How to Choose an Xray Tech School near Bristol Maine
Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Bristol ME in order to learn to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have decided to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you go about picking the ideal college and program so that you will get the proper training to become a skilled professional? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you might require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you research each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can compare each program. A number of students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and frequently settle on the most affordable cost. But while expense and location must be taken into consideration, there are other significant qualifiers also. For example, you need to ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the schools you are evaluating are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and education options that are available.
Radiology Tech Occupation Description
There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, they all have the identical principal job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for example mammography. They can work in Bristol ME hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist might work with include:
- Traditional and specialized X-Rays
- Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Sonography or ultrasound
- Fluoroscopy
Radiographers must care for their equipment and frequently analyze its performance and safety. They are also required to keep complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Bristol ME health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
X-Ray Tech Degrees
The basic prerequisite for attending a radiology tech school is to have attained 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 takes 18 months to two years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to finish and is more extensive in nature. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be appropriate also. One thing to keep in mind is that Bristol ME radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing mandates in Maine or the state you will be working as applicable.
Radiographer Certification and Licensing
Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, based on the state where you will be working you may need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so check with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many offer other options for testing also. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, many Bristol ME employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it might increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Technician Schools
As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree colleges. So while you can still earn your online degree, a substantial portion of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is often carried out in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Bristol ME residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically discover that the online style of learning is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are generally more affordable than traditional alternatives. Along with lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials may be lessened as well. But just be sure that the online program you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online degree may be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Radiology Tech Colleges
Once you have chosen the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the process of searching for and evaluating Bristol ME x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to determine if you want to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a determining variable also. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you look at when reviewing colleges? Well, you need to check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details before you make your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are considering.
Are the X-Ray Tech Schools Accredited? Most radiology tech colleges have acquired some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still imperative to make sure 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 a rigorous examination of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. 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 frequently not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Bristol ME employers will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry-level jobs.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out if the Maine radiology technician schools you are evaluating have partnerships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent way to get hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Bristol ME medical community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Bristol ME healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the school they decide on will need to be within commuting distance of their Bristol ME home. Those who have chosen 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 keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Bristol ME colleges you are reviewing what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program also.
Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the radiographer college you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Bristol ME, verify that they are offered. 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 need to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Why Did You Desire to Be a Radiology Technician?
When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to review questions you might be asked. One of the questions that interviewers frequently ask radiographer prospects is "What made you decide on radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not only the personal reasons you may have for being a radiology technician, but additionally what qualities and skills you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, in addition to a certain number of routine interview questions, so you must ready a number of approaches about how you want to answer them. Since there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you as well as the abilities you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but write down a few concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can assist you to develop your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.Select the Best X-Ray Technician College near Bristol ME
Choosing the best x-ray tech degree program is a crucial first step toward launching a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the majority of the workday and move and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology technicians 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 pleasant work environment and provide the best available care to patients. As we have addressed in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are reviewing before making your final decision. This is just as true whether you decide on an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each school so you can narrow down your choices before making your decision. And with the appropriate education and your dedication to be successful, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiographer in Bristol ME.
Some Background on Bristol Maine
Johnny Bristol
John William "Johnny" Bristol (February 3, 1939 – March 21, 2004)[1] was an American musician, most famous as a songwriter and record producer for the Motown label in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He was a native of Morganton, North Carolina, about which he wrote an eponymous song. His composition "Love Me for a Reason" saw global success when covered by The Osmonds including a number 1 in the UK charts in 1974.[1] His most famous solo recording was "Hang On in There Baby" recorded in 1974, which reached the Top Ten in the United States and number 3 in the United Kingdom.[2][3] Both singles were in the UK top 5 simultaneously.
Bristol first came to local attention in the Detroit area as a member of the soul duo 'Johnny & Jackey' with Jackey Beavers,[1] an associate Bristol met while in the US Air Force. The pair recorded two singles in 1959 for Anna Records, a label owned by Gwen Gordy (Berry Gordy's sister) and Billy Davis and four 45s for Gwen Gordy and Harvey Fuqua's Tri-Phi label, none of which was a success beyond the Midwestern United States.
In the mid 1960s, Motown had absorbed Tri-Phi and Bristol began working with Fuqua as a songwriter and producer. Among their successes as producers were hit singles such as Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" (1967), "Your Precious Love" (1967), and "If I Could Build My Whole World Around You" (1968); Edwin Starr's "Twenty-Five Miles" (1969); and David Ruffin's "My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)" (1969).
Bristol flourished at Motown working with some of the label's best-selling acts. His producer and/or writer credits included: The Velvelettes' "These Things Will Keep Me Loving You" (1966); Gladys Knight & the Pips' "I Don't Want To Do Wrong" (1971) and "Daddy Could Swear, I Declare" (1973); and Jr. Walker & the All Stars, who charted with a number of Bristol-written singles and albums, including "What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)" (1969), "Gotta Hold On To This Feeling" (1970), "Way Back Home" (1971) and "Walk in the Night" (1971). One of his last successes was Jermaine Jackson's first solo record, "That's How Love Goes" (1972).
Notably, Bristol was the producer and co-writer of the final singles for both Diana Ross & the Supremes and Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, before each group lost its namesake lead singer. While the Miracles' "We've Come Too Far to End It Now" (1972) was an original, the Supremes' "Someday We'll Be Together" (1969) was a remake of a Johnny & Jackey single from 1961.[4] Bristol is the male voice on the Supremes' version of "Someday We'll Be Together," singing response to Diana Ross' lead vocal.[4] (Ross actually recorded the song as her initial solo release with session singers The Waters Sisters.)
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