Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Cushing ME 04563 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find a Radiology Technician School near Cushing Maine

Cushing ME x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Cushing ME so you can become a radiologic technologist. But now that you have chosen to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you undertake picking the ideal college and program to ensure that you will get the proper training to become a skilled professional? And because the majority of states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you may require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you research each of the colleges you are considering in order to compare each program. Many prospective students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and frequently settle on the lowest cost. But while cost and location must be considered, there are other important qualifications as well. For example, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are examining are provided later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology technician does and the credentials and training options that are available.

Radiology Tech Career Description

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, each has 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 administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many choose to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They can practice in Cushing ME clinics, hospitals, 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 frequently analyze its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to keep in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Cushing ME health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Tech Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Cushing ME The standard requirement for attending an x-ray tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, usually takes 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to complete and is more comprehensive in nature. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are acceptable also. Something to keep in mind is that Cushing ME radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which many colleges sponsor 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 requirements in Maine or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an Radiologist school, based on the state where you will be working you may need to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their criteria differ so contact your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but several approve other options for testing also. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. However, numerous Cushing ME employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may improve 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 demands re-certification every other year, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technician Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Cushing 04563 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree programs. So even though you can still obtain your degree online, a large 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 local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online segment of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Cushing ME home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree often find that the online approach to learning is far more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are frequently less expensive than traditional alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be reduced also. But just make certain that the online college you select is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online school may be the right option for you.

What to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges

As soon as you have chosen the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of looking for and evaluating Cushing ME x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to decide if you want to attend online classes or travel to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be relevant. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a material factor also. But along with location and cost, what more should you factor in when reviewing colleges? Well, you need to check out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details before you make your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Tech Schools Accredited? A large number of xray technician schools have received some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to make sure that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous assessment of their teachers and educational materials. If the college is online it may also obtain 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. Along with ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in getting financial aid and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Cushing ME employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out if the Maine radiology tech colleges you are interested in have associations with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent manner to obtain practical training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help graduates and students develop professional connections in the Cushing ME healthcare community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are interviewing 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 Cushing ME healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the school they choose will have to be within driving distance of their Cushing ME home. Individuals who have chosen to attend online classes obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to keep in mind is that if you decide 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 commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit way in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a smaller class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Cushing ME colleges you are looking at what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with some of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program as well.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the x-ray tech school you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Cushing ME, verify that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Become a Radiologic Technologist?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to review questions you could be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What made you select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not merely the private reasons you may have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but also what characteristics and talents you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, in addition to a certain number of standard interview questions, so you need to organize some strategies about how you want to address them. Since there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the talents you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the best choice for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but write down some concepts and talking points that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Choose the Best Radiology Technician College near Cushing ME

Enrolling in the ideal x-ray tech degree program is a critical first step toward starting a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs regularly stand for the greater part of the workday and position and in some cases lift the patient to get the proper 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 techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and provide the best available patient care. As has been discussed in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are considering prior to making your ultimate selection. This is just as true whether you opt for 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 options before making your final choice. And with the right education and your dedication to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Cushing ME.

Some Background on Cushing Maine

Peter Cushing

Peter Wilton Cushing, OBE (26 May 1913 – 11 August 1994) was an English actor and a BAFTA TV Award Best Actor winner in 1956. He is mainly known for his prolific appearances in British horror films, a genre in which he was the foremost star between the late 1950s and the early 1970s. In many of the most famous Hammer horror movies he played strong character roles like the sinister scientist Baron Frankenstein, Sherlock Holmes and the vampire hunter Doctor Van Helsing among others, and regularly appeared in chillers for other production companies like Amicus, Planet, Tigon and Tyburn. He appeared frequently opposite his close friend Christopher Lee and, occasionally, with his American counterpart Vincent Price.

A familiar face on both sides of the Atlantic, Cushing is best known outside the Hammer productions for his performance as Grand Moff Tarkin in Star Wars (1977). He also played Dr. Who in Dr. Who and the Daleks (1965) and Daleks – Invasion Earth: 2150 A.D. (1966). In 2016 his likeness was digitally repurposed to reprise his role as Grand Moff Tarkin in Rogue One.[2]

Cushing was born in Kenley, Surrey, the second son of George Edward Cushing (1881–1956) and Nellie Maria (née King) Cushing (1882–1961).[3] Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Dulwich, South London. After the end of the First World War, they returned close to Kenley; this time to neighbouring Purley, Surrey, where in 1926 his quantity surveyor father built Clearview, an Art Deco house on St James Road. It was here that Cushing remained until early adulthood.

Educated at Shoreham College, Cushing left his first job as a surveyor's assistant to take up a scholarship at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. After working in repertory theatre in Worthing, Sussex,[4] he left for Hollywood in 1939, making his debut in the adventure film The Man in the Iron Mask later that year, before returning to England in 1941 after appearing in several films. In one, A Chump at Oxford (1940), he appeared opposite Laurel and Hardy. During the Second World War he served with the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA).[5] His first major film role was that of Osric in Laurence Olivier's version of Hamlet (1948), whilst other notable movie appearances over the next few years included John Huston’s Moulin Rouge (1952), the first adaptation of The End of the Affair (1955) opposite Deborah Kerr, and Joseph Losey’s thriller Time Without Pity (1957).

In the 1950s, Cushing worked extensively in television, notably as Winston Smith in the BBC's 1954 adaptation of the George Orwell novel Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949), scripted by Nigel Kneale. Cushing was highly praised for his performance, although he considered his acting in the surviving second version of the broadcast—it was performed live twice in one week, then a common practice, and only the second version exists in the archives—to be inferior to the first.