Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Jessup MD 20794 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select a Radiologic Technician School near Jessup Maryland

Jessup MD x-ray tech internship program Congratulations regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Jessup MD so you can become a radiologic technologist. And now that you have made a decision to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you tackle picking the ideal school and program so that you will get the proper training to become a qualified professional? And considering that most states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you might require training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. Most prospective students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and often gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location should be taken into account, there are additional critical qualifiers as well. For instance, you must ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the colleges you are considering are presented later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray technician does and the degrees and education choices that are available.

Radiology Tech Career Summary

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have the same primary job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some opt to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They can work in Jessup MD clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician might utilize include:

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

Radiographers must maintain their equipment and also routinely evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally required to retain in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Jessup 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 Jessup MD The standard requirement for enrolling in an x-ray 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 technicians, generally takes 18 months to two years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to finish and is more comprehensive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be acceptable as well. One thing to keep in mind is that Jessup MD radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may typically be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Maryland or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiographer Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, based on the state where you will be practicing you might have to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria vary so contact your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many approve other options for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Jessup MD employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technician Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Jessup 20794 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 no different for online degree schools. So although you can still earn your degree online, a considerable amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is usually provided in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Jessup MD home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree often find that the online style of learning is much more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are often cheaper than traditional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be reduced as well. But just make sure that the online school 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 online classes may be the best choice for you.

Points to Ask Radiology Tech Colleges

After you have selected the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of finding and evaluating Jessup MD x-ray technician schools. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be critical. The price of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a determining factor also. But along with cost and location, what more should you consider when evaluating schools? Well, you need to find out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details prior to making your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are looking at.

Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? Most radiology technician colleges have obtained some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still important to verify that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs earning 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 targets online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Jessup MD employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level openings.

Are Internships Provided? Inquire if the Maryland xray tech programs you are interested in have partnerships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent 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 supplemental benefit, they may assist students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Jessup MD healthcare community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly want 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 programs 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 large networks and good relationships with Jessup MD healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the school they choose will have to be within travelling distance of their Jessup MD residence. Those who have chosen to attend classes online naturally will not have to trouble 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 program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually 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 Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit far in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Jessup MD 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 determination. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program as well.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the x-ray tech school you finally select can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Jessup MD, make sure that they are available. 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 because of work, illness or family emergencies.

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

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you could be asked. Among the things that interviewers typically ask radiographer candidates is "What drove you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not only the personal reasons you might have for becoming a radiology technician, but additionally what characteristics and talents you possess that make you good at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, along with a significant number of standard interview questions, so you should ready several ideas about how you would like to respond to them. Considering there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the talents you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down a few concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Pick the Ideal Radiology Tech School near Jessup MD

Selecting the best radiology technician school is a crucial first step toward launching a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs often stand for the greater part of the workday and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also show a capability 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 techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and provide the best available care to patients. As we have covered in this report, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate selection. This is similarly true whether you enroll in an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each school so you can focus your options before making your decision. And with the right education and your motivation to be successful, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiographer in Jessup MD.

Some Background on Jessup Maryland

Jessup, Maryland

Jessup (/ˈdʒɛsəp/ JESS-əp) is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Howard County, Maryland and Anne Arundel County, Maryland, United States. The population was 7,137 at the 2010 census.[1]

Jessup is located at 39°08′18″N 76°46′30″W / 39.138374°N 76.774929°W / 39.138374; -76.774929 (39.138374, -76.774929).[2] According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 5.3 square miles (13.6 km2), all of it land. As of the 2010 census, the center of population for the state of Maryland is located on the grounds of the Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center in Jessup.[3][4]

Jessup is located near the site of the historic Spurrier's Tavern, a farm and tavern located on the post road between Baltimore and Washington (Route One) where George Washington traveled regularly.[5]

The location of the town was named Pierceland on early maps,[6] but the post-civil war name more commonly given was Jessup's Cut, or Jessop's Cut, a post village in Howard County on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The name is generally attributed to Jonathan Jessup, a civil engineer who worked on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and the hand-dug "cut" though Merrill's Ridge he managed as a project. The crews took over 200,000 tons of clay from the clay hill that blocked the trains in freezing weather. The clay was turned into bricks by some of the prisoners from the Maryland Penitentiary who also worked on the Maryland House of Corrections when it was being built. Some of those inmates were then transferred to the House of Correction and they knew the walls were made from Jessup's Cut, hence "the CUT". The name was shortened to Jessups in 1963. Into the mid 20th century, the town was called "Jessups", then was shortened to "Jessup".[7][better source needed]

Since the mid-19th century, the area has been home to various penal institutions.[8][9] Inmates today still refer to these jails as "the cut," probably unaware of the origin of the name. The Maryland House of Correction, operated by the Maryland Department of Corrections, included a large onsite farm manned with prison labor to provide food for prisoners onsite and offsite. Prisoner labor was discouraged by job seekers in the 1970s much as it did 100 years earlier during the construction of the B&O at Jessup's cut. The State-run Maryland Food Center occupies the land.[10] The prison closed to inmates in 2007.[11] The prison is referred to several times in the NBC television series Homicide: Life on the Street and the HBO original series, The Wire. Even though the maximum security prison is now closed, the town still houses a major minimum security prison, Brockbridge Correctional Facility, for violent offenders who are not deemed a threat to society due to the nature of their crimes.[12]