How to Choose an X-Ray Tech College near Norridgewock Maine
Congratulations regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Norridgewock ME so you can learn to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have chosen to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you tackle picking the right college and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And since most states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you may require training 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. Many prospective students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and typically settle on the most affordable cost. But while expense and location need to be taken into account, there are additional critical qualifications also. For example, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are evaluating are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and training choices that are available.
Radiology Technician Work Description
There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, they all have the identical fundamental job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They may practice in Norridgewock 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 must care for their equipment and also routinely analyze its performance and safety. They are also expected to keep detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Norridgewock ME medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
Radiology Tech Degrees Offered
The basic prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, generally takes 18 months to two years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time 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 keep in mind is that Norridgewock ME radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification requirements in Maine or the state you will be working as applicable.
Radiographer Licensing and Certification
Once you have graduated from an Radiologist college, depending on the state where you will be employed you might have to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria differ so contact your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but many accept other alternatives for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. However, numerous Norridgewock ME employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it may improve 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 examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Technologist Schools
As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree programs. So while you can still earn your degree online, a significant amount of the training will be satisfied 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 colleges. But the online portion of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Norridgewock ME residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree often discover that the online style of learning is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are often more affordable than conventional options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be lessened as well. But just confirm that the online college you select is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online degree may be the ideal choice for you.
Subjects to Ask X Ray Tech Programs
As soon as you have decided on the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of searching for and assessing Norridgewock ME x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be important. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a determining factor as well. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you consider when reviewing schools? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details before you make your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are assessing.
Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? Most radiology tech colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to make sure 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). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous assessment of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Norridgewock ME employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry-level positions.
Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out if the Maine radiology technician schools you are evaluating have relationships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent manner to obtain hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Norridgewock ME healthcare community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the radiographer schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Norridgewock ME healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the school they select will have to be within commuting distance of their Norridgewock ME home. Those who have decided 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 concern. One thing to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might 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.
What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit far in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Norridgewock ME schools you are reviewing what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to converse with several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program as well.
Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the radiographer program you ultimately select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Norridgewock ME, confirm 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 carry. Also, find out 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 preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to consider questions you could be asked. One of the questions that recruiters typically ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to pick radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not only the private reasons you might have for becoming an Xray technician, but also what attributes and skills you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, as well as a certain number of standard interview questions, so you must prepare several approaches about how you want to address them. Because there are several factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you along with the talents you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the best choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but write down several ideas and topics that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.Select the Best X-Ray Technician Program near Norridgewock ME
Picking the appropriate x-ray technician college is an important first step toward starting a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the majority of the working day and move and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and provide the best possible patient care. As has been covered in this report, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are reviewing prior to making your final decision. This is just as true whether you opt for an online program or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each school so you can focus your choices and make your final choice. And with the right training and your motivation to succeed, you can realize your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Norridgewock ME.
Some Background on Norridgewock Maine
Norridgewock, Maine
Norridgewock is a town in Somerset County, Maine, United States. The population was 3,367 at the 2010 census.
Situated on the New England and Acadia border, which New France defined as the Kennebec River, the area was once territory of the Norridgewock Indians, a band of the Abenaki nation. Their village was located at Old Point, now part of Madison.[4]
English colonists suspected Father Sebastien Rale (or Rasle), the French missionary at the village since 1694, of abetting tribal hostilities against British settlements during the French and Indian Wars. During Father Rale's War, soldiers left Fort Richmond (now Richmond) in whaleboats until they reached Taconic Falls (now Winslow), then marched quietly to Norridgewock Village, arriving on August 23, 1724. Battle of Norridgewock was "sharp, short and decisive," leaving 26 warriors slain, 14 wounded and 150 survivors fleeing to Quebec, Canada. Father Rale was among the dead.[5]
The British settled the area in 1773, then called Norridgewock Plantation. In 1775, Benedict Arnold and his troops marched through on their way to the Battle of Quebec.[4]
The town was incorporated on June 18, 1788. It became county seat of Somerset County in 1809,[6] with a courthouse built in 1820 and remodeled in 1847, although the county seat would be moved to Skowhegan in 1871.[7] Wooden logs were floated down the Kennebec River. A sawmill was built to manufacture the region's abundant hardwoods, used in local factories to make carriages and furniture. Norridgewock also had a gristmill and granite works. Built in 1849 and replaced in 1929, the 600-foot (180 m) Norridgewock Covered Bridge across the Kennebec River was the second longest covered bridge in Maine after the 792-foot (241 m) Bangor Covered Bridge, which was built in 1846 across the Penobscot River to Brewer. The Eaton School was organized by Hamlin F. Eaton in 1856 and incorporated in 1874 "...for the promotion of literature, science and morality." Its Second Empire building, designed by architect Charles F. Douglas of Lewiston, later became Somerset Grange #18. In 1988, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[8]
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