Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Biddeford ME 04005 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find an Xray Technician Degree Program near Biddeford Maine

Biddeford ME x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Biddeford ME in order to train to be a radiologic technician. And now that you have decided to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you undertake choosing the right school and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And because the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you may need training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you investigate each of the schools you are considering so that you can compare each program. Most prospective students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and frequently gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while cost and location should be taken into consideration, there are other significant qualifications as well. For example, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are examining are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiology tech does and the credentials and education options that are available.

Radiology Tech Career Description

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, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, they all have the same primary job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for example mammography. They can practice in Biddeford ME clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist might utilize include:

Traditional and specialized X-Rays
Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Sonography or ultrasound
Fluoroscopy

Radiographers have to care for their equipment and routinely evaluate its performance and safety. They are also required to retain in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Biddeford ME health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Technician Degree Options

x-ray machine in Biddeford ME The basic prerequisite for attending a radiology tech college is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, generally requires 18 months to two years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to complete and is more expansive in nature. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are appropriate also. One thing to bear in mind is that Biddeford ME radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may often be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Maine or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, depending on the state where you will be working you may need to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but a number provide other options for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, many Biddeford ME employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Tech Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Biddeford 04005 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. 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 fulfilled either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is often carried out in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online segment of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Biddeford ME home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically discover that the online style of education is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are often less costly than conventional alternatives. Along with lower tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting can be reduced as well. But just be sure that the online program you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then online classes may be the right choice for you.

Questions to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges

When you have chosen the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can initiate the process of locating and evaluating Biddeford ME x-ray technician schools. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a determining factor also. But along with cost and location, what else should you look at when evaluating schools? Well, you need to check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Technician Colleges Accredited? Most xray technician colleges have acquired some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still crucial to make sure that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive evaluation of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. 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 superior education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial aid and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Biddeford ME employers will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry level jobs.

Are Internships Offered? Ask if the Maine xray technician colleges you are evaluating have relationships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent means to get practical training in a clinical environment, they are also a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may help students and graduates develop professional connections in the Biddeford ME healthcare community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? 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 radiographer schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Biddeford ME healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the college they select will have to be within travelling distance of their Biddeford ME residence. Individuals who have chosen to attend online classes naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. Something to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit far in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Biddeford ME colleges you are reviewing what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to speak with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program as well.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the x-ray tech program you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Biddeford ME, check that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Radiology Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's a good idea to review questions you may be asked. One of the questions that recruiters typically ask radiographer candidates is "What drove you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not just the private reasons you may have for becoming an Xray technician, but additionally what attributes and abilities you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, in addition to a certain number of standard interview questions, so you should ready several strategies about how you want to respond to them. Since there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you along with the abilities you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but write down a few concepts and topics that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can help you to develop your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.

Choose the Best Radiology Technician Program near Biddeford ME

Choosing the right radiology tech college is an important first step toward launching a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the greater part of the working day and move 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 comply with the safety guidelines 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 interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best available patient care. As we have discussed in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each college you are looking at prior to making your ultimate selection. This is just as true whether you participate in an online program or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each school so you can narrow down your options and make your final choice. And with the appropriate education and your dedication to succeed, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Biddeford ME.

Some Background on Biddeford Maine

Biddeford, Maine

Biddeford is a city in York County, Maine, United States. It is the principal commercial center of York County. The population was 21,277 at the 2010 census. Twin city of Saco, Biddeford includes the resort community of Biddeford Pool, Fortunes Rocks and Granite Point. The town is the site of the University of New England and the annual La Kermesse Franco-Americaine Festival. First visited by Europeans in 1616, it is the site of one of the earliest European settlements in the United States.

Biddeford is a principal population center of the Portland-South Portland-Biddeford metropolitan statistical area.

Abenaki Indians, whose main village was upriver at Pequawket (now Fryeburg), once hunted and fished in the area. The first European to settle at Biddeford was physician Richard Vines in the winter of 1616-17 at Winter Harbor, as he called Biddeford Pool. This 1616 landing by a European predates the Mayflower landing in Plymouth, Massachusetts, (located 100 miles to the south) by approximately four years, a fact that is overlooked in much of New England lore.[4] In 1630, the Plymouth Company granted the land south of the River Swanckadocke to Dr. Vines and John Oldham. In 1653, the town included both sides of the river, and was incorporated by the Massachusetts General Court as Saco.[5]

Biddeford was first incorporated as the Town of Saco in 1653.[6] Roger Spencer was granted the right in 1653 to build the first sawmill. Lumber and fish became the community's chief exports. In 1659, Major William Phillips of Boston became a proprietor, and constructed a garrison and mill at the falls. During King Philip's War in 1675, the town was attacked by Indians. Settlers withdrew to Winter Harbor for safety, and their homes and mills upriver at the falls were burned. In 1693, a stone fort was built a short distance below the falls, but it was captured by the Indians in 1703, when 11 colonists were killed and 24 taken captive to Canada. In 1688, Fort Mary was built near the entrance to Biddeford Pool.[7] The town was reorganized in 1718 as Biddeford, after Bideford, a town in Devon, England, from which some settlers had emigrated. After the Fall of Quebec in 1759, hostilities with the natives ceased.[5]

In 1762, the land northeast of the river was set off as Pepperellborough, which in 1805 was renamed Saco. The first bridge to Saco was built in 1767. The river divides into two falls that drop 40 feet (12 m), providing water power for mills. Factories were established to make boots and shoes. The developing mill town also had granite quarries and brickyards, in addition to lumber and grain mills. Major textile manufacturing facilities were constructed along the riverbanks, including the Laconia Company in 1845, and the Pepperell Company in 1850. Biddeford was incorporated as a city in 1855.[8]