Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Germantown MD 20874 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Pick an X-Ray Technician Degree Program near Germantown Maryland

Germantown MD x-ray tech internship program Best wishes regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Germantown MD so you can train to be a radiology technician. And now that you have decided to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you go about choosing the ideal school and program so that you will receive the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you might need training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you research each of the colleges you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Most students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and typically settle on the most affordable cost. But while location and cost must be considered, there are other critical qualifiers as well. For example, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are considering are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray tech does and the degrees and training choices that are offered.

X-Ray Tech Work Summary

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, they all have the same fundamental job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some elect to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They may work in Germantown MD hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech might 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 frequently evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also required to retain in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Germantown MD medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Tech Degree Options

x-ray machine in Germantown MD The basic requirement for attending an x-ray tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, usually takes 18 months to two years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to complete and is more extensive in scope. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be acceptable as well. One thing to bear in mind is that Germantown MD radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may typically be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Maryland or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an Radiologist program, depending on the state where you will be employed you may need to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their requirements vary so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but several provide other options for testing also. Several states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. However, many Germantown MD employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technologist Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Germantown 20874 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree programs. So while 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 typically provided in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Germantown MD residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree usually discover that the online style of education is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are often cheaper than on-campus options. Along with lower tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials may be reduced also. But just make sure that the online school you choose 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 an online degree may be the ideal choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiographer Colleges

Once you have decided on the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of locating and evaluating Germantown MD x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to determine if you want to attend online classes or travel to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be critical. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be an important variable also. But along with location and cost, what more should you look at when evaluating schools? Well, you need to ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details prior to making your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Technician Schools Accredited? Most xray tech colleges have obtained some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still important to confirm that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous review of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies 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 many times not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Germantown MD health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask if the Maryland xray tech schools you are reviewing have associations with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific manner to receive hands on training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist students and graduates form professional relationships in the Germantown MD medical community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Germantown MD healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they decide on will need to be within travelling distance of their Germantown MD residence. Individuals who have chosen to attend classes online obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit way in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Germantown MD colleges you are researching what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with some of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the radiographer college you ultimately select can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Germantown MD, make sure that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Desire to Become a Radiology Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to reflect on questions you might be asked. Among the questions that recruiters frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What made you decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not just the personal reasons you may have for being an Xray technician, but also what characteristics and talents you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will likely be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, as well as a certain number of general interview questions, so you should prepare some approaches about how you would like to answer them. Given that there are so many 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 profession interests you along with the abilities you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but write down some ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Pick the Ideal Radiology Tech Program near Germantown MD

Choosing the appropriate x-ray tech college is a crucial first step toward initiating a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the greater part of the day and move 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 adhere to the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best possible patient care. As has been addressed in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each program you are considering before making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you decide on an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices before making your decision. And with the proper education and your motivation to be successful, you can realize your goal to work as a radiology tech in Germantown MD.

Some Background on Germantown Maryland

Germantown, Maryland

Germantown is an urbanized census-designated place in Montgomery County, Maryland. With a population of 90,676 as of 2013 U.S. Census Bureau estimates, Germantown is the third most populous place in Maryland, after the city of Baltimore, and the census-designated place of Columbia. If Germantown were to incorporate as a city, it would become the second largest incorporated city in Maryland, after Baltimore.[2][3] Germantown is located approximately 25–30 miles (40–48 km) outside of the U.S. capital of Washington, D.C. and is an important part of the Washington metropolitan area.

Germantown was founded in the early 19th century by European immigrants though much of the area's development did not occur until the mid-20th century. The original plan for Germantown divided the area into a downtown and six town villages:[4] Gunners Lake Village, Kingsview Village,[5] Churchill Village, Middlebrook Village,[6] Clopper's Mill Village, and Neelsville Village.[7] The Churchill Town Sector at the corner of Maryland Route 118 and Middlebrook Road most closely resembles the downtown or center of Germantown because of the location of the Upcounty Regional Services Center, the Germantown Public Library, the Black Rock Arts Center, the Regal Germantown Stadium 14, and pedestrian shopping that features an array of restaurants. Three exits to Interstate 270 are less than one mile away, the Maryland Area Regional Commuter train is within walking distance, and the Germantown Transit Center that provides Ride On shuttle service to the Shady Grove station of the Washington Metro's Red Line.

Germantown has the assigned ZIP codes of 20874 and 20876 for delivery and 20875 for post office boxes. It is the most populous Germantown in Maryland and is the only "Germantown, Maryland" that is recognized by the United States Postal Service.

In the 1830s and 1840s, the central business area was focused around the intersection of Liberty Mill Road and Clopper Road. Several German immigrants set up shop at the intersection and the town became known as "German Town", even though most residents of the town were of English or Scottish descent.[8]

Although it avoided much of the physical destruction that ravaged other cities in the region, the American Civil War was still a cause of resentment and division among residents of Germantown. Many Germantown residents were against slavery and had sons fighting for the Union Army. In contrast, other residents of Germantown, owned slaves, and even those who weren't slave-owners had sons fighting for the Confederate Army. As a result, many people in Germantown, who were once on friendly terms with each other, made an effort not to interact with each other, such as switching churches, or frequenting a store or mill miles away from the ones they would normally do business with.[9]