How to Find an Xray Tech College near Fairfield Maine
Congrats regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Fairfield ME so you can become a radiology technician. But now that you have made a decision to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you undertake selecting the ideal college and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And considering that most states do require that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you may require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you investigate each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can compare each program. Many students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and usually settle on the lowest cost. But while expense and location should be taken into consideration, there are additional important qualifications as well. For instance, you need to ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are examining are presented later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology tech does and the degrees and training options that are offered.
Radiology Technician Job Description
There are multiple professional titles 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, each has the identical primary job function, 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 treating cancer. Many elect to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They can work in Fairfield ME clinics, hospitals, family 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 care for their equipment and frequently assess its performance and safety. They are also required to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Fairfield ME health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
X-Ray Tech Degrees
The basic requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech college is to have earned 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 common among techs, normally takes 18 months to two years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to finish and is more expansive in scope. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be acceptable as well. One thing to consider is that Fairfield ME radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Maine or the state you will be working as applicable.
Radiographer Licensing and Certification
When you have graduated from an Radiologist college, depending on the state where you will be employed you might have to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites vary so contact your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many accept other alternatives for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Fairfield ME employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Technician Degrees
As a component 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 schools. So while you can still earn your degree online, a large portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is usually conducted in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Fairfield ME home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online style of education is much more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are frequently more affordable than conventional options. Along with lower tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting can be reduced also. But just confirm that the online college you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online school may be the ideal option for you.
Topics to Ask Radiographer Programs
After you have selected the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of looking for and assessing Fairfield ME x-ray technician schools. You will also have to decide if you want to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the college will be critical. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenses will be an important factor also. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you consider when reviewing schools? Well, you should check out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details before you make your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are assessing.
Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? A large number of xray technician colleges have acquired some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still crucial to confirm that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive assessment of their teachers and educational materials. If the college is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Fairfield ME health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level openings.
Are Internships Sponsored? Ask if the Maine xray technician colleges you are evaluating have partnerships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent means to receive practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can help students and graduates form professional relationships in the Fairfield ME healthcare community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Fairfield ME healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they decide on will need to be within driving distance of their Fairfield ME residence. Individuals who have decided to attend online classes naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing 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 might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit far in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will likely prefer a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Fairfield 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 decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program also.
Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the radiographer college you finally choose 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 Fairfield ME, check that they are available. 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, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family obligations.
Why Did You Choose to Become a Radiology Technician?
When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to consider questions you could be asked. One of the questions that interviewers often ask radiographer prospects is "What made you select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not only the private reasons you may have for becoming an Xray technician, but additionally what qualities and abilities you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, in addition to a certain number of general interview questions, so you need to prepare a number of strategies about how you would like to respond to them. Since there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but take down several ideas and topics that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.Enroll in the Ideal Radiology Tech Program near Fairfield ME
Selecting the best x-ray technician school is a crucial first step toward starting a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the majority of the workday and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best available patient care. As we have discussed in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are assessing prior to making your final decision. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each program so you can focus your options before making your decision. And with the proper training and your dedication to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Fairfield ME.
Some Background on Fairfield Maine
Fairfield, Maine
Fairfield is a town in Somerset County, Maine, United States. The population was 6,735 at the 2010 census. The town includes Fairfield Center, Fairfield village and Hinckley, and borders the city of Waterville to the south. It is home to the Good Will-Hinckley School, Lawrence High School and Kennebec Valley Community College.
The area was territory of the Canibas tribe of Abenaki Indians residing at Taconnet village, once located downriver at the confluence of the Sebasticook and Kennebec rivers in what is today Winslow. In 1692 during King William's War, the village was burned, so the Canibas tribe abandoned the area. The French and Indian Wars finally ended in 1763, leaving the region open for English colonization. Fairfield Plantation, named for its fair aspect, was first settled in 1774.[4]
Benedict Arnold and his troops rested and re-provisioned here in 1775 during their march up the Kennebec River to the Battle of Quebec. Following the Revolutionary War, Fairfield Plantation developed as a trade and agricultural town, with farms producing hay, grain and potatoes. It was noted for the number and quality of its cattle. On June 18, 1788, it was incorporated as Fairfield. By 1790, the community had 492 inhabitants. In 1837, it produced 11,531 bushels of wheat and a large quantity of wool.[4]
Falls on the Kennebec drop 34 feet (10 m) at Fairfield, providing water power for industry. The mill town had eight sawmills, three planing mills, a gristmill, a canned corn factory, plaster mill, three carriage factories, a sled factory, two door, sash and blind factories, a cabinet and box factory, coffin factory, a clothing factory, a marble works and a tannery. The largest factories were the textile plants—Kendall's Mills in the southeastern extremity of the town, and Somerset Mills located about two miles above.[5]
The main line of the Maine Central Railroad passes through Fairfield on the way from Portland to Waterville to Bangor, and the Skowhegan branch of the Maine Central Railroad (originally the Somerset and Kennebec Railroad) ran along the Kennebec River from Waterville to Skowhegan, with stations in Shawmut and Hinckley (today, this line terminates at the SAPPI paper mill just north of Hinckley). The Somerset Railroad (Maine) traversed western Fairfield on a route that once ran north from Oakland to Norridgewock, Madison, Bingham, and Moosehead Lake (and now terminates in North Anson).[5]
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