Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Bridgton ME 04009 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select a Radiology Technician Program near Bridgton Maine

Bridgton ME x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Bridgton ME in order to learn to be a radiologic technologist. But now that you have decided to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you tackle selecting the right school and program to ensure that you will get the proper training to become a qualified professional? And considering that most states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you may require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the colleges you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Many students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and typically gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while location and cost must be taken into account, there are additional significant qualifiers also. For instance, you must ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are considering are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology technician does and the degrees and education options that are available.

Radiology Technician Career Description

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have the identical fundamental job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They may work in Bridgton ME clinics, hospitals, private 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 take care of their equipment and regularly evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to retain in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Bridgton ME health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Technician Degrees

x-ray machine in Bridgton ME The basic requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, usually takes 18 months to two years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to finish and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are acceptable also. One thing to bear in mind is that Bridgton ME radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may frequently be fulfilled by taking part in an externship program which a large number of schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Maine or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, based on the state where you will be practicing you might need to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria differ so check with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but a number approve other options for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. However, many Bridgton ME employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could improve 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 demands re-certification every other year, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Tech Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Bridgton 04009 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree colleges. So although you can still obtain your online degree, a large amount of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is often provided in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online section of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Bridgton ME residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online approach to learning is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online schools are frequently less costly than conventional options. In addition to lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials may be reduced also. But just be 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 school may be the ideal option for you.

What to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges

As soon as you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of finding and evaluating Bridgton ME x-ray tech schools. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the college will be critical. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a determining factor also. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you factor in when reviewing colleges? Well, you need to find out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these important details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Technician Colleges Accredited? A large number of xray tech schools have received some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still important to confirm that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive evaluation of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. 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 superior education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Bridgton ME health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Ask if the Maine radiology technician colleges you are reviewing have associations with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great manner to obtain practical training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help graduates and students form professional relationships in the Bridgton ME healthcare community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the radiographer schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Bridgton ME healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the college they pick will need to be within commuting distance of their Bridgton ME residence. Students who have chosen to attend online classes naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit far in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Bridgton ME schools you are considering what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to converse with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the radiographer school you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Bridgton ME, make certain that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to consider questions you might be asked. Among the things that interviewers often ask radiographer candidates is "What drove you to select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not just the private reasons you might have for being an Xray technician, but also what qualities and skills you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, as well as a certain number of routine interview questions, so you need to ready a number of ideas about how you want to answer them. Because there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the abilities you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but take down a few ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.

Choose the Right X-Ray Technician Program near Bridgton ME

Picking the ideal x-ray tech degree program is a critical first step toward launching a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the greater part of the workday and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best possible care to patients. As we have covered in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are considering before making your final decision. This is equally true whether you opt for an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each program so you can narrow down your options before making your final choice. And with the proper training and your dedication to be successful, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiographer in Bridgton ME.

Some Background on Bridgton Maine

Bridgton, Maine

Bridgton is a town in Cumberland County, Maine, United States. The population was 5,210 at the 2010 census.[4] A resort area in Maine's Lakes Region, Bridgton is home to Bridgton Academy, a private preparatory school, and the Four on the Fourth Road Race.

Bridgton is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area.

The undeveloped land was first called Pondicherry. It was granted in 1768 by the Massachusetts General Court to Moody Bridges and a group of proprietors. Settlement began in 1770 at what is now North Bridgton, where a tavern was built. The community was organized in 1779 as Bridgetown Plantation, named after Moody Bridges, and then incorporated on February 7, 1794 as Bridgton.[5]

Stevens Brook is only a mile and a half long, but it provided water power for 12 mill sites. It developed as an industrial center, with sawmills, gristmills, woolen textile mills, a tannery, shoe factory and brick manufacturer. Later, a corn and vegetable packing plant was built, in addition to a foundry, machine shop, shovel handle factory, sash and blind factory, and a coffin shop. Population increased when goods manufactured by water power could be transported to outside markets on the Cumberland and Oxford Canal, which opened to Portland in 1832.[6] By the mid-19th century, the town contained about 3,000 inhabitants. When the Portland and Ogdensburg Railway bypassed Bridgton, the town built the 2-foot-gauge (610 mm) Bridgton and Saco River Railroad link to the national rail network in 1883.[7] Summer vacationers arrived by rail and steamboat until automobile tourists began arriving after designation of the Theodore Roosevelt International Highway in 1919 (identified as U.S. Route 302 since 1935).[8] The convenience of highway travel caused abandonment of the canal steamboats in 1932 and the narrow-gauge railroad in 1941. Bridgton remains a popular resort area, with many children's summer camps located along the shores of the beautiful lakes and Shawnee Peak Ski Area, a ski resort, located in the western part of town.

Highland Lake in 1908