How to Pick an Xray Tech Program in Maine
Congratulations on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school in Maine in order to become a radiologic technician. And now that you have made a decision to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you tackle choosing the right school and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And since most states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you might need training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you assess each of the colleges you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. A number of prospective students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and frequently gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location need to be taken into consideration, there are additional critical qualifiers as well. For example, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are reviewing are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology tech does and the degrees and education options that are offered.
Radiology Technician Occupation Summary
There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective 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 may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, such as mammography. They can work in Maine clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist 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 take care of their equipment plus frequently analyze its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to retain in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Maine medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
Radiology Tech Degrees Offered
The basic prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech school is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, normally requires 18 months to two years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to complete and is more comprehensive in nature. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be appropriate as well. Something to keep in mind is that Maine radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can typically be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which many schools offer 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 Maine or the state you will be working as applicable.
X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing
After you have graduated from an Radiologist program, depending on the state where you will be employed you may need to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so contact your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but a number approve additional options for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, many Maine employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it might improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Technician Colleges
As a part of every degree program, Maine x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree colleges. So although you can still earn your online degree, a substantial portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is usually performed in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online segment of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Maine 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 schools are often less expensive than traditional options. In addition to lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials may be lessened also. But just make certain that the online school you choose is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then online classes may be the ideal choice for you.
Points to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges
Once you have selected the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can start the process of looking for and evaluating Maine x-ray technician schools. You will also have to decide if you want to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a material variable as well. But along with cost and location, what more should you factor in when reviewing colleges? Well, you should ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details before you make your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are looking at.
Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? The majority of xray technician colleges have obtained some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still important to make sure 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 a detailed examination of their teachers and educational materials. If the program is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial aid 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 a number of Maine health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level openings.
Are Internships Provided? Inquire if the Maine radiology technician schools you are reviewing have partnerships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to obtain hands on training in a clinical environment, they are also a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist graduates and students form professional relationships in the Maine healthcare community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Maine healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? For many students, the school they select will need to be within driving distance of their Maine home. Individuals who have opted to attend online classes naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. One thing to keep 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 might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit way in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Maine schools you are researching what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with some of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program also.
Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the x-ray tech program you ultimately pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Maine, make sure that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Select the Best X-Ray Tech Program in Maine
Picking the ideal x-ray tech degree program is an important first step toward initiating a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs often stand for the greater part of the working day and position and at times lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also show an ability 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 techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and furnish the best available care to patients. As has been covered in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each college you are assessing prior to making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you participate in an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each program so you can narrow down your options before making your final choice. And with the proper education and your commitment to succeed, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Maine.