How to Select an X-Ray Technician School near Homestead Pennsylvania
Congrats on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Homestead PA in order to learn to be a radiology technician. But now that you have made a decision to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle selecting the right school and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you may need preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the schools you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. Most prospective students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location must be considered, there are additional important qualifiers also. For instance, you need to find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are examining are provided later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and education choices that are available.
Radiology Technician Occupation Description
There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, they all have the same primary job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They can practice in Homestead PA hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may 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 maintain their equipment and also regularly evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally required to keep complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Homestead PA health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
X-Ray Tech Degree Options
The primary prerequisite for attending a radiology tech school is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, usually requires 18 months to two years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to finish and is more expansive in nature. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be acceptable as well. Something to keep in mind is that Homestead PA radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can typically be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which many colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification requirements in Pennsylvania or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification
After you have graduated from an Radiologist college, based on the state where you will be practicing you might have to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites vary so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but a number offer additional options for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, many Homestead PA employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it might increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.
Online Radiology Technologist Programs
As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree schools. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a large portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is typically conducted in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online segment of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Homestead PA home. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually find that the online approach to learning is far more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are generally more affordable than on-campus alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting can be decreased also. But just be sure 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 structured type of training, then online classes may be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Radiographer Colleges
After you have chosen the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can start the process of searching for and evaluating Homestead PA x-ray technician schools. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or travel to a nearby 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 a determining factor as well. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you consider when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to check out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are considering.
Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? The majority of radiology technician schools have received some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still imperative to verify that the school and program are accredited. Among 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 undergone an extensive assessment of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Homestead PA employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level jobs.
Are Internships Offered? Ask if the Pennsylvania xray technician colleges you are evaluating have relationships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great manner to obtain practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help students and graduates establish professional connections in the Homestead PA healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Homestead PA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? For many students, the college they select will need to be within driving distance of their Homestead PA home. Those who have opted to attend classes online obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. One thing to bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit way in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Homestead PA schools you are reviewing 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 ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program also.
Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the x-ray tech school you ultimately pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Homestead PA, make sure 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 enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Why Did You Desire to Become an X-Ray Tech?
When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to consider questions you could be asked. Among the questions that interviewers frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What made you decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not merely the personal reasons you might have for becoming an Xray technician, but additionally what qualities and abilities you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, in addition to a significant number of standard interview questions, so you need to organize several ideas about how you would like to answer 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 formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the abilities you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but jot down a few concepts and talking points that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can help you to develop your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.Pick the Best X-Ray Tech Program near Homestead PA
Choosing the ideal x-ray technician degree program is a critical first step toward beginning a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs frequently stand for the majority of the working day and position and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs 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 good work environment and deliver the best available care to patients. As we have covered in this report, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are looking at prior to making your final decision. This is just as true whether you decide on an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each school so you can narrow down your options and make your final choice. And with the appropriate education and your motivation to be successful, you can reach your goal to work as a radiographer in Homestead PA.
Some Background on Homestead Pennsylvania
Homestead, Pennsylvania
Homestead is a borough in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, USA, in the Monongahela River valley 7 miles (11 km) southeast of downtown Pittsburgh and directly across the river from the city limit line. The borough is known for the Homestead Strike of 1892, an important event in the history of labor relations in the United States. The population of Homestead was 3,165 at the 2010 census.[3]
The area on the south bank of the Monongahela River now comprising the boroughs of Homestead, Munhall and West Homestead saw the first white settlers arrive in the 1770s. One hundred years later, much of the existing farmland on the flats and hillsides by the river was purchased, laid out in lots and sold by local banks and land owners to create the town of Homestead. The town was chartered in 1880. The building of a railroad, glass factory, and in 1881 the first iron mill began a period of rapid growth and prosperity. In 1883, Andrew Carnegie bought out Homestead Steel Works, adding it to his empire of steel and coke enterprises. Carnegie had recently acquired a controlling interest in Henry Clay Frick's coke works on the Monongahela, setting the stage for the dramatic labor clash in Homestead.
Homestead gained international notoriety in July 1892 as the site of a violent clash between locked-out steelworkers and hired Pinkerton guards, known as the Homestead Strike. When Henry Clay Frick, manager for Andrew Carnegie, owner of the local Homestead Steel Works, announced in the spring of 1892 that skilled workers would receive a reduction in wages, the advisory committee of the Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers refused to sign a new contract. Carnegie's management locked the workforce out, declaring that the union would no longer be recognized at the steel works.
To break the strike and secure the mill from the disgruntled workers, industrialist Henry Clay Frick hired hundreds of armed toughs from the Pinkerton National Detective Agency. When barges carrying the Pinkertons arrived at the mill on the morning of July 6, workers and townspeople met them at the riverbanks. Though eyewitness accounts differed on which side first fired a shot, a day-long armed battle ensued which resulted in eleven deaths and dozens of injuries. The governor of Pennsylvania eventually called out the National Guard to restore order to the town and take control of the mill. Frick successfully destroyed the union in Homestead and, by extension, in most of his other steel mills through the nation. The "Battle of Homestead," as the event came to be known, represented a stunning setback for unionization in the highly mechanized steel industry. It also set the stage for the future steel strike of 1919, in which Homestead played an important role.
At the turn of the 20th century, in 1900, the population of Homestead was 12,554 people, of whom some 7,000 were employed in the plants. Due mostly to immigration from Eastern and Southern Europe, by 1910 the population jumped to 18,713, then to 20,452 in 1920. In the first decade of the 20th century, Homestead was studied as part of the sociological Pittsburgh Survey, the results of which were eventually published as Homestead: The Households of a Mill Town.
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