Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Takoma Park MD 20912

How to Find an X-Ray Technician Program near Takoma Park Maryland

Takoma Park MD x-ray tech internship program Best wishes regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Takoma Park MD so you can learn to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have made a decision to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you undertake picking the right school and program to ensure that you will receive the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And because most states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you might need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you research each of the colleges you are considering in order to compare each program. A number of potential students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and usually settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location must be taken into account, there are additional significant qualifications also. For example, you must find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are evaluating are presented later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology tech does and the credentials and training options that are available.

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X-Ray Tech Job Description

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, each has the identical major job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They may work in Takoma Park 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 must take care of their equipment plus regularly evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also required to keep in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Takoma Park MD medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Takoma Park MD The standard prerequisite for attending a radiology tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. 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, normally requires 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to complete and is more extensive in scope. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be acceptable also. Something to bear in mind is that Takoma Park MD radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may often be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Maryland or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, based on the state where you will be practicing you may have to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria vary so check with 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 several approve other alternatives for testing as well. Several states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. However, numerous Takoma Park MD employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Tech Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Takoma Park 20912 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree programs. So while you can still obtain your degree online, a significant portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is usually conducted in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Takoma Park MD home. Students who continue working while earning their degree typically discover that the online approach to education is much more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are generally more affordable than traditional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials may be reduced as well. But just make sure that the online program you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online degree may be the best option for you.

Questions to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs

When you have chosen the type of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of searching for and evaluating Takoma Park MD x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to determine if you want to attend online classes or drive to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be important. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a material variable also. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you look at when reviewing colleges? Well, you should ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are considering.

Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? The majority of xray technician colleges have obtained some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still imperative to confirm 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). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous assessment of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. 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 assistance and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Takoma Park MD employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level jobs.

Are Internships Sponsored? Ask if the Maryland xray technician schools you are evaluating have partnerships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great manner to get hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist students and graduates develop professional relationships in the Takoma Park MD medical community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Takoma Park MD healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For many students, the college they select will need to be within driving distance of their Takoma Park MD residence. Individuals who have chosen to attend online classes naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually 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 far in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Takoma Park MD schools you are reviewing what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program also.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the x-ray tech program you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Takoma Park MD, verify that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Be an Xray Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to review questions you may be asked. One of the things that interviewers frequently ask radiographer prospects is "What compelled you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not just the personal reasons you may have for becoming an Xray technician, but also what qualities and skills you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, along with a certain number of typical interview questions, so you must ready some approaches about how you would like to respond to them. Given that there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the talents you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but write down some ideas and anecdotes that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can help you to prepare your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.

Enroll in the Right Radiology Technician College near Takoma Park MD

Selecting the appropriate radiology technician school is a critical first step toward launching a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs often stand for the majority of the working day and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. As we have discussed in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each program you are looking at before making your final selection. This is just as true whether you enroll in an online school or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each program so you can focus your choices before making your final choice. And with the proper education and your commitment to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiology tech in Takoma Park MD.

Some Background on Takoma Park Maryland

Takoma Park, Maryland

Takoma Park is a city in Montgomery County, Maryland. It is a suburb of Washington, D.C., and part of the Washington metropolitan area. Founded in 1883 and incorporated in 1890, Takoma Park, informally called "Azalea City", is a Tree City USA and a nuclear-free zone. A planned commuter suburb, it is situated along the Metropolitan Branch of the historic Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, just northeast of Washington, D.C., and it borders the neighborhood of Takoma, Washington, D.C. It is governed by an elected mayor and six elected councilmembers, who form the city council, and an appointed city manager, under a council-manager style of government. The city's population was 16,715 at the 2010 national census.[4]

Since 2013, residents of Takoma Park can vote in municipal elections when they turn sixteen.[5] It was the first city in the United States to extend voting rights to 16- and 17-year-olds in city elections.[5] Since then, the City of Hyattsville has done the same.[6]

Takoma Park was founded by Benjamin Franklin Gilbert in 1883.[7] It was one of the first planned Victorian commuter suburbs, [8] centered on the B&O railroad station in Takoma, D.C., and bore aspects of a spa and trolley park.

Takoma was originally the name of Mount Rainier, from Lushootseed [təqʷúbəʔ] (earlier *təqʷúməʔ), 'snow-covered mountain'.[9] In response to a wish of Gilbert, the name Takoma was chosen in 1883 by DC resident Ida Summy, who believed it to mean 'high up' or 'near heaven'.[10] The city of Tacoma in Washington State is also named after Mt. Takhoma (Mount Rainier).

Gilbert's first purchase of land was in spring 1884 when he bought 100 acres (0.40 km2) of land from G.C. Grammar, which was known as Robert's Choice.[7][11] This plot of land was located on both sides of the railroad station, roughly bounded by today's Sixth Street on the west, Aspen Street on the south, Willow Avenue on the east, and Takoma Avenue on the north.[7] At the time, much of the land was covered by thick forest, some of which was cleared away in order to lay out and grade streets and housing lots.[12] At its founding, most lots measured 50 by 200 feet (15 by 60 m)[12] and were sold for $327 to $653 per acre.[13] By August 1885, there were about 100 people living in Takoma Park, including temporary summer residents and year-round permanent residents.[12] Gilbert himself lived in a wooden house on a stone foundation, with 20 rooms and a 65-foot (20 m) tower.[12]