How to Select the Best Xray Tech Degree Program near Houlton Maine
So you have made the decision to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Houlton ME in order to become a radiology technologist. But now that you have made a decision to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you go about selecting the right school and program so that you will obtain the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And because most states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you might need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the X-ray technician schools you are looking at in order to compare each program. A number of students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while location and cost must be considered, there are additional critical qualifiers as well. For instance, you must find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the X-ray Tech schools you are evaluating are provided later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray tech does and the degrees and training options that are available.
Radiology Technician Job Summary in Houlton ME
There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the identical major job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They may work in Houlton ME hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist may 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 regularly evaluate its functionality and safety. They are additionally required to retain in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
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X-Ray Technician Degree Options near Houlton ME
The standard requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have received 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 typical among technicians, usually requires 18 months to two years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to complete and is more expansive in scope. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are appropriate as well. Something to keep in mind is that radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in Houlton ME or their region. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing mandates in Maine or the state you will be working as applicable.
Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing
Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, depending on the state where you will be employed you may need to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their requirements vary so contact your state. At present, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but a number approve additional options for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. However, many Houlton area employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it may enhance your career options in and around Houlton ME to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online Radiology Technician Degrees
As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree programs. So although you can still earn your degree online, a significant portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is usually conducted in Houlton ME hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Houlton home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree often discover that the online style of education is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are frequently cheaper than on-campus alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting can be reduced also. But just confirm 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 online classes may be the ideal option for you.
Subjects to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges
When you have selected the type of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of looking for and evaluating x-ray technician schools near Houlton ME. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or travel to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be critical. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a determining variable also. But along with location and cost, what else should you look at when reviewing colleges? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details prior to making your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are considering.
Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? Most xray technician schools have earned some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still crucial to make sure 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 receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed evaluation of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also help in getting financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Houlton ME health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level jobs.
Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask if the radiology technician programs you are interested in have partnerships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent manner to obtain practical training in a clinical environment, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Houlton ME health care community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in Houlton ME in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the radiographer schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Maine healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the school they decide on will need to be within travelling distance of their Houlton ME home. Students who have chosen to attend online classes 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 bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit far in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Houlton ME schools you are researching 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 determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with some of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program also.
Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the radiographer college you ultimately choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Houlton ME area, confirm that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Where to Find Accredited X Ray Tech Schools Houlton ME
Picking the best x-ray tech college is a critical first step toward initiating a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs typically stand for the majority of the working day and move and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best available care to patients. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Where to Find Accredited X Ray Tech Schools and wanting more information on the topic Free Info on Online X Ray Technician Schools. However, as has been addressed in this report, there are a number of questions that you should ask each program you are reviewing before making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you participate in an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each program so you can focus your options and make your final choice. And with the right education and your dedication to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a radiographer in Houlton ME.
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Houlton, Maine
Houlton is a town in Aroostook County, Maine, on the Canada–US border, located at 46°07′32″N 67°50′23″W / 46.1256°N 67.8398°W / 46.1256; -67.8398. As of the 2010 census, the town's population was 6,123. It is perhaps best known for being at the northern terminus of Interstate 95 and as the birthplace of Samantha Smith, a goodwill ambassador as a child during the Cold War. The town hosts the annual Houlton Agricultural Fair.
Houlton is the county seat of Aroostook County, and as such its nickname is the "Shire Town". The Houlton High School sports teams are named "The Shiretowners". The Meduxnekeag River flows through the heart of the town, and the border with the Canadian province of New Brunswick is 3 mi (4.8 km) east of the town's center. Houlton was the home of Ricker College, which closed in 1978.[4]
The area was occupied for thousands of years by varying cultures of indigenous peoples. In historic times, these were the Algonquian-speaking Maliseet people. When Maine was part of Massachusetts, parcels of land were dealt out to schools and colleges. The area that was to become Houlton was deeded to the Academy of New Salem, Massachusetts. Thirteen men from New Salem bought the land from the Academey though only three settled there.[6]
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