Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Parsonsfield ME 04047

How to Select a Radiology Tech School near Parsonsfield Maine

Parsonsfield ME x-ray tech internship program Best wishes regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Parsonsfield ME so you can learn to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have decided to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you undertake selecting the ideal school and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And because the majority of states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you might need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you research each of the schools you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. A number of potential students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and typically settle on the lowest cost. But while location and cost should be taken into account, there are additional significant qualifications also. For example, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are considering are presented later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology tech does and the credentials and education choices that are available.

Radiology Tech Career Description

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, they all have the same major job function, which is to utilize 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 opt to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for instance mammography. They may practice in Parsonsfield ME clinics, hospitals, private 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 take care of their equipment and regularly evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also expected to retain in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Parsonsfield ME health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Tech Degree Options

x-ray machine in Parsonsfield ME The primary prerequisite for attending a radiology tech school is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, generally requires 18 months to two years to finish depending on 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 scope. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are acceptable also. Something to bear in mind is that Parsonsfield ME radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can frequently be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Maine or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, based on the state where you will be practicing you might need to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their criteria differ so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but many approve other alternatives for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, many Parsonsfield ME employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technologist Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Parsonsfield 04047 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree colleges. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a large portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is typically performed in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online portion of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Parsonsfield ME residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online style of learning is much more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are generally more affordable than on-campus options. Along with reduced tuition, costs for study materials and commuting may be lessened also. But just make sure that the online college you choose is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then online classes may be the ideal choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiology Tech Schools

After you have selected the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of locating and evaluating Parsonsfield ME x-ray technician schools. You will also need to determine if you want to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the college will be important. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a determining factor as well. But along with location and cost, what else should you factor in when evaluating 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 essential details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are looking at.

Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? The majority of radiology tech schools have received some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still crucial to verify that the school and program are accredited. One of 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 review of their instructors and educational materials. If the program 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 often not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Parsonsfield ME employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Ask if the Maine xray technician colleges you are reviewing have relationships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great means to obtain hands on training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist graduates and students establish professional connections in the Parsonsfield ME medical community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the radiographer schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Parsonsfield ME healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they pick will have to be within travelling distance of their Parsonsfield ME home. Individuals who have decided to attend online classes obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit far in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Parsonsfield ME schools you are looking at what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. 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.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the radiographer school you finally select can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Parsonsfield ME, check that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Choose to Become a Radiology Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to review questions you might be asked. One of the things that recruiters frequently ask radiographer prospects is "What made you select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not only the private reasons you may have for becoming a radiology technician, but also what characteristics and abilities you possess that make you good at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, as well as a certain number of typical interview questions, so you need to ready a number of approaches about how you want to address them. Because there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you along with the abilities 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 jot down some concepts and anecdotes that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can help you to develop your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.

Enroll in the Best X-Ray Technician School near Parsonsfield ME

Enrolling in the ideal x-ray technician college is a crucial first step toward initiating a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs typically stand for the greater part of the day and move and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best available patient care. As has been addressed in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each college you are considering prior to making your final selection. This is equally true whether you opt for an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each school so you can focus your options before making your final choice. And with the appropriate education and your motivation to succeed, you can realize your goal to work as a radiographer in Parsonsfield ME.

Some Background on Parsonsfield Maine

Parsonsfield, Maine

Parsonsfield is a town in York County, Maine, United States. The population was 1,898 at the 2010 census. Parsonsfield includes the villages of Kezar Falls, Parsonsfield, and North, East and South Parsonsfield. It is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area.

This was part of a large tract of land sold on November 28, 1668 by Newichewannock Indian Chief Sunday (or Wesumbe) to Francis Small, a trader from Kittery. The price was two large Indian blankets, two gallons of rum, two pounds of gunpowder, four pounds of musket balls and twenty strings of Indian beads. Small then sold half his interest to Major Nicholas Shapleigh of what is now Eliot. In 1771, heirs sold the township to Thomas Parsons and 39 associates, upon which it was surveyed into 100-acre (0.40 km2) lots. Called Parsonstown Plantation, it was first settled in 1772 by 12 families.[4]

On August 29, 1785, the town was incorporated as Parsonsfield after Thomas Parsons, one of the largest proprietors. The Blazo-Leavitt House, a fine example of the Federal style, was built in 1812. Parsonsfield Seminary was founded in 1832 and closed in 1949.[5]

The surface of the town is rough and hilly, its soil rocky but fertile for farming. Chief crops were grain and hay. Mills were built at pond outlets and on the South River. The largest water power source was on the Ossipee River at Kezar Falls, where the village of Kezar Falls straddled the stream into Porter. Parsonsfield had seven sawmills and seven gristmills. In 1880, John Devereux and George W. Towle built the Kezar Falls Woolen Mill, a woolen textile factory which became the most important business in Parsonsfield.[6]

Blazo-Leavitt House c. 1900