How to Find a Radiologic Technician Degree Program near Brooklin Maine
Best wishes regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Brooklin ME in order to learn to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have chosen to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you undertake choosing the right school and program so that you will get the proper training to become a skilled professional? And since most states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you might require preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering in order to evaluate each program. Many students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and typically gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location should be considered, there are other significant qualifications as well. For instance, you must find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are examining are provided later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and training choices that are offered.
Radiology Tech Job Summary
There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, they all have the identical primary job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some choose to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for example mammography. They may work in Brooklin ME hospitals, clinics, 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 have to take care of their equipment plus routinely evaluate its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Brooklin ME health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
X-Ray Technician Degrees
The standard prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, generally takes 18 months to two years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to finish and is more comprehensive in nature. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be acceptable as well. One thing to keep in mind is that Brooklin ME radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may typically be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Maine or the state you will be working as applicable.
Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification
After you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, based on the state where you will be practicing you might need to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their criteria differ so contact your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but many accept other alternatives for testing also. Several states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is optional. However, many Brooklin ME employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Tech Colleges
As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree programs. So although you can still obtain your online degree, a large amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is typically performed in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online portion of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Brooklin ME residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online style of learning is far more practical with their active schedules. Plus online programs are often cheaper than traditional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials may be lessened also. But just make certain that the online school you enroll in 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 right option for you.
Topics to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs
As soon as you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of searching for and assessing Brooklin ME x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or travel to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be important. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a material factor also. But along with location and cost, what more should you consider when evaluating schools? Well, you need to find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details before you make your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are reviewing.
Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? Most xray technician colleges have earned some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still imperative to confirm that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive examination of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Brooklin ME employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level openings.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Inquire if the Maine radiology technician programs you are assessing have associations with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific manner to receive hands on training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help students and graduates form professional connections in the Brooklin ME healthcare community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the radiographer programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Brooklin ME healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the school they select will need to be within driving distance of their Brooklin ME home. Those who have decided to attend classes online 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 keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit far in the back of class or get lost 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 Brooklin ME colleges you are considering what the average student to teacher 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 talk with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program also.
Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the radiographer program you finally pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Brooklin ME, confirm that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Why Did You Choose to Be an X-Ray Tech?
When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you could be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers often ask radiographer prospects is "What made you pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not just the personal reasons you may have for becoming an Xray technician, but also what characteristics and skills you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, as well as a certain number of standard interview questions, so you should organize a number of ideas about how you want to address them. Because there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you as well as the talents you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but take down several concepts and topics that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can help you to prepare your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.Enroll in the Right Radiology Technician College near Brooklin ME
Selecting the appropriate radiology technician college is a critical first step toward starting a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs often stand for the greater part of the workday and move and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best available patient care. As has been discussed in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each college you are reviewing before making your final selection. This is just as true whether you enroll in an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each program so you can narrow down your choices and make your final choice. And with the appropriate education and your motivation to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Brooklin ME.
Some Background on Brooklin Maine
Brooklin, Maine
Brooklin is a town in Hancock County, Maine, United States. The population was 824 at the 2010 census. It is home to WoodenBoat Magazine, Brooklin Boat Yard, and numerous boatbuilders, artists, writers, musicians, and potters.
Brooklin was originally part of a larger town, then Sedgwick broke off and formed its own town. A few weeks later, the name was changed to Brooklin, after the brook line which separated it from Sedgwick. Using porgy oil as a fertilizer, the difficult soil was made productive, and hay became the principal crop. With excellent harbors, however, the main occupations were fishing and seafaring. By 1859, when the population was 1,002, it also had five boot and shoemaking factories, as well as two barrel manufacturers.[4] By 1886, the town was noted for producing smoked herring in considerable quantities. Canning lobster had also become an important business.[5]
Street view in 1909
Old High School c. 1915
Redman Cottage in 1909
More Cities of Interest in Maine
Business Results 1 - 10 of 0
