How to Find the Best X-Ray Tech Degree Program near Kittery Maine
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Kittery ME so you can learn to be a radiology technician. But now that you have made a decision to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about selecting the ideal college and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And considering that most states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you might require preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you investigate each of the X-ray technician schools you are looking at in order to compare each program. Many potential students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and often settle on the most affordable cost. But while location and cost should be taken into consideration, there are additional significant qualifications also. For example, you should find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the X-ray Tech schools you are considering are presented later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and education options that are offered.
Radiology Tech Work Description in Kittery ME
There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, they all have the same fundamental job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many elect to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for instance mammography. They may work in Kittery ME clinics, hospitals, family 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 take care of their equipment and routinely assess its functionality and safety. They are also expected to keep in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
Click Here For Free Information on X-Ray Tech Schools Near You!
Radiology Tech Degrees Offered near Kittery ME
The standard requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech college is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. 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 finish 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 expansive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are appropriate as well. Something to consider is that radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can often be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in Kittery ME or their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Maine or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification
After you have graduated from an Radiologist program, depending on the state where you will be working you might need to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so check with 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 many provide other options for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. However, many Kittery area employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it might increase your career options in and around Kittery ME to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Technician Schools
As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree programs. So while you can still obtain your online degree, a significant portion of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is often provided in Kittery ME hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online segment of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Kittery residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree usually find that the online approach to learning is much more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are often more affordable than on-campus alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials may be decreased as well. But just be sure that the online college you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online degree may be the best choice for you.
What to Ask X Ray Tech Schools
Once you have decided on the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of locating and evaluating x-ray technician colleges near Kittery ME. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or travel to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a material factor also. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you consider when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are looking at.
Are the X-Ray Tech Schools Accredited? Most radiology technician colleges have received some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still imperative to confirm that the school and program are accredited. Among 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 teachers and educational materials. If the college 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 acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also help in securing financial aid and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Kittery ME health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level openings.
Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask if the xray tech programs you are evaluating have partnerships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific means to get hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help graduates and students form professional relationships in the Kittery ME health care community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in Kittery ME in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the radiographer schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Maine healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the college they decide on will need to be within travelling distance of their Kittery ME home. Students who have opted to attend online classes obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. One thing to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit way in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Kittery ME colleges you are considering what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the xray tech program as well.
Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the radiographer college you finally select can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in the Kittery ME area, make certain that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have 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 Online X Ray Tech Schools Kittery ME
Enrolling in the appropriate x-ray technician college is an important first step toward launching a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs regularly stand for the greater part of the working day and move and at times lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Where to Find Online X Ray Tech Schools and wanting more information on the topic Free Info on Night X Ray Technician Schools. However, as has been addressed in this report, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each college you are assessing prior to making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online school or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each program so you can narrow down your choices and make your final choice. And with the right training and your dedication to be successful, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiology tech in Kittery ME.
Other Maine Diagnostic Locations
Kittery, Maine
Kittery is a town in York County, Maine, United States. Home to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard on Seavey's Island, Kittery includes Badger's Island, the seaside district of Kittery Point, and part of the Isles of Shoals. The town is a tourist destination known for its many outlet stores.
Kittery is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area. The town's population was 9,490 at the 2010 census. Kittery may be the namesake of William Billings' 1783 anthem "Kittery", which is printed in the Shenandoah Harmony and Missouri Harmony shape note tunebooks, but because the song was published after the incorporation of the town, this is debated.
English settlement around the natural harbor of the Piscataqua River estuary began about 1623. By 1632 it was protected by Fort William and Mary on today's New Hampshire side of the river; in 1689 defensive works that later became Fort McClary in Kittery Point were added on today's Maine side to the north.
Business Results 1 - 10 of 3
7 Reviews 
31 Reviews 4 Reviews 