Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Norway ME 04268 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose an Xray Technician School near Norway Maine

Norway ME x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Norway ME in order to become a radiology technician. And now that you have chosen to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you set about picking the ideal school and program so that you will receive the proper training to become a skilled professional? And because most states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you may require preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you assess each of the schools you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. A number of students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and usually settle on the lowest cost. But while location and cost must be considered, there are other critical qualifications 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 colleges you are examining are presented later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic technician does and the degrees and training options that are available.

X-Ray Tech Work Description

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the identical principal job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for example mammography. They can practice in Norway ME clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist may 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 and regularly assess its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to retain detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Norway ME medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Norway ME The basic prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech college is to have earned 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 prevalent among techs, normally requires 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to finish and is more extensive in nature. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are appropriate as well. One thing to bear in mind is that Norway ME radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which many colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Maine or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an Radiologist college, depending on the state where you will be working you may need to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so contact your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many approve other alternatives for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. However, numerous Norway ME employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it might increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Tech Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Norway 04268 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 the same for online degree schools. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a considerable portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is often performed in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online segment of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Norway ME home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online approach to education is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online programs are frequently less costly than traditional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials may be decreased as well. But just make sure that the online college you choose is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online school may be the right choice for you.

Subjects to Ask X Ray Tech Schools

Once you have selected the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can initiate the process of locating and evaluating Norway ME x-ray tech schools. You will also have to decide if you want to attend online classes or drive to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the college will be critical. The price of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a material variable also. But along with location and cost, what more should you consider when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to check out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these important details before you make your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are reviewing.

Are the X-Ray Tech Schools Accredited? Most xray technician colleges have earned some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still important to confirm that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly regarded 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 undergone a rigorous examination of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Norway ME health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Ask if the Maine radiology technician colleges you are evaluating have associations with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent way to obtain hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Norway ME healthcare community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Norway ME healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the school they pick will need to be within commuting distance of their Norway ME home. Individuals who have opted to attend online classes obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or even 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 often charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Norway ME schools you are looking at what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with a few of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the radiographer school you ultimately pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Norway ME, make sure that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Become an X-Ray Tech?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's a good idea to consider questions you may be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not merely the personal reasons you may have for being an X-Ray tech, but additionally what characteristics and skills you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, along with a significant number of standard interview questions, so you must organize several strategies about how you want to answer them. Since there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you in addition to the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but write down several ideas and talking points that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can help you to formulate your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.

Pick the Ideal X-Ray Tech School near Norway ME

Choosing the appropriate x-ray tech degree program is an important first step toward starting a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs typically stand for the greater part of the working day and position and at times lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. As we have covered in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are considering before making your final selection. 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 analyze and compare each program so you can focus your options and make your final choice. And with the appropriate education and your commitment to succeed, you can achieve your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Norway ME.

Some Background on Norway Maine

Norway, Maine

Norway is a town in Oxford County, Maine, United States. The population was 5,014 at the 2010 census. It is home to Lake Pennesseewassee, a recreation area.

The town was first called Rustfield after Henry Rust of Salem, Massachusetts, a large landowner. It was cleared and settled after 1786 by Joseph Stevens, followed by George Leslie, Amos Hobbs, Jeremiah Hobbs, Jonas Stevens and Nathaniel Stevens, together with their families from Gray. Many who moved here had been soldiers in the Revolutionary War, including Phineas Whitney, who fought at the Battle of Bunker Hill. A sawmill and gristmill were established in 1789, and in 1796, the first road was built. Rustfield Plantation was incorporated on March 9, 1797, as Norway.[4] The town had petitioned the Massachusetts General Court to be named Norage, which is Native American for falls. Why it was changed is unknown—fire destroyed the town records in 1843.[5] During the Civil War, Norway and other municipalities in Oxford County provided a militia company to the 1st Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment under the command of George Lafayette Beal, who would later rise to the rank of major general and serve as State Treasurer from 1888 to 1894.

The town had fertile soil for cultivation. The Pennesseewassee Stream, which drains Lake Pennesseewassee into the Little Androscoggin River, provided water power for industry. At the falls were established two grain mills, a cloth and carding mill, furniture factory, box factory and a shovel handle factory. There was a tannery, with other businesses making harness and trunks. A shoe manufactory was established in 1872. The busy stage route from Paris, the county seat, to Fryeburg passed through Norway. By 1878, there were 32 stores in the town, which for a number of years had the fastest growing population of any similar town in the state.[6] On December 30, 1879, the Norway Branch Railroad opened, running from Norway village on a line 1.45 miles (2.3 kilometers) long to connect with the Atlantic and St. Lawrence Railroad (later Grand Trunk Railroad) at South Paris.[7] But the Great Norway Fire of May 9, 1894, would destroy a substantial portion of the business district. Started in the C. B. Cummings & Sons mill, it was spread by a strong wind down Main Street. The opera house, Congregational Church, tannery, and 80 homes and other buildings were lost. Much of Norway was rebuilt the same year, with several structures in brick.[8]

Norway was once called the "Snowshoe Capital of the World" because of the many snowshoes manufactured here. In 1906, Walter Tubbs established the Tubbs Snowshoe Company to produce ash snowshoes, skis, sleds and furniture. W.F Tubbs supplied the polar expeditions of Byrd and Peary.[9] In the early 1930s, the Tubbs Company moved to Vermont, and in 2004, it was bought by K2 Sports. The Tubbs snowshoes are now made at a factory in Guangzhou, China.[10] With the exit of the Tubbs Company, another snowshoe company, SnoCraft Inc. was opened in the old Tubbs factory. The firm made 70% of the snowshoes ordered by the U.S. government during World War II

In 1997, the New Balance Shoe Company built a new manufacturing facility at Norway. The C. B. Cummings & Son Company, founded in 1860 to make dowels and other wood products, closed and auctioned its downtown plant in 2001 because of competition from China. In addition, the business had lost customers when furniture factories in the Carolinas shut down.[11]