x-ray machine in West Decatur PA The basic prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech college is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, usually takes 18 months to two years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to complete and is more expansive in nature. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be appropriate also. One thing to consider is that West Decatur PA radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which many schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any certification or licensing mandates in Pennsylvania or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an Radiologist college, based on the state where you will be working you might have to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria differ so check with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but many provide additional options for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. However, numerous West Decatur PA employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it could increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technician Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in West Decatur 16878 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree programs. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is usually conducted in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your West Decatur PA residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically discover that the online style of learning is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently less costly than conventional alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, costs for commuting and study materials can be decreased also. But just be sure that the online college 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 online classes may be the best choice for you.

What to Ask Radiologic Tech Schools

As soon as you have selected the type of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of locating and evaluating West Decatur PA x-ray technician schools. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be critical. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a material variable as well. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you factor in when reviewing colleges? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details before you make your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are looking at.

Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? Most radiology tech colleges have earned some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still imperative to make sure that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous assessment of their teachers and educational materials. If the college is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also help in getting financial aid 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 many West Decatur PA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level jobs.

Are Internships Offered? Ask if the Pennsylvania radiology technician colleges you are interested in have relationships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great means to obtain hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help students and graduates form professional relationships in the West Decatur PA medical community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with West Decatur PA healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the college they choose will have to be within commuting distance of their West Decatur PA home. Those who have decided to attend online classes naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. One thing to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit way in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the West Decatur PA schools you are researching what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program also.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the x-ray tech program you finally choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in West Decatur 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 need to carry. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Become an X-Ray Tech?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to review questions you could be asked. Among the questions that recruiters often ask radiographer applicants is "What made you pick radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not only the private reasons you may have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but additionally what characteristics and talents you possess that make you good at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, along with a significant number of routine interview questions, so you need to prepare a number of approaches about how you would like to address them. Considering there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the strengths you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but write down a few concepts and topics that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Choose the Best X-Ray Technician College near West Decatur PA

Choosing the ideal radiology technician school is a crucial first step toward beginning a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs frequently stand for the greater part of the workday and move and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best possible patient care. As has been discussed in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are reviewing before making your final selection. This is equally true whether you opt for an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each program so you can focus your options and make your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your commitment to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in West Decatur PA.

Some Background on West Decatur Pennsylvania

Stephen Decatur

Stephen Decatur, Jr. (January 5, 1779 – March 22, 1820) was a United States naval officer and commodore. He was born on the eastern shore of Maryland in Worcester County, the son of a U.S. naval officer who served during the Revolutionary War. His father Stephen Decatur Sr. was a commodore in the U.S. Navy who introduced him to the world of ships and sailing at an early age. Decatur followed in his father's footsteps and joined the U.S. Navy after college at age 19 as a midshipman.[1][2]

Decatur supervised the construction of several U.S. naval vessels, one of which he later commanded. He is the youngest man to reach the rank of captain in the history of the United States Navy.[3] He served under three presidents and played a major role in the early development of the American navy. In almost every theater of operation, Decatur's service was characterized by acts of heroism and exceptional performance. His service in the Navy took him through both Barbary Wars in North Africa, the Quasi-War with France, and the War of 1812 with Britain. He was renowned for his natural ability to lead and for his genuine concern for the seamen under his command.[4] His numerous naval victories against Britain, France, and the Barbary states established the United States Navy as a rising power.

Decatur served aboard and commanded many naval vessels and ultimately became a member of the Board of Navy Commissioners. He built a large home in Washington, D.C. known as Decatur House on Lafayette Square, and he was at the center of Washington society in the early 19th century.[5] He became an affluent member of Washington society and counted James Monroe and other Washington dignitaries among his personal friends.[6]

Decatur's career came to an early end when he was killed in a duel with a rival officer.[7][8] He emerged as a national hero in his own lifetime, becoming the first post-Revolutionary War hero. His name and legacy became identified with the United States Navy, like that of John Paul Jones.[9][10]

Decatur was born on January 5, 1779 in Sinepuxent, Maryland[b] to Stephen Decatur Sr., a merchant captain and later an officer in the American navy during the American Revolution, and his wife Ann (Pine) Decatur. His parents had arrived from Philadelphia just three months before Stephen was born, fleeing the British occupation of that city during the American Revolution.[11] The family returned to Philadelphia shortly after Stephen's birth, and he grew up there and eventually graduated from the Episcopal Academy.[12]