How to Select the Right Radiologic Tech Degree Program near Lewiston Maine
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Lewiston ME in order to become a radiologic technologist. And now that you have made a decision to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you set about picking the ideal school and program to ensure that you will get the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And since most states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you may require preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. Many potential students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location need to be considered, there are additional significant qualifiers as well. For instance, you should find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the X-ray Tech schools you are evaluating are provided later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray tech does and the degrees and education choices that are offered.
Radiology Tech Job Summary in Lewiston ME
There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, each has the same principal job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for example mammography. They can work in Lewiston ME clinics, hospitals, family 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 have to maintain their equipment plus frequently analyze its functionality and safety. They are also expected to keep in-depth records of all 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 Degrees Offered near Lewiston ME
The basic requirement for attending a radiology tech program is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, usually requires 18 months to two years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to complete and is more extensive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are appropriate also. Something to consider is that radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can frequently be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in Lewiston ME or their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification requirements in Maine or the state you will be working as applicable.
X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification
When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, depending on the state where you will be working you might need to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their requirements differ so check with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but a number provide other alternatives for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is optional. Having said that, many Lewiston area employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it might increase your career options in and around Lewiston ME to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Tech Colleges
As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree colleges. So although you can still earn your online degree, a considerable amount of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is often carried out in Lewiston ME family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online section of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Lewiston residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online approach to education is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are frequently cheaper than traditional options. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be reduced also. 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 style of training, then online classes may be the best option for you.
Subjects to Ask Radiology Tech Programs
As soon as you have chosen the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of looking for and assessing x-ray technician schools near Lewiston ME. You will also have to determine if you want 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 price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a determining factor as well. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you factor in when evaluating schools? Well, you should find out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details before you make your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are reviewing.
Are the X-Ray Tech Programs Accredited? A large number of xray tech schools have received some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still imperative to make sure that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive examination of their instructors and educational materials. If the program is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on 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 guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial aid and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Lewiston ME health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry level openings.
Are Internships Sponsored? Find out if the xray technician schools you are evaluating have partnerships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific means to receive hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can help students and graduates develop professional connections in the Lewiston ME healthcare community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in Lewiston ME in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out 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 substantial networks and great relationships with Maine healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For many students, the college they pick will need to be within commuting distance of their Lewiston ME home. Students 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 importance. Something to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps 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 normally charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit way in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Lewiston ME schools you are looking at what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to converse with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program also.
Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the xray tech program you finally choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Lewiston ME area, make certain that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.
Where to Find Online Radiologic Tech Schools Lewiston ME
Enrolling in the ideal x-ray tech college is a critical first step toward starting a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs often stand for the greater part of the day and position and at times lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians 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 productive work environment and deliver the best possible patient care. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Where to Find Online Radiologic Tech Schools and wanting more information on the topic Free Info on Night Schools For X Ray Techs. However, as has been covered in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are assessing prior to making your final decision. This is just as true whether you participate in an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each program so you can narrow down your choices and make your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your motivation to succeed, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiology tech in Lewiston ME.
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Lewiston, Maine
Lewiston (/ˈluːɪstən/;[5] officially the City of Lewiston, Maine)[6] is the second largest city in Maine and the most central city in Androscoggin County.[7] The city borders the coastal sideways of the Gulf of Maine and is south of Augusta, the state's capital, and north of Portland, the cultural hub of Maine. It is one-half of the Lewiston-Auburn Metropolitan Statistical Area, commonly referred to as "L.A." or "L-A."[8] Lewiston exerts a significant impact upon the diversity, religious variety, commerce, education, and economic power of Maine. It is known for a relatively low cost of living, substantial access to medical care, and an extremely low violent-crime rate.[9][10] While the dominant language spoken in the city is English, it is home to the largest French-speaking population in the United States (by population) while it is second to St. Martin Parish, Louisiana, in percentage of speakers.[11][12][13]
The Lewiston area traces its roots to 1669 with the early presence of the Androscoggin tribe (the namesake of the county in which the city resides). In the late 18th century, the area (then a part of Massachusetts) slowly became populated by Quebec families and was incorporated as "Lewistown" in 1795.[14] The presence of the Androscoggin River and Lewistown Falls made the town an attractive area for manufacturing and hydro-power businesses. The rise of Boston rail and textile tycoon Benjamin Bates saw rapid economic growth rivaling that of Cambridge, Worcester, and Concord. The increase in economic stimulus prompted thousands of Quebecers to migrate, causing a population boom; the populace rose from 1,801 in 1840 to 21,701 in 1890. In 1855, local preacher Oren Burbank Cheney founded the Maine State Seminary, the first coeducational university in New England and one of the first universities to admit black students before the Emancipation Proclamation. Lewistown quickly became associated with the liberal arts and was incorporated as "Lewiston" in 1864, a year before the college was chartered as Bates College.
The city is home to the only basilica in Maine, Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul; 15 colleges and universities; 44 listings on the National Register of Historic Places; the Androscoggin Bank Colisée; the Stephens Observatory; the Olin Arts Center; the Bates College Museum of Art (BCMoA); and two significant general hospitals: Central Maine Medical Center and Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center.
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