Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Stratton ME 04982 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Pick a Radiologic Technician Degree Program near Stratton Maine

Stratton ME x-ray tech internship program Best wishes on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Stratton ME in order to learn to be a radiologic technician. And now that you have made a decision to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you set about selecting the ideal college and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do require that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you might need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you assess each of the schools you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. A number of students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and typically settle on the lowest cost. But while location and cost need to be taken into account, there are other significant qualifications as well. For example, you must find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are considering are presented later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and training options that are offered.

X-Ray Tech Work Summary

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, each has the same principal job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many elect to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They may work in Stratton ME clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist may utilize include:

Traditional and specialized X-Rays
Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Sonography or ultrasound
Fluoroscopy

Radiographers have to take care of their equipment and regularly analyze its performance and safety. They are also expected to retain in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Stratton ME medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Tech Degree Options

x-ray machine in Stratton ME The basic requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech school is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, normally requires 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to finish and is more extensive in scope. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are appropriate also. One thing to keep in mind is that Stratton ME radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which many schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification requirements in Maine or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an Radiologist school, depending on the state where you will be working you may have to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites differ so contact 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 a number accept additional options for testing also. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, many Stratton ME employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it might increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technician Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Stratton 04982 As a part of every 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 earn your online degree, a significant portion of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is usually provided in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online segment of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Stratton ME residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online style of education is far more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online programs are frequently cheaper than traditional options. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting can be decreased as well. But just make sure that the online program you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then online classes may be the best choice for you.

Subjects to Ask X Ray Tech Schools

After you have chosen the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of looking for and assessing Stratton ME x-ray technician 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 obviously the location of the college will be important. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenses will be an important factor as well. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you consider when evaluating colleges? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Tech Programs Accredited? Most xray tech colleges have received some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still imperative to verify that the program and school 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). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive review of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also help in securing financial aid and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Stratton ME health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level positions.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Inquire if the Maine radiology technician colleges you are assessing have partnerships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific way to obtain practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help students and graduates develop professional connections in the Stratton ME health care community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the radiographer programs 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 substantial networks and great relationships with Stratton ME healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the college they choose will need to be within travelling distance of their Stratton 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 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 perhaps out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often 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.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit way in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Stratton ME colleges you are reviewing 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 decision. This will also give you a chance to speak with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the x-ray tech program you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Stratton ME, confirm that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Desire to Be an X-Ray Tech?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to reflect on questions you might be asked. Among the questions that interviewers frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What made you select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not just the private reasons you might have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what attributes and talents you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, in addition to a significant number of routine interview questions, so you need to organize several approaches about how you would like to respond to them. Because there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental 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 exceptional X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but write down some ideas and talking points that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.

Select the Best X-Ray Tech Program near Stratton ME

Selecting the right x-ray technician college is an important first step toward beginning a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs often stand for the greater part of the day and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians 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 productive work environment and provide the best available care to patients. As has been covered in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are reviewing before making your ultimate decision. This is equally true whether you opt for an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each school so you can focus your options before making your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your commitment to be successful, you can realize your goal to work as a radiology tech in Stratton ME.

Some Background on Stratton Maine

General Tom Thumb

Charles Sherwood Stratton (January 4, 1838 – July 15, 1883), better known by his stage name "General Tom Thumb", was a dwarf who achieved great fame as a performer under circus pioneer P.T. Barnum.[1]

Stratton was the son of a Bridgeport, Connecticut, carpenter named Sherwood Edward Stratton, son of Seth Sherwood Stratton and Amy Sharpe. Sherwood married his first cousin Cynthia Thompson, daughter of Joseph Thompson and Mary Ann Sharpe. Charles Stratton's maternal and paternal grandmothers, Amy and Mary Ann Sharpe, were allegedly small twin girls born on July 11, 1781/83 in Oxford, New Haven, Connecticut.

Born in Bridgeport to parents who were of medium height, ironically Charles was a relatively large baby, weighing 9 pounds 8 ounces (4.3 kg) at birth.[2] He developed and grew normally for the first six months of his life, at which point he was 25 inches (64 cm) tall and weighed 15 pounds (6.8 kg). Then he suddenly stopped growing. His parents became concerned when, after his first birthday, they noticed he had not grown at all in the previous six months. They showed him to their doctor, who said there was little chance Charles would ever reach normal height.

By late 1842 (4 years old), Stratton grew only one inch from when he was six months old. Apart from this, he was a totally normal, healthy child, with several siblings who were of average size.

Phineas T. Barnum, a distant relative (half fifth cousin, twice removed[3]), heard about Stratton and after contacting his parents, taught the boy how to sing, dance, mime, and impersonate famous people. Barnum also went into business with Stratton's father, who died in 1855. Stratton made his first tour of America at the age of five, with routines that included impersonating characters such as Cupid and Napoleon Bonaparte as well as singing, dancing and comical banter with another performer who acted as a straight man. It was a huge success and the tour expanded.