Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Dexter ME 04930 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose an X-Ray Tech College near Dexter Maine

Dexter ME x-ray tech internship program Congratulations on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Dexter ME so you can train to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have made a decision to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you go about choosing the ideal school and program so that you will receive the proper training to become a skilled professional? And because the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you may require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you investigate each of the schools you are considering in order to compare each program. Many potential students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and usually settle on the most affordable cost. But while location and cost need to be taken into consideration, there are other critical qualifications also. For instance, you should ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the schools you are considering are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology technician does and the degrees and training choices that are available.

Radiology Technician Work Description

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the same principal job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They can work in Dexter ME clinics, hospitals, private 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 have to maintain their equipment and also regularly evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also required to keep in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Dexter ME health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Tech Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Dexter ME The primary prerequisite for attending a radiology tech school is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, usually requires 18 months to two years to complete based upon 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 scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be acceptable also. Something to consider is that Dexter ME radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can typically be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which many colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing mandates in Maine or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an Radiologist school, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might need to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their requirements differ so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but several offer additional options for testing as well. Some states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, many Dexter ME employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it could increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Tech Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Dexter 04930 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree schools. So although you can still obtain your degree online, a large portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is typically 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 Dexter ME home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online style of learning is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are generally cheaper than traditional alternatives. Along with lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials may be decreased as well. But just make sure that the online school you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online school may be the best option for you.

Topics to Ask Radiology Tech Programs

When you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the process of finding and evaluating Dexter ME x-ray technician schools. You will also have to determine if you want to attend classes online or drive to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be relevant. The price of tuition and secondary expenses will be a material factor also. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you factor in when reviewing schools? Well, you need to check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details before you make your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are considering.

Are the Radiology Tech Programs Accredited? The majority of radiology technician colleges have received some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial 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). Schools earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous examination of their teachers and educational materials. If the college is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Dexter ME employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level positions.

Are Internships Offered? Ask if the Maine radiology tech programs you are interested in have relationships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great manner to obtain hands on training in a clinical environment, they are also a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Dexter ME health care community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Dexter ME healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the school they pick will have to be within travelling distance of their Dexter ME home. Students who have decided to attend online classes naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to bear in mind is that if you choose 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 normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Dexter ME schools you are considering what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with some of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the x-ray tech college you ultimately select can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Dexter ME, confirm that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Desire to Be an Xray Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to review questions you might be asked. Among the questions that interviewers frequently ask radiographer prospects is "What made you select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not just the private reasons you may have for becoming a radiology technician, but additionally what attributes and skills you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, in addition to a certain number of standard interview questions, so you need to organize some strategies about how you would like to answer them. Since there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you as well as the strengths you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the ideal candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but jot down several concepts and talking points that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can help you to develop your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Choose the Ideal X-Ray Tech School near Dexter ME

Picking the ideal radiology tech degree program is a crucial first step toward initiating a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the majority of the day and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best available patient care. As has been covered in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are considering before making your final selection. This is similarly 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 focus your options and make your decision. And with the proper education and your commitment to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Dexter ME.

Some Background on Dexter Maine

Dexter, Maine

Dexter is a town in Penobscot County, Maine, United States. The population was 3,895 at the 2010 census.[4] It is part of the Bangor metropolitan statistical area. Dexter Regional High School, which serves Dexter as well as other nearby small towns, is located in the town.

Dexter was settled beginning in 1801 by Ebenezer Small, David Smith, and others from New Hampshire, and was originally called Elkinstown. When incorporated as a town in 1816, it named itself after Judge Samuel Dexter,[5] who was then running for governor of Massachusetts (of which Maine was still a part). The town of Brooks in nearby Waldo County was incorporated the same year and named for the opposing candidate, John Brooks. Brooks won the election. The town of Dexter, however, achieved the greater prosperity.[6]

The town grew because of its location on the East Branch of the Sebasticook River, which provided excellent water power for mills. In 1818, Jonathan Farrar constructed a grist mill at the falls. The Dexter Historical Society today uses the building which replaced it in 1854 as part of its museum complex. The stream would also power five woolen mills, the oldest and largest of which was established by Amos and Jeremiah Abbott in 1836. Amos Abbott & Company, which closed in 1975, was the only textile mill in the United States owned by one family for such a long period.[7] In the 1960s, the town's name became familiar throughout New England because of the pervasive log cabin style factory outlets of the Dexter Shoe Company, founded in a vacant Dexter woolen mill in 1958 by Harold Alfond.[8]

Dexter's downtown is dominated by the Memorial Building, designed by John Morrison. At its top is the community's largest clock, named Nancy after the architect's wife. The tallest building in town is the Unitarian Universalist Church. It is also Dexter's oldest house of worship, built in 1826, but given a new steeple and vestibule by Boston architect Thomas W. Silloway in 1869. Five buildings in Dexter are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Dexter Grist Mill; Universalist Church; Abbott Memorial Library by Boston architect J. Williams Beal; the Bank Block by Bangor architect George W. Orff; and "Zion's Hill", the Ralph Owen Brewster house by Portland architectural firm J. C. & J. H. Stevens.[9]

In 1848, the town was struck by a tornado which tore large trees out by their roots and destroyed even the strongest buildings.