How to Choose a Radiologic Tech Degree Program near Stockton Springs Maine
Congratulations on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Stockton Springs ME in order to train to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have made a decision to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you undertake picking the ideal college and program so that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that most states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you might need preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you assess each of the schools you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Many students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and often settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location need to be considered, there are additional critical qualifications as well. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the colleges you are examining are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology tech does and the credentials and training choices that are offered.
Radiology Tech Job Summary
There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, they all have the identical primary 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 administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They may practice in Stockton Springs ME hospitals, clinics, 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 have to care for their equipment and frequently analyze its performance and safety. They are also expected to retain complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Stockton Springs ME health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
Radiology Tech Degrees Available
The standard requirement for attending an x-ray tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, normally requires 18 months to two years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to finish and is more comprehensive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be appropriate as well. Something to keep in mind is that Stockton Springs ME radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may typically be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which many colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Maine or the state you will be working as applicable.
Radiographer Certification and Licensing
Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might have to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their requirements differ so check with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but several offer other alternatives for testing also. Several states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. However, many Stockton Springs ME employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.
Online Radiology Technician Degrees
As a part of any 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 although you can still earn your online degree, a considerable portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is typically provided in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online section of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Stockton Springs ME home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree usually discover that the online approach to education is much more practical with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently less expensive than traditional alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be decreased also. But just make sure that the online school you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online school may be the right choice for you.
Subjects to Ask Radiology Tech Schools
Once you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of looking for and evaluating Stockton Springs ME x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to decide if you want to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenses will be an important factor as well. But along with location and cost, what else should you look at when reviewing schools? Well, you need to check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are assessing.
Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? The majority of xray technician colleges have earned some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still crucial to make sure that the school and program 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 receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous evaluation of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Stockton Springs ME employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level jobs.
Are Internship Programs Offered? Find out if the Maine xray tech schools you are evaluating have partnerships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great way to get hands on training in a clinical setting, they are also a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Stockton Springs ME health care community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Stockton Springs ME healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the school they choose will need to be within driving distance of their Stockton Springs ME home. Those who have chosen to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. One thing to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that likes to sit way in the rear of class 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 Stockton Springs ME schools you are considering what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to converse with some 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 radiographer school you ultimately choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Stockton Springs ME, check that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Why Did You Choose to Become a Radiologic Technologist?
When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to reflect on questions you could be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers typically ask radiographer prospects is "What drove you to pick radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not just the private reasons you may have for becoming a radiology technician, but additionally what attributes and talents you have that make you good at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, as well as a certain number of standard interview questions, so you must organize a number of approaches about how you want to address them. Given that there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the abilities you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but write down a few concepts and anecdotes that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can assist you to prepare your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.Enroll in the Best Radiology Technician College near Stockton Springs ME
Choosing the appropriate radiology tech degree program is a crucial first step toward starting a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs frequently stand for the greater part of the day and move and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best available care to patients. As we have addressed in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are reviewing prior to making your final selection. This is similarly true whether you decide on an online program or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each school so you can narrow down your options and make your final choice. And with the proper training and your motivation to be successful, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Stockton Springs ME.
Some Background on Stockton Springs Maine
Stockton Springs, Maine
Stockton Springs is a town in Waldo County, Maine, United States. The population was 1,591 at the 2010 census. Stockton Springs is home to Fort Point State Park and Fort Point Light, both located on Fort Point, a peninsula on Cape Jellison.
Part of the Waldo Patent, it was first settled about 1759, the year Governor Thomas Pownall completed Fort Pownall on Fort Point.[4] The defense was intended to guard the mouth of the Penobscot River estuary during the French and Indian War. Fort Pownall was burned in 1775 and 1779 by the British themselves, to prevent it from falling into the hands of American rebels.[5]
On February 29, 1794, the area was incorporated as part of Prospect, but then set off and incorporated as a town on March 13, 1857, named Stockton after a port in England.[6] In 1859, businesses included four sawmills, three shingle mills, two lath mills, one carding machine, one cloth-dressing mill, one tannery, four shipyards, six blacksmith shops, and several mechanic shops. By 1886, it also had a shoe factory, cheese factory, a door, sash and blind factory, cask and barrel makers, and a clothing factory.[7] On February 5, 1889, the town's name was changed to Stockton Springs in anticipation of bottling local spring water. When sediment was discovered in the bottles, however, the plan was abandoned.
Cape Jellison developed into a bustling port. Between 1905 and 1907, three huge wooden piers were built, the biggest 1,750 feet (534 meters) in length. The Bangor & Aroostook Railroad transported goods to and from the docks. An immense warehouse held potatoes from Aroostook County until schooners could deliver them elsewhere. The wharves were destroyed in a fire on November 8, 1924,[8] ending the harbor's industrial era.
Cape Jellison c. 1908
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