How to Choose an Xray Technician Degree Program near Nanticoke Pennsylvania
Congrats on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Nanticoke PA so you can train to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have chosen to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you undertake selecting the ideal school and program to ensure that you will get the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And since most states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you may need preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you assess each of the schools you are considering in order to compare each program. A number of prospective students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and typically settle on the most affordable cost. But while expense and location need to be taken into consideration, there are additional significant qualifiers also. For example, you should ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are reviewing are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray tech does and the degrees and training choices that are offered.
Radiology Technician Career Description
There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the identical major job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some elect to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They may work in Nanticoke PA hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may utilize 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 plus frequently analyze its performance and safety. They are also expected to retain in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Nanticoke PA health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
Radiology Tech Degrees Offered
The basic requirement for attending an x-ray tech college is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the choice 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 course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to finish and is more extensive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be appropriate as well. One thing to consider is that Nanticoke PA radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may often be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Pennsylvania or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing
Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, depending on the state where you will be working you may need to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria vary so check with your state. At present, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but a number approve other alternatives for testing also. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, many Nanticoke PA employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Technologist Classes
As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree colleges. So even though you can still obtain your online degree, a substantial portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is often performed 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 Nanticoke PA residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically discover that the online approach to education is much more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are frequently less costly than on-campus alternatives. Along with lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting may be lessened 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 dedicated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online degree may be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges
After you have selected the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can initiate the process of searching for and evaluating Nanticoke PA x-ray tech schools. You will also need to determine if you want to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be an important variable as well. But along with cost and location, what more should you factor in when evaluating schools? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details prior to making your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are reviewing.
Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? A large number of radiology tech schools have received some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still crucial to verify that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly regarded 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 teachers and course materials. If the college is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. 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 aid and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Nanticoke PA employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level positions.
Are Internships Provided? Ask if the Pennsylvania xray tech colleges you are reviewing have partnerships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent manner to get hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist students and graduates form professional connections in the Nanticoke PA medical community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the radiographer programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Nanticoke PA healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? For many students, the school they choose will have to be within travelling distance of their Nanticoke PA home. Individuals who have opted to attend online classes naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps 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 usually charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the kind of student that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Nanticoke PA colleges you are looking at what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program as well.
Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the radiographer program you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Nanticoke PA, make certain that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.
Why Did You Want to Become an Xray Technician?
When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's advantageous to consider questions you may be asked. Among the questions that recruiters frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to decide on radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not only the private reasons you might have for being an Xray technician, but also what qualities and abilities you possess that make you outstanding at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, as well as a certain number of general interview questions, so you must ready a number of strategies about how you would like to address them. Given that there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you in addition to the strengths 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 a few ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.Select the Ideal Radiology Tech College near Nanticoke PA
Choosing the ideal x-ray technician degree program is a crucial first step toward starting a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the greater part of the day and move and in some cases lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best available care to patients. As we have covered in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are considering before making your final decision. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online program or commute 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 decision. And with the right education and your motivation to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Nanticoke PA.
Some Background on Nanticoke Pennsylvania
Nanticoke, Pennsylvania
Nanticoke is a city in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, United States. As of the 2010 census, the population was 10,465, making it the third largest city in Luzerne County. It occupies 3.5 square miles of land. The city can be divided into several sections: Honey Pot (northwestern Nanticoke), Downtown (northern and central Nanticoke), and Hanover Section (southeastern Nanticoke).[3] It was once an active coal mining community. Today, the 167-acre main campus of Luzerne County Community College is located within the city.
The name Nanticoke was derived from Nentego, the Native American tidewater people who moved to the Wyoming Valley when their Maryland lands were spoiled for hunting by the European settlers.[4] For quite some time, the tribe maintained a village in the valley before Europeans settled there. The nearby Nanticoke Creek, also named after the tribe, was once known as Muddy Run. However, its current name was appearing on maps as early as 1776. The creek has also historically been referred to by many other names, including Lee's Creek, Miller's Creek, Robbins Creek, Bobbs Creek, Rummage Creek, and Warrior Run Creek.[5] All of these names were described as erroneous in Henry C. Bradsby's 1893 book History of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.[5]
A forge was constructed on Nanticoke Creek in 1778 by Mason F. Alden and John Alden. During that same year, a log gristmill was also built near the creek by a Mr. Chapman. The mill was heavily guarded in 1780. By 1793, a sawmill and gristmill both existed on the creek.[5]
In the 19th century, Nanticoke was carved out of Hanover Township and Newport Township. The settlement was incorporated as a village in 1830; Nanticoke was chartered by the Pennsylvania Legislature as a borough on January 31, 1874. Nanticoke experienced its greatest population increase between 1917 and 1925. This allowed for it to qualify as a third class city.[6]
The citizens voted in the fall of 1924 to form a city government; and elections were held the following year. The new city government consisted of a mayor and several councilmen, who took office in January 1926 (which was the official date of becoming a third class city). The first mayor of Nanticoke City was Dan Sakowski.[7]
More Cities of Interest in Pennsylvania
Business Results 1 - 10 of 7
0 Reviews 0 Reviews 0 Reviews 0 Reviews 0 Reviews 0 Reviews 0 Reviews 