How to Select an X-Ray Tech Degree Program near Quakertown Pennsylvania

Congrats regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Quakertown PA in order to learn to be a radiology technician. But now that you have decided to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you set about selecting the ideal college and program so that you will get the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you might require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering in order to compare each program. Many prospective students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and often gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location should be considered, there are additional significant qualifications as well. For instance, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are examining are provided later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiology tech does and the degrees and education options that are available.

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X-Ray Tech Work Description

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the identical fundamental job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many elect to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They may practice in Quakertown PA clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech may utilize 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 and frequently analyze its functionality and safety. They are also expected to keep complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Quakertown PA medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Tech Degrees

The basic requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech college is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the choice 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 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to complete and is more comprehensive in nature. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are acceptable also. Something to consider is that Quakertown PA radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may often be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which many colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Pennsylvania or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, based on the state where you will be practicing you may have to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so check with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but many accept additional options for testing also. Several states also require certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. However, numerous Quakertown PA employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it could improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technician Colleges

As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree schools. So although you can still earn your online degree, a significant amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is usually conducted in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Quakertown PA home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree often find that the online approach to education is far more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are often more affordable than on-campus alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials may be reduced as well. But just be sure that the online school you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online degree may be the right option for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs

When you have selected the type of degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of locating and assessing Quakertown PA x-ray technician schools. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be important. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a material variable also. But along with cost and location, what more should you consider when evaluating schools? Well, you should check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? A large number of xray tech schools have received some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still crucial to verify that the program and school 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 gone through an extensive review 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 online or distance 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 frequently not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Quakertown PA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level positions.

Are Internships Sponsored? Ask if the Pennsylvania xray tech schools you are interested in have partnerships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent way to obtain hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist graduates and students establish professional connections in the Quakertown PA medical community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Quakertown PA healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the school they pick will have to be within commuting distance of their Quakertown PA home. Those who have opted to attend classes online obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. One thing to bear 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 might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit way in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Quakertown PA schools you are reviewing what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program as well.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the x-ray tech  program you ultimately select can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Quakertown PA, verify 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 need to enroll in. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to consider questions you may be asked. One of the things that interviewers often ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not only the personal reasons you may have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but additionally what characteristics and skills you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, along with a certain number of typical interview questions, so you must organize some approaches about how you want to respond to them. Given that there are several factors that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, aim 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 best choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but write down a few concepts and talking points that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can help you to develop your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Pick the Right X-Ray Tech College near Quakertown PA

Picking the best radiology tech college is a crucial first step toward beginning a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs frequently stand for the majority of the day and move and at times lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing social skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. As we have addressed in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate selection. This is similarly true whether you enroll in an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each college so you can focus your options and make your decision. And with the appropriate education and your dedication to be successful, you can realize your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Quakertown PA.

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