Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Casco ME 04015 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find a Radiology Technician Degree Program near Casco Maine

Casco ME x-ray tech internship program Congratulations on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Casco ME in order to train to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have made a decision to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you set about picking the ideal school and program to ensure that you will get the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And because most states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you may require preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you research each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. Most students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and usually gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location need to be considered, there are additional critical qualifications as well. For instance, you must ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are reviewing are provided later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiology technician does and the degrees and education options that are offered.

X-Ray Technician Job Description

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, each has the same primary job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many opt to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for example mammography. They can practice in Casco ME hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician 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 also routinely analyze its functionality and safety. They are also expected to retain complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Casco ME medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Casco ME The basic requirement for attending an x-ray tech school 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 typical among technicians, generally takes 18 months to two years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to complete and is more expansive in scope. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are acceptable as well. Something to consider is that Casco ME radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can often be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which many schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Maine or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an Radiologist school, depending on the state where you will be working you might need to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so contact your state. Currently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but many accept other alternatives for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. However, many Casco ME employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it could increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technician Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Casco 04015 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree programs. So while you can still obtain your online degree, a large portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is often provided in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online portion of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Casco ME home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online approach to learning is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are generally cheaper than conventional options. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be decreased as well. But just make sure that the online school you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online degree may be the right option for you.

Points to Ask Radiology Tech Colleges

When you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of looking for and assessing Casco ME x-ray tech schools. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the school will be critical. The price of tuition and secondary expenses will be an important factor also. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you factor in when comparing schools? Well, you need to find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial 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 Colleges Accredited? The majority of radiology tech schools have earned some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still important to confirm that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting agencies 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 receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets 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 ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also help in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Casco ME health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level positions.

Are Internships Sponsored? Ask if the Maine radiology technician schools you are reviewing have partnerships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent way to obtain hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist graduates and students form professional connections in the Casco ME medical community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the radiographer schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Casco ME healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For many students, the school they choose will need to be within driving distance of their Casco ME residence. Individuals who have decided to attend classes online naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally 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 way in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Casco ME schools you are researching what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to speak with some of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program as well.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the radiographer school you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Casco ME, make certain 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 enroll in. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Become a Radiologic Technologist?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to review questions you could be asked. Among the things that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not just the private reasons you may have for being a radiology technician, but also what qualities and skills you have that make you good at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, in addition to a significant number of general interview questions, so you must organize a number of ideas about how you want to answer them. Considering there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the talents you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but jot down several ideas and topics that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Select the Best Radiology Technician College near Casco ME

Picking the ideal radiology technician college is an important first step toward starting a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs regularly stand for the greater part of the working day and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best available care to patients. As we have discussed in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each college you are assessing prior to making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you decide on an online school or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can focus your choices and make your decision. And with the right education and your commitment to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiology tech in Casco ME.

Some Background on Casco Maine

Casco Bay

Casco Bay is an inlet of the Gulf of Maine on the southern coast of Maine, New England, United States. Its easternmost approach is Cape Small and its westernmost approach is Two Lights in Cape Elizabeth. The city of Portland sits along its southern edge and the Port of Portland lies within.

There are two theories on the origin of the name "Casco Bay". Aucocisco is the Abenaki name for the bay, which means 'place of herons' (sometimes translated as 'muddy').[1] The Portuguese explorer Estêvão Gomes, mapped the Maine coast in 1525 and named the bay "Bahía de Cascos" (Bay of Helmets, based on the shape of the bay).

The first settlement in Casco Bay was that of Capt. Christopher Levett, an English explorer, who built a house on House Island in 1623-24. The settlement failed.[2] The first permanent settlement of the bay was named Casco; despite changing names throughout history, that settlement remains the largest city in the Casco Bay region, now called the city of Portland, Maine

It was first reported in 1700 by Colonel Wolfgang William Römer, an English military engineer, that there were "as many islands as there are days in the year".[3] The United States Coastal Pilot lists 136 islands,[3] leading to the bay's islands being called the Calendar Islands based on the popular myth there are 365 of them. Later, Robert M. York, the former Maine state historian said there are "little more than two hundred islands".[4]

Casco Bay is also home to abandoned military fortifications dating from the War of 1812 through World War II; during World War II, Casco Bay served as an anchorage for US Navy ships.