How to Pick an X-Ray Technician College near Ellsworth Maine
Congrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Ellsworth ME so you can become a radiology technologist. And now that you have made a decision to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you undertake choosing the right college and program so that you will get the proper training to become a qualified professional? And considering that most states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you might need preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you investigate each of the schools you are considering so that you can compare each program. A number of potential students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and usually gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location should be considered, there are additional significant qualifiers also. For example, you must find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are examining are provided later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology tech does and the degrees and training options that are available.
X-Ray Technician Job Summary
There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the identical primary job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some opt to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for example mammography. They can work in Ellsworth ME clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech 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 take care of their equipment plus routinely analyze its performance and safety. They are also required to keep detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Ellsworth ME health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
Radiology Technician Degrees Available
The standard requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech college is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, usually requires 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to finish and is more extensive in scope. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are acceptable as well. Something to keep in mind is that Ellsworth ME radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can often be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which many colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Maine or the state you will be working as applicable.
X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing
When you have graduated from an Radiologist college, depending on the state where you will be working you might need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their prerequisites differ so contact your state. Presently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but a number offer other options for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. However, many Ellsworth ME employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might increase your career options to earn certification. 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 two years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Technician Programs
As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree schools. So although you can still obtain your degree online, a substantial amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is typically provided in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Ellsworth ME residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree typically find that the online style of learning is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are frequently cheaper than conventional options. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be lessened also. But just confirm that the online program you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online school may be the right choice for you.
Topics to Ask Radiology Tech Colleges
After you have decided on the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of finding and evaluating Ellsworth ME x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to decide if you want to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the college will be important. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a material factor as well. But along with location and cost, what more should you factor in when evaluating schools? Well, you need to find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details prior to making your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are looking at.
Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? The majority of xray technician colleges have received some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to verify that the program and school 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). Programs earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous examination of their teachers and educational materials. If the college is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Ellsworth ME employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level positions.
Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask if the Maine xray technician programs you are interested in have partnerships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent way to obtain practical training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist graduates and students form professional connections in the Ellsworth ME medical community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the radiographer programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Ellsworth ME healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For many students, the college they pick will need to be within driving distance of their Ellsworth ME residence. Students who have opted 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. One thing to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit way in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Ellsworth ME colleges you are looking at what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program also.
Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the x-ray tech school you finally pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Ellsworth ME, make sure that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss due to work, illness or family obligations.
Why Did You Desire to Be a Radiology Technician?
When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to reflect on questions you might be asked. One of the questions that recruiters typically ask radiographer prospects is "What compelled you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not merely the personal reasons you might have for being an X-Ray tech, but additionally what characteristics and skills you have that make you good at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, as well as a certain number of general interview questions, so you must prepare a number of strategies about how you want to address them. Because there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the strengths you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the ideal candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but jot down some concepts and anecdotes that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can assist you to prepare your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.Select the Best Radiology Technician College near Ellsworth ME
Enrolling in the ideal radiology tech school is an important first step toward launching a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the majority of the workday and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. As we have addressed in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are assessing prior to making your ultimate decision. This is equally true whether you decide on an online school or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each school so you can narrow down your options before making your final choice. And with the appropriate education and your dedication to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Ellsworth ME.
Some Background on Ellsworth Maine
Ellsworth, Maine
Ellsworth is a city in and the county seat of Hancock County, Maine, United States.[4] The 2010 Census determined it had a population of 7,741. Ellsworth was Maine's fastest growing city from 2000–2010, with a growth rate of nearly 20 percent. With historic buildings and other points of interest, Ellsworth is popular with tourists.[citation needed]
According to the history of the Passamaquoddy Indians, the Ellsworth area was originally inhabited by members of the Passamaquoddy and Penobscot tribes: "Both groups speak closely related Algonquian languages, although anthropologists generally group the Passamaquoddies linguistically with the Maliseets and the Penobscots with the Abenakis." [1]
George J. Varney, in the 'Hancock County, Maine' section of his Gazetteer of the State of Maine, published in Boston in 1886, wrote:
It is likely that the French who founded a colony at Somes Sound on Mount Desert Island in 1613, under the patronage of Madame de Guercheville, explored the Ellsworth area and what is now the watershed of the Union River. Varney believes that there were French settlements of some kind or another as close to Ellsworth as Trenton, Oak Point, Newbury Neck and Surry.
The Ellsworth area was disputed between the English and the French throughout the 17th century and well into the 18th century, occasioning intermittent warfare which was known to the English as the French and Indian Wars. Native American inhabitants may have converted to Roman Catholicism and fought with the French against the British until the fall of Quebec City to the British in 1759. After the 1763 signing of the Treaty of Paris by the governments of the United Kingdom, France, Spain and Portugal, Ellsworth became part of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
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