Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Oxford ME 04270 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select an Xray Technician College near Oxford Maine

Oxford ME x-ray tech internship program Congratulations on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Oxford ME so you can become a radiology technologist. But now that you have chosen to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you go about choosing the ideal school and program so that you will obtain the proper training to become a skilled professional? And since most states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you might require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you research each of the colleges you are looking at in order to compare each program. Many potential students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location need to be taken into consideration, there are other significant qualifiers also. For example, you need to ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are considering are presented later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray tech does and the degrees and training choices that are offered.

Radiology Tech Career Description

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, each has the same fundamental job description, 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 treating cancer. Some elect to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They may work in Oxford ME clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may 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 maintain their equipment plus routinely analyze its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to retain complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Oxford ME medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Oxford ME The primary prerequisite for attending a radiology tech school is to have received 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 common among technicians, generally requires 18 months to two years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to complete and is more comprehensive in nature. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be appropriate as well. One thing to consider is that Oxford ME radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may often be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing mandates in Maine or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, based on the state where you will be employed you may need to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites differ so check with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many provide additional alternatives for testing also. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, many Oxford ME employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it could improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Tech Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Oxford 04270 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree schools. So while you can still obtain your online degree, a large portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is typically performed in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online portion of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Oxford ME residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree typically discover that the online approach to education is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are often less expensive than conventional options. Along with lower tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting can be lessened also. But just make certain that the online college you select is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online degree may be the best option for you.

Questions to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges

Once you have selected the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of locating and assessing Oxford ME x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or travel to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be an important factor as well. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you look at when comparing schools? Well, you should check out if the colleges 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 must ask the colleges you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? The majority of radiology tech schools have obtained some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still important 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 earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed examination of their teachers and educational materials. If the program is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also help in securing financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Oxford ME health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry level openings.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out if the Maine radiology technician programs you are reviewing have partnerships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to receive practical training in a clinical environment, they are also a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist graduates and students develop professional connections in the Oxford ME medical community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask 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 a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Oxford ME healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the college they decide on will have to be within commuting distance of their Oxford ME residence. Individuals who have decided to attend online classes obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit far in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Oxford ME colleges you are looking at what the typical student to teacher 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 a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the x-ray tech college you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Oxford ME, check that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Become an Xray Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to reflect on questions you might be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers often ask radiographer applicants is "What made you select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not merely the private reasons you might have for becoming a radiology technician, but additionally what attributes and skills you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, in addition to a significant number of typical interview questions, so you should ready some approaches about how you want to respond to them. Since there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you as well as the strengths you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down several ideas and anecdotes that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can assist you to prepare your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.

Choose the Right X-Ray Tech College near Oxford ME

Choosing the ideal radiology technician college is a critical first step toward launching a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the greater part of the day and move and sometimes lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. As has been covered in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are looking at before making your final decision. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online school 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 proper education and your motivation to be successful, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Oxford ME.

Some Background on Oxford Maine

Oxford, Maine

Oxford is a town in Oxford County, Maine, United States. The population was 4,110 at the 2010 census. Oxford is home to the Oxford Plains Speedway, the annual Oxford County Fair, and Oxford Casino. The town includes the village of Welchville.

The land was part of Shepardsfield Plantation (also called Bog Brook Plantation), granted on March 8, 1777 by the Massachusetts General Court to Alexander Shepard, Jr. of Newton, Massachusetts. On March 6, 1792, the plantation was incorporated as Hebron, with Oxford its southwesterly portion. First settled in 1794, Oxford was set off and incorporated on February 27, 1829. It annexed land from Otisfield in 1830, and from Paris in 1838.[4] The town was named after Oxford, in England.[5]

Farmers grew mostly hay, and the town became noted for cattle. Mills were established at 2 water power sites; these developed in the 19th-century into principal villages within the town, especially after the arrival of the Grand Trunk Railway in the 1850s. Welchville was located on the Little Androscoggin River, where the woolen textile mill of the Harper Manufacturing Company was established. At the outlet of Thompson Lake was Oxford village, first called Craigie's Mill for the sawmill and gristmill built by Andrew Craigie, a Boston apothecary and land speculator. This was also the site of a grisly murder that, to this day, goes unsolved. Here were erected a barrel stave mill, a shovel handle factory, and the woolen textile mills of the Robinson Manufacturing Company. The railroad brought seasonal tourists to Thompson Lake, where inns and hotels opened. Today, Oxford is a recreational area with fine architecture remaining from its prosperous mill town past. The Congregational Church, built in 1842–1843, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[6]

The town was hit by an F1 tornado on Saturday, June 5, 2010, causing some serious damage.

Covered bridge c. 1907