Schools with Radiology Technician Programs West Point PA 19486 Archives

How to Choose a Radiologic Technician School near West Point Pennsylvania

West Point PA x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near West Point PA in order to learn to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have made a decision to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you set about choosing the ideal school and program to ensure that you will get the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And because the majority of states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you may require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you assess each of the schools you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. Most potential students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and often gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while location and cost need to be considered, there are other significant qualifiers also. For example, you need to find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are reviewing are provided later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and education choices that are offered.

Radiology Technician Occupation Summary

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, 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. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some choose to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for example mammography. They may work in West Point PA clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech may work with include:

Traditional and specialized X-Rays
Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Sonography or ultrasound
Fluoroscopy

Radiographers must maintain their equipment plus frequently assess its performance and safety. They are additionally required to retain detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As West Point PA health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Tech Degrees Available

x-ray machine in West Point PA The primary requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, generally takes 18 months to two years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to finish and is more extensive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be acceptable as well. Something to consider is that West Point PA radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may frequently be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Pennsylvania or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, based on the state where you will be employed you might have to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so check with your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many approve other options for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. However, numerous West Point PA employers would rather 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 rigorous exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technologist Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in West Point 19486 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree colleges. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a considerable portion of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is often provided in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online segment of the training may be attended in the privacy of your West Point PA home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online approach to learning is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are frequently less expensive than on-campus options. In addition to lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting may be reduced as well. But just confirm that the online program you select is accredited (more on the advantages 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 option for you.

Topics to Ask Radiology Tech Schools

As soon as you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of finding and assessing West Point PA x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or travel to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be critical. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be an important factor as well. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you factor in when comparing schools? Well, you need to check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are considering.

Are the X-Ray Tech Programs Accredited? A large number of xray technician colleges have obtained some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to confirm that the school and program 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). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive review of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it might also earn 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. In addition to ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many West Point PA employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level positions.

Are Internships Provided? Inquire if the Pennsylvania xray tech colleges you are reviewing have partnerships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific manner to get practical experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help students and graduates form professional connections in the West Point PA healthcare community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the radiographer programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with West Point PA healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the school they select will need to be within driving distance of their West Point PA home. Individuals who have chosen to attend classes online naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. One thing to consider is that if you decide 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 generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit way in the back of class 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 West Point 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 decision. This will also give you a chance to speak with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program also.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the x-ray tech program you ultimately choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in West Point PA, verify that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Become an Xray Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to reflect on questions you could be asked. One of the things that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer prospects is "What made you decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not merely the personal reasons you may have for being a radiology technician, but additionally what qualities and talents you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, as well as a significant number of typical interview questions, so you should prepare some approaches about how you would like to address them. Given that there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a multitude 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 excellent X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but take down some concepts and anecdotes that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.

Enroll in the Right Radiology Technician College near West Point PA

Selecting the right radiology tech school is an important first step toward starting a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the majority of the workday and position and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict 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. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. As has been discussed in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are looking at prior to making your final decision. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online school or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each school so you can focus your choices and make your decision. And with the right education and your motivation to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiographer in West Point PA.

Some Background on West Point Pennsylvania

United States Military Academy

The United States Military Academy (USMA), also known as West Point, Army, Army West Point,[6]The Academy or simply The Point, is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located in West Point, New York, in Orange County. It was originally established as a fort that sits on strategic high ground overlooking the Hudson River with a scenic view, 50 miles (80 km) north of New York City. It is one of the four U.S. military service academies, and one of the five U.S. service academies.

The Academy traces its roots to 1801, when President Thomas Jefferson directed, shortly after his inauguration, that plans be set in motion to establish the United States Military Academy at West Point. The entire central campus is a national landmark and home to scores of historic sites, buildings, and monuments. The majority of the campus's Norman-style buildings are constructed from gray and black granite. The campus is a popular tourist destination complete with a large visitor center and the oldest museum in the United States Army.

Candidates for admission must both apply directly to the academy and receive a nomination, usually from a member of Congress or Delegate/Resident Commissioner in the case of Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Virgin Islands. Other nomination sources include the President and Vice President of the United States.[7] Students are officers-in-training and are referred to as "cadets" or collectively as the "United States Corps of Cadets" (USCC). Tuition for cadets is fully funded by the Army in exchange for an active duty service obligation upon graduation. Approximately 1,300 cadets enter the Academy each July, with about 1,000 cadets graduating.

The academic program grants a bachelor of science degree with a curriculum that grades cadets' performance upon a broad academic program, military leadership performance, and mandatory participation in competitive athletics. Cadets are required to adhere to the Cadet Honor Code, which states that "a cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do." The academy bases a cadet's leadership experience as a development of all three pillars of performance: academics, physical, and military.

Most graduates are commissioned as second lieutenants in the Army. Foreign cadets are commissioned into the armies of their home countries. Since 1959, cadets have also been eligible to "cross-commission," or request a commission in one of the other armed services, provided that they meet that service eligibility standards. Every year, a very small number of cadets do this.