Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Dundalk MD 21222 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select a Radiology Tech Degree Program near Dundalk Maryland

Dundalk MD x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Dundalk MD so you can learn to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have decided to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you tackle selecting the right college and program so that you will get the proper training to become a qualified professional? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you might need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the schools you are looking at so that you can compare each program. A number of potential students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location should be taken into consideration, there are additional significant qualifiers as well. For instance, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are considering are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology technician does and the credentials and education choices that are available.

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X-Ray Tech Occupation Summary

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, each has the same primary job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many opt to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for example mammography. They can practice in Dundalk MD clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech 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 care for their equipment and regularly analyze its functionality and safety. They are also expected to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Dundalk MD medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Dundalk MD The primary requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common 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 finish and is more extensive in nature. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are acceptable also. Something to bear in mind is that Dundalk MD radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may frequently be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which many colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Maryland or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an Radiologist program, based on the state where you will be employed you might need to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites vary so check with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but several provide other options for testing as well. Several states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. However, many Dundalk MD employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it may enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technician Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Dundalk 21222 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree programs. So while you can still earn your online degree, a significant amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is often provided in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online section of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Dundalk MD residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically discover that the online approach to education is much more practical with their active schedules. Plus online schools are generally more affordable than on-campus options. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be decreased also. But just be sure that the online school you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online school may be the ideal option for you.

Points to Ask Radiologic Tech Schools

Once you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the process of searching for and evaluating Dundalk MD x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be critical. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a determining variable also. But along with location and cost, what more should you look at when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details before you make your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are reviewing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? The majority of xray tech schools have acquired some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still imperative to verify that the school and program 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 receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed review of their instructors and educational materials. If the program is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also help in getting financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Dundalk MD health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level positions.

Are Internships Provided? Inquire if the Maryland xray technician programs you are assessing have relationships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent means to get practical training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may help graduates and students establish professional connections in the Dundalk MD healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the radiographer schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Dundalk MD healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For many students, the college they select will need to be within travelling distance of their Dundalk MD residence. Students who have opted to attend classes online naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit far in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Dundalk MD schools you are reviewing what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program as well.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the x-ray tech program you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Dundalk MD, verify that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you could be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers often ask radiographer applicants is "What made you decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not just the private reasons you may have for being a radiology technician, but also what attributes and talents you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, as well as a significant number of general interview questions, so you must prepare some strategies about how you would like to respond to them. Considering there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you in addition to the abilities you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the best choice for the job. 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 thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.

Select the Right Radiology Technician Program near Dundalk MD

Selecting the right x-ray tech college is an important first step toward beginning a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs frequently stand for the greater part of the workday and position and in some cases lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best possible care to patients. As has been addressed in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are considering prior to making your ultimate selection. This is similarly true whether you enroll in an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each school so you can narrow down your options before making your decision. And with the right training and your dedication to be successful, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Dundalk MD.

Some Background on Dundalk Maryland

Dundalk, Maryland

Dundalk ( /ˈdʌndɔːk/ DUN-dawk or /ˈdʌndɒk/ DUN-dok) is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Baltimore County, Maryland, United States. The population was 63,597 at the 2010 census.[1] In 1960 and 1970, Dundalk was the largest unincorporated community in Maryland. It was named after the town of Dundalk, Ireland. Dundalk is considered one of the first inner-ring suburbs of Baltimore.

The area now known as Dundalk was first explored by John Smith in 1608. Up until this time, the area was occupied by the tribes of the Susquehannock Indians.

In 1856 Henry McShane, an immigrant from Ireland, established the McShane Bell Foundry on the banks of the Patapsco River in the then far southeastern outskirts of Baltimore.[2] The foundry later relocated to the Patterson Park area of Baltimore until a fire during the 1940s caused it to move to 201 East Federal Street. In addition to bronze bells, the foundry once manufactured cast iron pipes and furnace fittings. When asked by the Baltimore and Sparrows Point Railroad for a name of a depot for the foundry, which was on their rail line, McShane wrote Dundalk, after the town of his birth, Dundalk, Ireland. In 1977 the foundry moved to its current location in Glen Burnie.

In 1916 the Bethlehem Steel Company purchased 1,000 acres (4.0 km2) of farmland, near the McShane foundry, to develop housing for its shipyard workers. The Dundalk Company was formed to plan a town in the new style, similar to that of the Roland Park area of Baltimore, excluding businesses except at specific spots and leaving land for future development of schools, playing fields, and parks. By 1917 Dundalk proper was founded, at which point it had 62 houses, two stores, a post office, and a telephone exchange. Streets were laid out in a pedestrian-friendly open grid, with monikers like "Shipway", "Northship", "Flagship", and "Admiral". The two-story houses had steeply pitched roofs and stucco exteriors.

The Dundalk Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.[3]