Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Maitland FL 32751 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select a Radiology Tech Program near Maitland Florida

Maitland FL x-ray tech internship program Best wishes regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Maitland FL so you can become a radiology technician. But now that you have chosen to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you tackle picking the ideal college 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 radiology techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you may require preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you research each of the colleges you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. A number of students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and usually gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location must be taken into account, there are additional significant qualifiers also. For example, you must ask 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 evaluating are provided later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and education options that are offered.

Radiology Technician Job Description

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the identical principal job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some opt to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for example mammography. They can work in Maitland FL hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist 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 take care of their equipment and regularly evaluate its performance and safety. They are also expected to retain detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Maitland FL health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Tech Degree Options

x-ray machine in Maitland FL The standard requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, normally takes 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to complete and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are acceptable as well. One thing to consider is that Maitland FL radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Florida or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, depending on the state where you will be working you might need to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their requirements vary so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number provide other options for testing also. Several states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, many Maitland FL employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it may enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Tech Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Maitland 32751 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree programs. So although you can still earn your online degree, a significant portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is typically conducted in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online portion of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Maitland FL home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree usually discover that the online style of learning is much more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are often more affordable than conventional options. In addition to lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting can be lessened as well. But just make certain that the online program you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then online classes may be the ideal option for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiographer Schools

When you have selected the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can initiate the process of searching for and assessing Maitland FL x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to decide if you want to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be an important factor also. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you consider when reviewing schools? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? The majority of xray technician schools have earned some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still important to verify that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive review of their teachers and educational materials. If the program is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also help in acquiring 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 Maitland FL employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level jobs.

Are Internships Sponsored? Ask if the Florida radiology technician colleges you are reviewing have associations with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to obtain hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help students and graduates develop professional relationships in the Maitland FL medical community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Maitland FL healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the school they decide on will have to be within commuting distance of their Maitland FL home. Students who have opted to attend online classes obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit way in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Maitland FL schools you are considering what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program as well.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the x-ray tech program you finally pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Maitland FL, verify that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Be an X-Ray Tech?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to reflect on questions you may be asked. Among the things that recruiters frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What made you select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not just the personal reasons you might have for being a radiology technician, but additionally what attributes and abilities you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, as well as a significant number of typical interview questions, so you must ready several strategies about how you would like to address them. Given that there are several factors that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the abilities you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but jot down several concepts and talking points that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.

Select the Right Radiology Technician Program near Maitland FL

Choosing the appropriate radiology technician school is an important first step toward beginning a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs regularly stand for the majority of the workday and move and at times lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and provide the best possible patient care. As has been addressed in this report, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are considering before making your final selection. This is similarly true whether you enroll in an online school or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each school so you can narrow down your options before making your decision. And with the appropriate education and your dedication to be successful, you can reach your goal to work as a radiographer in Maitland FL.

Some Background on Maitland Florida

Maitland, Florida

Maitland is a suburban city in Orange County, Florida, United States, part of the Greater Orlando area. The population was 15,751 at the 2010 census.[5] The area's history is exhibited at the Maitland Historical Museum. The city also hosts the Maitland Art Center, and examples of Mayan Revival architecture and Fantasy Architecture, the Maitland Telephone Museum and the William H. Waterhouse House Museum. A SunRail station is located in Maitland on Highway 17-92. The city is named for Fort Maitland.

Maitland is one of the oldest incorporated suburban municipalities in central Florida. The area was previously inhabited by Timucuan Native Americans. The town was originally named for a nearby Lake, which honored Captain William Seton Maitland, who fought in the Second Seminole Indian War, and was slain in the battle of Wahoo Swamp. A small military outpost was built in 1838 on the western shore of Lake Fumecheliga (later Lake Maitland) during the Second Seminole War. After the Civil War, The area began to grow, and a post office opened at Lake Maitland in 1872.[6] Around this post office, a small town grew. The area was put into extensive citrus production.[7]

Lake Maitland was incorporated as a town in 1885, the fifth town in Orange County to do so. For many years, Lake Maitland remained rural village, beautified by large oak trees planted by early town aldermen. However, the old town began to rapidly modernize as Orlando's suburban sprawl reached the town in the mid 1920's.

A Local newspaper[8] published during the period provides an excellent reference to the changes occurring in the decade. During this period the town grew rapidly as new houses and roads were built. In 1959, Lake Maitland was incorporated as a city. The "Lake" was officially dropped from the name at this time, although the post office changed to "Maitland" in 1901 and the town was rarely referred to as "Lake Maitland".

Maitland is a suburb of Orlando. The town's "historical corridor" encompasses old residences still standing and occupied in the Lake Lily-Lake Catherine area and extending through the central portion of the city. Examples of these century-old structures include "The Church of the Good Shepherd" (1883); "William H. Waterhouse House" (1884), and the "Maitland Art Center" (1937) .[7] The area has always been a vacation spot because of its climate, location to theme parks and people. However, Maitland has recently become a location where affluent individuals have come to reside. Maitland has many picturesque parks along lakes, which attract many boaters.