How to Find a Radiology Technician Program near York Haven Pennsylvania
Congratulations regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near York Haven PA in order to become a radiology technician. But now that you have chosen to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about selecting the ideal school and program to ensure that you will get the proper training to become a skilled professional? And since the majority of states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you may need training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. A number of prospective students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and frequently settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location need to be taken into account, there are additional significant qualifiers also. For example, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the schools you are examining are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology tech does and the credentials and education choices that are available.
Radiology Tech Job Description
There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the same principal job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some elect to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They can work in York Haven PA clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician might utilize 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 and also regularly analyze its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to retain in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As York Haven PA health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
X-Ray Tech Degrees
The standard prerequisite for attending a radiology tech program is to have earned 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 typical among techs, usually requires 18 months to two years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to finish and is more extensive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be acceptable also. Something to keep in mind is that York Haven PA radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can often be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which many colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once 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.
Radiographer Licensing and Certification
Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might have to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites differ so check 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 several provide other alternatives for testing as well. Several states also require certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, many York Haven PA employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Tech Degrees
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 although you can still earn your online degree, a large amount of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is typically performed in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your York Haven PA residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically discover that the online approach to education is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online programs are often cheaper than traditional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting may be reduced also. But just be sure that the online school you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then online classes may be the best choice for you.
Topics to Ask Radiology Tech Colleges
After you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of looking for and assessing York Haven PA x-ray technician schools. You will also need to decide if you want to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a determining factor as well. But along with location and cost, what more should you consider when evaluating schools? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these crucial details before you make your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are looking at.
Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? The majority of xray technician schools have obtained some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still important to verify that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive examination of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many York Haven PA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level openings.
Are Internships Provided? Ask if the Pennsylvania radiology tech programs you are interested in have associations with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to receive practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may help students and graduates establish professional connections in the York Haven PA health care community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with York Haven PA healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the college they choose will have to be within commuting distance of their York Haven PA home. Students who have opted to attend online classes naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit far in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the York Haven PA schools you are considering what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program also.
Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the x-ray tech program you finally choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in York Haven 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 have to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.
Why Did You Decide to Become a Radiology Technician?
When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to consider questions you might be asked. Among the things that hiring managers typically ask radiographer candidates is "What drove you to select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not just the personal reasons you might have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but also what attributes and skills you possess that make you good at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, in addition to a significant number of general interview questions, so you need to ready some ideas about how you want to answer them. Since there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the abilities you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down some concepts and talking points that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can help you to develop your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.Select the Right Radiology Tech Program near York Haven PA
Choosing the right radiology technician school is an important first step toward beginning a fulfilling new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs typically stand for the majority of the working day and move and sometimes lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and furnish the best possible care to patients. As has been covered in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are considering prior to making your final decision. This is equally true whether you participate in an online program or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each program so you can narrow down your options and make your decision. And with the right education and your motivation to succeed, you can realize your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in York Haven PA.
Some Background on York Haven Pennsylvania
Lock Haven, Pennsylvania
The city of Lock Haven is the county seat of Clinton County, in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. Located near the confluence of the West Branch Susquehanna River and Bald Eagle Creek, it is the principal city of the Lock Haven Micropolitan Statistical Area, itself part of the Williamsport–Lock Haven combined statistical area. At the 2010 census, Lock Haven's population was 9,772.
Built on a site long favored by pre-Columbian peoples, Lock Haven began in 1833 as a timber town and a haven for loggers, boatmen, and other travelers on the river or the West Branch Canal. Resource extraction and efficient transportation financed much of the city's growth through the end of the 19th century. In the 20th century, a light-aircraft factory, a college, and a paper mill, along with many smaller enterprises, drove the economy. Frequent floods, especially in 1972, damaged local industry and led to a high rate of unemployment in the 1980s.
The city has three sites on the National Register of Historic Places—Memorial Park Site, a significant pre-Columbian archaeological find; Heisey House, a Victorian-era museum; and Water Street District, an area with a mix of 19th- and 20th-century architecture. A levee, completed in 1995, protects the city from further flooding. While industry remains important to the city, about a third of Lock Haven's workforce is employed in education, health care, or social services.
The earliest settlers in Pennsylvania arrived from Asia between 12000 BCE and 8000 BCE, when the glaciers of the Pleistocene Ice Age were receding. Fluted point spearheads from this era, known as the Paleo-Indian Period, have been found in most parts of the state.[6] Archeological discoveries at the Memorial Park Site 36Cn164 near the confluence of the West Branch Susquehanna River and Bald Eagle Creek collectively span about 8,000 years and represent every major prehistoric period from the Middle Archaic to the Late Woodland period.[7] Prehistoric cultural periods over that span included the Middle Archaic starting at 6500 BCE; the Late Archaic starting at 3000 BCE; the Early Woodland starting at 1000 BCE; the Middle Woodland starting at 0 CE; and the Late Woodland starting at 900 CE.[8] First contact with Europeans occurred in Pennsylvania between 1500 and 1600 CE.[8][9]
In the early 18th century, a tribal confederacy known as the Six Nations of the Iroquois, headquartered in New York, ruled the Indian (Native American) tribes of Pennsylvania, including those who lived near what would become Lock Haven. Indian settlements in the area included three Munsee villages on the 325-acre (1.32 km2) Great Island in the West Branch Susquehanna River at the mouth of Bald Eagle Creek. Four Indian trails, the Great Island Path, the Great Shamokin Path, the Bald Eagle Creek Path, and the Sinnemahoning Path, crossed the island, and a fifth, Logan's Path, met Bald Eagle Creek Path a few miles upstream near the mouth of Fishing Creek.[10] During the French and Indian War (1754–63), colonial militiamen on the Kittanning Expedition destroyed Munsee property on the Great Island and along the West Branch. By 1763, the Munsee had abandoned their island villages and other villages in the area.[11][12]
More Cities of Interest in Pennsylvania
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