Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Dresden ME 04342 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose an X-Ray Technician Program near Dresden Maine

Dresden ME x-ray tech internship program Best wishes on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Dresden ME so you can train to be a radiologic technologist. But now that you have made a decision to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you undertake selecting the ideal school and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And considering that most states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you might require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you assess each of the colleges you are considering in order to evaluate each program. Many potential students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and frequently gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while cost and location must be considered, there are other significant qualifications also. For instance, you need to find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are reviewing are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology technician does and the credentials and training choices that are available.

Radiology Technician Job Summary

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have the same primary job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They may practice in Dresden 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 must take care of their equipment plus frequently assess its functionality and safety. They are also expected to retain complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Dresden ME medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degrees

x-ray machine in Dresden ME The primary requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, generally requires 18 months to two years to finish depending on the program and course load. 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 other related majors that may be appropriate also. Something to bear in mind is that Dresden ME radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may typically be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which many schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. 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

Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, based on the state where you will be employed you may need to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites differ 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 several offer other alternatives for testing also. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, many Dresden ME employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it might enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technologist Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Dresden 04342 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree schools. So while you can still obtain your degree online, a significant portion of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is usually performed in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online segment of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Dresden ME home. Students who continue working while earning their degree typically discover that the online style of learning is much more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are often less expensive than traditional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be lessened as well. But just confirm that the online college you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online degree may be the ideal option for you.

Points to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs

As soon as you have selected the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can initiate the process of searching for and assessing Dresden ME x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or travel to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the college will be important. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be an important factor also. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you consider when evaluating colleges? Well, you should check out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details prior to making your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? Most xray tech schools have earned some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still crucial to verify that the school and program are accredited. One of 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 undergone a detailed assessment of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies should be recognized 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 available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Dresden ME employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level openings.

Are Internships Offered? Find out if the Maine xray technician schools you are assessing have relationships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific manner to receive hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist graduates and students establish professional connections in the Dresden ME medical community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Dresden ME healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the college they select will need to be within commuting distance of their Dresden ME home. Individuals who have decided to attend online classes obviously will not have to concern 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 school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally 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 type of person that likes to sit far in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Dresden ME schools you are considering what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to converse with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the x-ray tech program you finally choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Dresden ME, make certain 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 have to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Want to Be a Radiology Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's a good idea to review questions you may be asked. Among the things that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What drove you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not just the private reasons you may have for being an Xray technician, but also what attributes and talents you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, in addition to a certain number of standard interview questions, so you need to prepare several strategies about how you want to answer them. Given that there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you along with the talents you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the best choice for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but jot down several ideas and talking points that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Select the Best Radiology Technician College near Dresden ME

Choosing the ideal radiology tech school is a critical first step toward starting a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the greater part of the working day and position and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best available care to patients. As has been discussed in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are looking at before making your final selection. This is just as true whether you decide on an online program or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each school so you can focus your choices before making your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your commitment to be successful, you can reach your goal to work as a radiology tech in Dresden ME.

Some Background on Dresden Maine

Bombing of Dresden in World War II

The bombing of Dresden was a British/American aerial bombing attack on the city of Dresden, the capital of the German state of Saxony, that took place during the Second World War in the European Theatre. In four raids between 13 and 15 February 1945, 722 heavy bombers of the British Royal Air Force (RAF) and 527 of the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) dropped more than 3,900 tons of high-explosive bombs and incendiary devices on the city.[1] The bombing and the resulting firestorm destroyed over 1,600 acres (6.5 km2) of the city centre.[2] An estimated 22,700[3] to 25,000[4] people were killed, although larger casualty figures have been claimed over the years. Three more USAAF air raids followed, two occurring on 2 March aimed at the city's railroad marshaling yard and one smaller raid on 17 April aimed at industrial areas.

Immediate German propaganda claims following the attacks and post-war discussions[5] on whether the attacks were justified has led to the bombing becoming one of the moral causes célèbres of the war.[6] A 1953 United States Air Force report defended the operation as the justified bombing of a strategic target, which they noted was a major rail transport and communication centre, housing 110 factories and 50,000 workers in support of the German war effort.[7] Several researchers have asserted that not all of the communications infrastructure, such as the bridges, were targeted, nor were the extensive industrial areas outside the city centre.[8] Critics of the bombing have claimed that Dresden was a cultural landmark of little or no strategic significance, and that the attacks were indiscriminate area bombing and not proportionate to the military gains.[9][10][11] The bombing has been referred to as a war crime by historian Donald Bloxham,[12] Dr. Gregory Stanton,[13] German author Günter Grass[14] and some in the German far-right.[15]

Large variations in the claimed death toll have fueled the controversy. In March 1945, the German government ordered its press to publish a falsified casualty figure of 200,000 for the Dresden raids, and death toll estimates as high as 500,000 have been given.[16][17][18] The city authorities at the time estimated no more than 25,000 victims, a figure that subsequent investigations supported, including a 2010 study commissioned by the city council.[19]

Early in 1945, the German offensive known as the Battle of the Bulge had been exhausted, as was the disastrous attack by the Luftwaffe on New Year's Day involving elements of eleven combat wings of the Luftwaffe's day fighter force. The Red Army had launched their Silesian Offensives into pre-war German territory. The German army was retreating on all fronts, but still resisting strongly. On 8 February 1945, the Red Army crossed the Oder River, with positions just 70 km from Berlin.[20] The Eastern and Western Fronts were getting closer, the Western Allies started planning to bomb Berlin and several other eastern cities in conjunction with the Soviet advance in order to cause confusion among German troops and refugees.[citation needed]

A special British Joint Intelligence Subcommittee report titled German Strategy and Capacity to Resist, prepared for Winston Churchill's eyes only, predicted that Germany might collapse as early as mid-April if the Soviets overran its eastern defenses. Alternatively, the report warned that the Germans might hold out until November if they could prevent the Soviets from taking Silesia. Hence, any assistance provided to the Soviets on the Eastern Front could shorten the war.[21] At the time of bombing, the Soviets were conducting their Lower Silesian Offensive.[citation needed]