How to Select a Radiologic Tech Degree Program in Pennsylvania
Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school in Pennsylvania so you can train to be a radiologic technologist. But now that you have chosen to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you go about choosing the ideal school and program to ensure that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And since the majority of states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you might need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the schools you are looking at in order to compare each program. Most prospective students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and frequently gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while location and cost should be considered, there are additional significant qualifiers also. For example, you need to ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the colleges you are examining are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and training choices that are available.
Radiology Technician Work Description
There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, they all have the identical major job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some opt to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, such as mammography. They can practice in Pennsylvania hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician 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 maintain their equipment plus routinely analyze its performance and safety. They are also expected to keep complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Pennsylvania medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
X-Ray Technician Degree Options
The primary requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice 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 complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to finish and is more comprehensive in nature. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be appropriate also. One thing to bear in mind is that Pennsylvania radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can typically be fulfilled by taking part in an externship program which many colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification requirements in Pennsylvania or the state you will be working as applicable.
Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing
After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, depending on the state where you will be employed you may have to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but many offer other alternatives for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Pennsylvania employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it may enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Technician Degrees
As a component of every degree program, Pennsylvania x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree schools. So although you can still earn your online degree, a significant amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is usually provided in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online portion of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Pennsylvania residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree usually find that the online style of education is far more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are often less costly than on-campus alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be reduced also. But just be sure that the online program you enroll in 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 school may be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask X Ray Tech Schools
After you have decided on the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of looking for and evaluating Pennsylvania x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to determine if you want to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be important. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be an important factor as well. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you look at when reviewing schools? Well, you need to find out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details prior to making your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are looking at.
Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? Most xray tech schools have received some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still imperative to confirm that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous review of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Pennsylvania health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry-level openings.
Are Internship Programs Offered? Find out if the Pennsylvania radiology technician schools you are interested in have relationships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent way to receive hands on training in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Pennsylvania healthcare community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Pennsylvania healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the College Located? For many students, the college they pick will need to be within travelling distance of their Pennsylvania residence. Those who have chosen to attend classes online obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. 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 have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit far in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Pennsylvania schools you are considering what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program as well.
Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the x-ray tech program you ultimately choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Pennsylvania, confirm that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family obligations.
Enroll in the Best X-Ray Tech Program in Pennsylvania
Enrolling in the appropriate x-ray technician degree program is an important first step toward beginning a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the greater part of the day and move and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and provide the best possible patient care. As we have covered in this report, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are assessing prior to making your ultimate decision. This is equally true whether you participate in an online school or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices before making your decision. And with the right education and your commitment to be successful, you can reach your goal to work as a radiology tech in Pennsylvania.