Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Stockholm ME 04783 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Pick a Radiologic Technician Degree Program near Stockholm Maine

Stockholm ME x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Stockholm ME so you can train to be a radiology technician. But now that you have decided to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you set about selecting the right college and program to ensure that you will get the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And because most states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you may need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the schools you are looking at in order to compare each program. Many potential students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and frequently gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location need to be considered, there are other significant qualifications also. For instance, you need to ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are reviewing are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and training options that are offered.

Radiology Tech Work Description

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the identical fundamental job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some opt to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, such as mammography. They can practice in Stockholm ME hospitals, clinics, family 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 care for their equipment and routinely analyze its functionality and safety. They are also expected to keep complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Stockholm ME health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degrees

x-ray machine in Stockholm ME The basic prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech program 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, usually requires 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to finish and is more extensive in scope. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be acceptable also. One thing to keep in mind is that Stockholm ME radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can frequently be fulfilled by taking part in an externship program which many schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification mandates in Maine or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might have to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so get in touch with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but a number approve other alternatives for testing also. Several states also require certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is optional. Having said that, numerous Stockholm ME employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technician Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Stockholm 04783 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree colleges. So while you can still obtain your online degree, a large amount of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is usually provided in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online segment of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Stockholm ME home. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically find that the online style of education is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are often less expensive than on-campus alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be lessened as well. But just be sure that the online program you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online degree may be the best choice for you.

Questions to Ask Radiology Tech Colleges

As soon as you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of looking for and assessing Stockholm ME x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to decide if you want to attend online classes or travel to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a material factor as well. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you look at when evaluating schools? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide 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 should ask the schools you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? Most radiology technician colleges have received some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still imperative to verify that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting agencies 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 detailed review of their teachers and educational materials. If the program is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Stockholm ME employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level openings.

Are Internships Offered? Inquire if the Maine xray tech colleges you are interested in have associations with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent manner to receive practical training in a clinical environment, they are also a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist students and graduates develop professional relationships in the Stockholm ME health care community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the radiographer programs you are considering 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 Stockholm ME healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the college they pick will have to be within travelling distance of their Stockholm 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 keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit far in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Stockholm ME colleges you are reviewing 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 final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program also.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the x-ray tech program you ultimately pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Stockholm ME, verify that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family emergencies.

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

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you might be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What made you choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not just the private reasons you might have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what qualities and skills you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, as well as a certain number of general interview questions, so you need to prepare several strategies about how you would like to respond to them. Since there are numerous factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the strengths you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the best choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but jot down several ideas and topics that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can assist you to develop your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Pick the Right Radiology Technician College near Stockholm ME

Selecting the right radiology tech degree program is a critical first step toward launching a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs typically stand for the greater part of the day and position and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best possible patient care. As we have addressed in this report, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each program you are assessing prior to making your ultimate decision. This is equally true whether you opt for an online school or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each school so you can focus your choices and make your final choice. And with the right training and your motivation to be successful, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiographer in Stockholm ME.

Some Background on Stockholm Maine

Stockholm, Maine

Stockholm is a town in Aroostook County, Maine, United States. The population was 253 at the 2010 census.

Starting in 1870, a Swedish-immigrant colony was established by the State of Maine in Aroostook County. The State of Maine had appointed William W. Thomas, Jr., who had served as American Consul in Sweden during the administration of President Abraham Lincoln, to be State Immigration Commissioner. On March 23, 1870 the Legislature passed an Act authorizing a Board of Immigration and Beverly A Benson was named Commissioner of Immigration. Beverly went to Sweden, recruited immigrants and led them first into New Sweden township followed by the townships of Westmanland in 1879 and Stockholm in 1881.

In the late 19th century and early 20th century, the languages of French and Swedish were primary languages of many families living and working in Stockholm. Many French-speaking Acadians migrated to Stockholm to work in the three wood mills Stockholm had at the time.

The Anderson Brothers Store is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 34.27 square miles (88.76 km2), of which 34.20 square miles (88.58 km2) is land and 0.07 square miles (0.18 km2) is water.[1]