Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Kents Hill ME 04349 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select a Radiologic Tech Degree Program near Kents Hill Maine

Kents Hill ME x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Kents Hill ME so you can become a radiology technician. But now that you have made a decision to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about picking the ideal college and program to ensure that you will receive the proper training to become a skilled professional? And since most states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you may require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you assess each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can compare each program. A number of prospective students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and typically gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while location and cost should be taken into account, there are additional critical qualifiers as well. For example, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are considering are provided later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic technician does and the degrees and training choices that are offered.

X-Ray Technician Occupation Description

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, each has the identical major job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many elect to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They can work in Kents Hill ME clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist 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 take care of their equipment plus frequently assess its performance and safety. They are also expected to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Kents Hill ME health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degree Options

x-ray machine in Kents Hill ME The standard requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech school is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, usually requires 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to complete and is more comprehensive in nature. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are appropriate also. Something to consider is that Kents Hill ME radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can frequently be fulfilled by taking part 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 must comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Maine or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an Radiologist program, based on the state where you will be practicing you might have to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so contact your state. Currently, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but many accept additional alternatives for testing also. Several states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, many Kents Hill ME employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technician Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Kents Hill 04349 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree programs. So although you can still earn your degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is typically conducted in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Kents Hill ME home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree often discover that the online approach to education is much more practical with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are generally more affordable than traditional alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be reduced also. But just be sure that the online program you select is accredited (more on the advantages 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 right option for you.

Topics to Ask Radiographer Schools

As soon as you have chosen the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can start the process of finding and evaluating Kents Hill ME x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to decide if you want to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be important. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a determining variable as well. But along with cost and location, what else should you look at when comparing schools? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details before you make your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? A large number of xray tech schools have earned some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still crucial to confirm that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed examination of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Kents Hill ME employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level jobs.

Are Internships Provided? Find out if the Maine xray technician colleges you are evaluating have partnerships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific manner to get practical experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may help students and graduates form professional connections in the Kents Hill ME health care community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the x-ray tech schools 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 Kents Hill ME healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the school they pick will need to be within commuting distance of their Kents Hill ME residence. Individuals who have chosen to attend online classes naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to bear 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 may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit far in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Kents Hill ME colleges you are considering what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with some of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the x-ray tech program you ultimately pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Kents Hill ME, verify that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss due to work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Choose to Become an Xray Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to reflect on questions you might be asked. Among the questions that recruiters typically ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to pick radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not just 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 probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, as well as a significant number of standard interview questions, so you must prepare some approaches about how you would like to respond to them. Since there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you along with the abilities you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but take down some concepts and talking points that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can help you to formulate your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.

Pick the Right Radiology Technician Program near Kents Hill ME

Selecting the appropriate x-ray technician degree program is a critical first step toward starting a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs frequently stand for the greater part of the workday and move and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also show a capability 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. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. As has been addressed in this report, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online program or commute to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each program so you can narrow down your options before making your decision. And with the appropriate education and your commitment to be successful, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Kents Hill ME.

Some Background on Kents Hill Maine

Kents Hill School

Kents Hill School (also known as Kents Hill or KHS) is a co-educational independent college-preparatory school for boarding and day students. Kents Hill is located in Kents Hill, Maine, 12 miles west of the state capital of Augusta. It is the 30th oldest boarding school in the United States and one of the oldest continuously operating co-educational college preparatory schools.[2] One of the three oldest Methodist academies in the United States (with Cazenovia and Wilbraham), the school is now a member of the Association of Independent Schools in New England (AISNE) and accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

Kents Hill was founded in 1824 as the Maine Wesleyan Seminary[3] by Luther Sampson, a Duxbury, Massachusetts native and a veteran of the American Revolution. According to an early publication of the Kents Hill Breeze, a defunct school periodical, Luther "was of the fifth generation in lineal descent from Henry Sampson, one of the Pilgrim band that landed on Plymouth Rock, December 22, 1620."[4] A carpenter[5] who had not had a formal education, Sampson wanted to use the wealth he had earned in his profession and the government-granted assignment of land he earned as a Colonial soldier to benefit society and to glorify God. Sampson, his wife Abigail Ford, and their children lived in Duxbury and, later, Marshfield, before relocating to over two hundred acres in Readfield, Maine, around the turn of the century.[4] In 1821, Sampson incorporated there the "Readfield Religious and Charitable Society," whose original charter contained no mention of a school, but rather laid a plan to support area Methodist belief and practice. Sampson deeded the society over one hundred acres of land on Kents Hill.

Failing financially and seeking a more efficacious means of performing his mission, by 1823 Sampson had begun to explore the possibility of changing the society's identity into one rooted in the education of youths.[4] Together with Elihu Robinson, a carpenter-schoolmaster in the nearby city of Augusta, and his wife, they opened the Seminary in order to better society through education. Boys and girls appeared on the school's roster from the day the school opened.

Later headmaster, Dr. Henry P. Torsey, oversaw the construction of Sampson Hall which was opened in 1860 and is still serving students today. Dr. Torsey also opened a female collegiate institute - the "Female College" - one of the first of its kind to offer degrees to women at the time. Dr. Torsey is also credited with introducing baseball to the school in 1861.

Bearce Hall was completed in 1873. James G. Blaine, who later served as Secretary of State under President Benjamin Harrison, donated a bell for the bell tower, both of which become important school symbols. To this day, the bell is rung to celebrate school victories and important occasions. During the next fifty years, the school added a conservatory of music as well as a working farm.