How to Choose a Radiologic Technician College near Etna Maine
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Etna ME so you can become a radiologic technician. And now that you have chosen to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you undertake selecting the right school and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that most states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you may need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you research each of the schools you are looking at so that you can compare each program. Most potential students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location need to be taken into consideration, there are additional critical qualifiers as well. For example, you must find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the schools you are reviewing are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology tech does and the degrees and education choices that are offered.
Radiology Tech Work Description
There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, they all have the same major job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some opt to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They can work in Etna ME hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician might utilize 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 and also routinely analyze its performance and safety. They are also required to keep detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Etna ME medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
X-Ray Technician Degree Options
The primary prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, generally requires 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to finish and is more extensive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are acceptable as well. One thing to consider is that Etna ME radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can often be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which a large number of schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Maine or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
Radiographer Licensing and Certification
When you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, based on the state where you will be employed you might have to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so contact your state. At present, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many provide additional alternatives for testing also. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, many Etna ME employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it might improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Technician Degrees
As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree colleges. So although you can still obtain your online degree, a substantial amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is often conducted in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Etna ME residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree often find that the online style of education is far more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are often more affordable than conventional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be decreased also. But just be sure that the online college you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online degree may be the best option for you.
Topics to Ask X Ray Tech Schools
After you have chosen the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of locating and assessing Etna ME x-ray technician schools. You will also need to determine if you want to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be relevant. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a determining variable as well. But along with cost and location, what more should you look at when comparing schools? Well, you should check out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are reviewing.
Are the X-Ray Tech Programs Accredited? Most radiology technician colleges have received some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still important to make sure 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 a rigorous evaluation of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged 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 aid and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Etna ME health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level openings.
Are Internship Programs Offered? Ask if the Maine xray technician programs you are reviewing have partnerships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great means to get hands on training in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist students and graduates develop professional relationships in the Etna ME medical community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Etna ME healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the school they select will need to be within driving distance of their Etna ME home. Individuals who have chosen to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry 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 choose to enroll in a school 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 commonly charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that likes to sit way in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Etna ME schools you are researching what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program also.
Can the School 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 essential if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Etna 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 have to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of illness, work or family obligations.
Why Did You Want to Be an Xray Technician?
When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to consider questions you may be asked. One of the things that hiring managers typically ask radiographer prospects is "What compelled you to choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not only the personal reasons you may have for being an X-Ray tech, but additionally what attributes and skills you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will likely be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, as well as a significant number of general interview questions, so you should organize several ideas about how you want to answer them. Since there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you along with the strengths you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down several ideas and talking points that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.Pick the Right Radiology Tech Program near Etna ME
Selecting the right radiology technician school is a crucial first step toward launching 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 greater part of the working day and move and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best available patient care. As has been discussed in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are considering prior to making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you decide on an online program or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices and make your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your commitment to succeed, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiology tech in Etna ME.
Some Background on Etna Maine
Etna, Maine
Etna is a town in Penobscot County, Maine, United States. The population was 1,246 at the 2010 census.[4]
Etna is named for the famed Mount Etna in Italy. It was originally known as "Crosbytown" after its first proprietor, Gen. John Crosby of Hampden. Etna was incorporated as a town in 1820.[5] Circa 1850 it had a population of 802.[6]
Camp Etna is a summer colony where spiritualists have held yearly meetings since 1876, when Daniel Buswell, Jr., held the first meeting in a tent. A temple seating 1,100, a club house, and 78 cottages were built in 1880. The grave of Mrs. Mary Scannell Pepper Vanderbilt, a leader and benefactor of the camp, is marked by a monument.[7]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 24.97 square miles (64.67 km2), of which, 24.81 square miles (64.26 km2) of it is land and 0.16 square miles (0.41 km2) is water.[1]
As of the census[2] of 2010, there were 1,246 people, 481 households, and 338 families residing in the town. The population density was 50.2 inhabitants per square mile (19.4/km2). There were 559 housing units at an average density of 22.5 per square mile (8.7/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 97.2% White, 0.7% African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 0.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.1% of the population.
More Cities of Interest in Maine
Business Results 1 - 10 of 2
0 Reviews 0 Reviews 