How to Pick an X-Ray Technician Program in Maryland
Congrats on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school in Maryland in order to train to be a radiology technician. But now that you have made a decision to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about picking the right school and program so that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified professional? And since the majority of states do require that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you may require preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you research each of the schools you are considering in order to compare each program. Many potential students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and usually gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while location and cost should be considered, there are other critical qualifications also. For example, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the colleges you are considering are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and education options that are available.
X-Ray Technician Work Summary
There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, each has the same principal job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many elect to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They may practice in Maryland hospitals, clinics, private 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 must care for their equipment plus routinely assess its functionality and safety. They are also required to keep detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Maryland health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
Radiology Technician Degrees Available
The standard requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech program 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 typical among technicians, usually takes 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to complete and is more expansive in scope. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be appropriate also. Something to bear in mind is that Maryland radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which many colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Maryland or the state you will be working as applicable.
X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification
After you have graduated from an Radiologist college, based on the state where you will be practicing you might have to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria vary so check with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but many offer other alternatives for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, numerous Maryland employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it could enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.
Online Radiology Technician Programs
As a component of every degree program, Maryland x-ray tech schools will have clinical 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 amount of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is often carried out in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online segment of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Maryland home. Students who keep working while earning their degree often find that the online approach to education is much more practical with their active schedules. Plus online programs are generally less costly than conventional alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials may be reduced also. But just be sure that the online college you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online school may be the best option for you.
Points to Ask Radiology Tech Colleges
When you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of looking for and assessing Maryland x-ray technician schools. You will also have to decide if you want to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a determining factor as well. But along with cost and location, what else should you look at when reviewing colleges? Well, you should check out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details before you make your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are assessing.
Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? A large number of radiology tech colleges have acquired some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still crucial to make sure 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). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive review of their instructors and educational materials. If the program is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on 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 ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Maryland health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level jobs.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask if the Maryland xray tech colleges you are evaluating have relationships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to receive hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are also a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist students and graduates develop professional relationships in the Maryland medical community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Maryland healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? For many students, the school they choose will need to be within driving distance of their Maryland residence. Individuals who have opted to attend online classes naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally 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 Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit far in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Maryland colleges you are researching what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program as well.
Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the radiographer college you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Maryland, check that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Pick the Ideal X-Ray Technician School in Maryland
Picking the right radiology tech school is an important first step toward launching a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs regularly stand for the majority of the day and position and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements 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 patient care. As has been discussed in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are reviewing prior to making your final selection. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each program 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 radiology tech in Maryland.