Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Hallowell ME 04347 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find an X-Ray Tech Program near Hallowell Maine

Hallowell ME x-ray tech internship program Congratulations regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Hallowell ME in order to become a radiology technologist. And now that you have decided to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you go about choosing the right school and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you may require preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering in order to evaluate each program. Most prospective students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and usually settle on the most affordable cost. But while location and cost must be considered, there are additional critical qualifiers as well. For example, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are examining are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology technician does and the degrees and education options that are available.

X-Ray Technician Occupation Summary

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the same fundamental 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 provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They can practice in Hallowell 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 must maintain their equipment and routinely assess its performance and safety. They are also expected to keep complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Hallowell ME medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degree Options

x-ray machine in Hallowell ME The standard prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech college is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, usually takes 18 months to two years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to complete and is more expansive in scope. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be appropriate as well. Something to consider is that Hallowell ME radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may frequently be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which many colleges sponsor 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 licensing or certification mandates in Maine or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an Radiologist college, based on the state where you will be practicing you might have to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so check with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but a number provide other alternatives for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, many Hallowell ME employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technologist Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Hallowell 04347 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree programs. So although you can still obtain your online degree, a significant portion of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is typically carried out in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online portion of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Hallowell ME residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically discover that the online style of education is much more practical with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently less costly than on-campus options. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting can be reduced as well. But just be sure that the online program you pick 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.

What to Ask X Ray Tech Schools

Once you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of looking for and evaluating Hallowell ME x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to determine if you want to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be critical. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a determining factor as well. But along with cost and location, what else should you look at when evaluating colleges? Well, you should find out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor 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 must ask the programs you are considering.

Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? The majority of radiology tech schools have earned some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still crucial to verify 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). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive review of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Hallowell ME health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask if the Maine radiology tech colleges you are interested in have associations with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent way to get practical experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Hallowell ME healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the radiographer programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Hallowell ME healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they select will have to be within commuting distance of their Hallowell ME residence. Students who have opted to attend classes online obviously will not have to concern 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 choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Hallowell ME schools you are reviewing what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program as well.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the radiographer college you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Hallowell ME, verify that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Become an Xray Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to reflect on questions you might be asked. Among the questions that interviewers often ask radiographer candidates is "What made you pick radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not only the personal reasons you may have for being a radiology technician, but also what attributes and talents you possess that make you good at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, in addition to a significant number of general interview questions, so you need to prepare a number of ideas about how you want to respond to them. Since there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you as well as the abilities you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but write down several ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.

Select the Ideal Radiology Technician Program near Hallowell ME

Picking the right radiology technician college is a critical first step toward initiating a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs often stand for the greater part of the workday and move and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. As we have covered in this report, there are a number of questions that you should ask each college you are considering before making your final decision. This is just as true whether you participate in an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can focus your options before making your decision. And with the right education and your motivation to succeed, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiology tech in Hallowell ME.

Some Background on Hallowell Maine

Hallowell, Maine

Hallowell is a city in Kennebec County, Maine, United States. The population was 2,381 at the 2010 census. Popular with tourists, Hallowell is noted for its culture and old architecture. Hallowell is included in the Augusta, Maine micropolitan New England City and Town Area.

The city is named for Benjamin Hallowell, a Boston merchant and one of the Kennebec Proprietors, holders of land originally granted to the Plymouth Company by the British monarchy in the 1620s.[4]

First to settle here was Deacon Pease Clark, who emigrated with his wife and son Peter from Attleborough, Massachusetts, in the spring of 1762. Legend has it that after disembarking on the west side of the Kennebec, near present-day Water Street, the Clarks took shelter in their overturned cart. On a riverfront lot measuring 50 rods (275 yards, about 250 meters), the Clark family raised corn, rye and other crops. The first land they cleared was occupied by the fire department in 1859.[5]

In 1797, the modern city of Augusta split from Hallowell to be a separate town. The part of Hallowell that is the current city was then known as "The Hook".[6] Today, the city's population (2,467) is only slightly smaller than it was in 1820, the year Maine seceded from Massachusetts and became a state. Yet 183 years ago, Hallowell's inhabitants enjoyed the services of 71 stores along Water Street (by contrast, Augusta had a population of 1,000 and just 20 merchants).

Thriving industries included logging, trading, publishing and shipbuilding. Location on the navigable Kennebec River estuary allowed 50 ships launched from Hallowell's wharves to reach the Atlantic Ocean between 1783 and 1901. Two grist mills, five sawmills and two slaughterhouses served the needs of residents near and far.[7]