Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Annapolis MD 21401 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find an Xray Technician Program near Annapolis Maryland

Annapolis MD x-ray tech internship program Best wishes on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Annapolis MD in order to train to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have chosen 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 because the majority of states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you may require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you research each of the colleges you are considering so that you can compare each program. Many prospective students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and typically gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location should be taken into account, there are additional significant qualifiers also. For instance, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are considering are presented later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and education choices that are offered.

Radiology Tech Job Summary

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, each has the identical major job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some elect to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for example mammography. They can work in Annapolis MD clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech might utilize 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 routinely analyze its performance and safety. They are also required to keep in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Annapolis MD medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Annapolis MD The standard prerequisite for attending a radiology tech school is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, generally requires 18 months to two years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 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 may be appropriate as well. Something to keep in mind is that Annapolis MD radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may frequently be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification mandates in Maryland or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an Radiologist school, based on the state where you will be employed you might have to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites differ so check with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but a number approve additional options for testing as well. Several states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. However, many Annapolis MD employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it might increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technician Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Annapolis 21401 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree programs. So although you can still obtain your online degree, a large portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is usually conducted in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Annapolis MD home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically discover that the online approach to education is far more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are often cheaper than conventional options. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting can be lessened also. But just be sure that the online school you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online degree may be the best option for you.

What to Ask Radiology Tech Schools

As soon as you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of searching for and assessing Annapolis MD x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to decide if you want to attend classes online or drive to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a determining factor also. But along with cost and location, what else should you consider when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to check out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these important details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are reviewing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? Most radiology technician schools have earned some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to confirm that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting organizations 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 rigorous assessment of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also help in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Annapolis MD health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level openings.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out if the Maryland radiology tech programs you are evaluating have associations with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent means to obtain hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist graduates and students establish professional connections in the Annapolis MD health care community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the radiographer programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Annapolis MD healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the college they decide on will need to be within driving distance of their Annapolis MD residence. Those who have chosen to attend online classes naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to keep in mind 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 often charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit way in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Annapolis MD schools you are researching what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program as well.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the x-ray tech program you ultimately select can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Annapolis MD, verify that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Desire to Be an Xray Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to consider questions you could be asked. Among the things that hiring managers often ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not only the private reasons you might have for being an X-Ray tech, but additionally what characteristics and skills you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, along with a certain number of routine interview questions, so you should organize several ideas about how you want to address them. Because there are several factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you along with the abilities you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but jot down a few ideas and topics that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.

Select the Best X-Ray Tech College near Annapolis MD

Selecting the best radiology tech college is a critical first step toward initiating a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs typically stand for the greater part of the day and position and in some cases lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and furnish the best possible patient care. As we have discussed in this report, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are assessing prior to making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you participate in an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each program so you can focus your choices and make your decision. And with the right education and your commitment to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Annapolis MD.

Some Background on Annapolis Maryland

Annapolis, Maryland

Annapolis (/əˈnæpəlɪs/) is the capital of the U.S. state of Maryland, as well as the county seat of Anne Arundel County. Situated on the Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the Severn River, 25 miles (40 km) south of Baltimore and about 30 miles (50 km) east of Washington, D.C., Annapolis is part of the Baltimore–Washington metropolitan area. Its population was measured at 38,394 by the 2010 census.

This city served as the seat of the Confederation Congress (former Second Continental Congress) and temporary national capital of the United States in 1783–1784. At that time, General George Washington came before the body convened in the new Maryland State House and resigned his commission as commander of the Continental Army. A month later, the Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris of 1783, ending the American Revolutionary War, with Great Britain recognizing the independence of the United States. The city and state capitol was also the site of the 1786 Annapolis Convention, which issued a call to the states to send delegates for the Constitutional Convention to be held the following year in Philadelphia. Over 220 years later, the Annapolis Peace Conference, was held in 2007. Annapolis is the home of St. John's College, founded 1696, as well as the United States Naval Academy, established 1845.

A settlement in the Province of Maryland named "Providence" was founded on the north shore of the Severn River on the middle Western Shore of the Chesapeake Bay in 1649 by Puritan exiles from the Province/Dominion of Virginia led by third Proprietary Governor William Stone (1603–1660). The settlers later moved to a better-protected harbor on the south shore. The settlement on the south shore was initially named "Town at Proctor's," then "Town at the Severn," and later "Anne Arundel's Towne" (after Lady Ann Arundell (1616-1649), the wife of Cecilus Calvert, second Lord Baltimore, who died soon afterwards).[6]

In 1654, after the Third English Civil War, Parliamentary forces assumed control of the Maryland colony and Stone went into exile further south across the Potomac River in Virginia. Per orders from Charles Calvert, fifth Lord Baltimore, Stone returned the following spring at the head of a Cavalier royalist force, loyal to the King of England. On March 25, 1655, in what is known as the Battle of the Severn (first colonial naval battle in North America), Stone was defeated, taken prisoner, and replaced by Lt. Gen. Josias Fendall (1628–1687) as fifth Proprietary Governor. Fendall governed Maryland during the latter half of the Commonwealth period in England. In 1660, he was replaced by Phillip Calvert (1626–1682) as fifth/sixth Governor of Maryland, after the restoration of Charles II (1630–1685) as King in England.

In 1694, soon after the overthrow of the Catholic government of second Royal Governor Thomas Lawrence (1645-1714), then third Royal Governor Francis Nicholson (1655-1727/28, served 1694-1698), moved the capital of the royal colony, the Province of Maryland, to Anne Arundel's Towne and renamed the town Annapolis after Princess Anne of Denmark and Norway, soon to be the Queen Anne of Great Britain (1665-1714, reigned 1702-1714). Annapolis was incorporated as a city in 1708.[7]