Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Berwick ME 03901 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Pick a Radiology Technician Program near Berwick Maine

Berwick ME x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Berwick ME in order to train to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have decided to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you undertake picking the ideal college and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And since the majority of states do require that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you might require preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you research each of the schools you are considering in order to evaluate each program. A number of potential students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and usually settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location should be considered, there are additional important qualifiers as well. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are evaluating are presented later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and education options that are available.

Radiology Tech Occupation Description

There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, they all have the identical primary job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They may work in Berwick ME hospitals, clinics, family 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 assess its performance and safety. They are also expected to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Berwick ME health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Tech Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Berwick ME The basic prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech college is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, usually 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 finish and is more expansive in scope. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be acceptable also. Something to bear in mind is that Berwick ME radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may often be fulfilled by taking part in an externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Maine or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiographer Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an Radiologist program, depending on the state where you will be working you may need to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their requirements vary so contact your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but many approve other options for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, many Berwick ME employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technologist Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Berwick 03901 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree schools. So even though you can still obtain your online degree, a considerable amount of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is usually provided in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online segment of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Berwick ME home. Students who continue working while earning their degree typically find that the online approach to education is much more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are often less costly than on-campus alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, costs for study materials and commuting can be reduced also. But just make sure that the online college you select 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 best choice for you.

Points to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges

As soon as you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can initiate the process of locating and assessing Berwick ME x-ray tech schools. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be an important variable as well. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you look at when reviewing schools? Well, you need to check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details before you make your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are looking at.

Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? The majority of xray tech colleges have obtained some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to verify that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting agencies 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 a rigorous evaluation of their teachers and educational materials. If the program is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. All accrediting organizations 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 obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Berwick ME employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level positions.

Are Internships Offered? Ask if the Maine radiology technician colleges you are reviewing have associations with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent way to receive practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist students and graduates develop professional connections in the Berwick ME medical community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are reviewing 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 Berwick ME healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For many students, the college they pick will have to be within driving distance of their Berwick ME home. Individuals who have decided to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Berwick ME schools you are researching what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program as well.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the x-ray tech college you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Berwick ME, make certain 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 carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Radiology Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to review questions you may be asked. Among the things that recruiters frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not only the private reasons you may have for being an Xray technician, but additionally what qualities and abilities you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, in addition to a significant number of general interview questions, so you must organize some approaches about how you would like to respond to them. Given that there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the talents you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but write down a few concepts and talking points that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can help you to develop your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Select the Right X-Ray Technician College near Berwick ME

Picking the right x-ray technician degree program is a critical first step toward starting a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs regularly stand for the greater part of the workday and position and at times lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing social skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best possible care to patients. As has been discussed in this report, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are assessing before making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you participate in an online school or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each program so you can narrow down your choices and make your decision. And with the appropriate education and your dedication to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Berwick ME.

Some Background on Berwick Maine

Berwick, Maine

Berwick is a town in York County, Maine, United States, situated in the southern part of the state beside the Salmon Falls River.

Today's South Berwick was set off from Berwick in 1814, North Berwick in 1831.

The population was 7,246 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area.

Originally part of Kittery, the area later comprised by Berwick was settled about 1631 and called Kittery Commons or Kittery North Parish. It was later called Unity after the ship that transported Scots prisoners of war from the Battle of Dunbar in 1650 to the colonies. (These Scots had been force-marched to Durham Cathedral in Durham, England, then tried for treason for supporting Charles II rather than Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector.[5] Many settled near Berwick in an area near the northern Eliot-York border, which came to be known – and still is – as Scotland Bridge.)[6]

Landing in Massachusetts, the royalist soldiers were sold as indentured servants, many of whom went to work at the Great Works sawmill, located on the Great Works River, until they were able to pay for their own freedom. (George Gray, formerly of Lanark, Scotland, was an example of the 150 prisoners who endured this ordeal. In 1675, he defended his family and lands when the community was attacked during King Philip's War, and died in Unity in 1693. His descendants would populate other areas of Maine, notably Deer Isle and Stonington, Maine).