How to Find the Best Radiology Technician College near North Berwick Maine
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near North Berwick ME so you can train to be a radiology technician. But now that you have decided to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you undertake choosing the right school and program to ensure that you will get the proper training to become a qualified professional? And because most states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you may need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you research each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering in order to evaluate each program. A number of prospective students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and usually gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while location and cost should be taken into account, there are other important qualifications as well. For instance, you must find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you should ask the X-ray Tech schools you are reviewing are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray tech does and the degrees and education options that are offered.
X-Ray Technician Occupation Description in North Berwick ME
There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the same primary job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some opt to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They can work in North Berwick ME hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist may work with 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 routinely analyze its performance and safety. They are also 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 Tech Degrees Offered near North Berwick ME
The basic requirement for attending a radiology tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, generally requires 18 months to two years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to finish and is more comprehensive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be appropriate as well. One thing to consider is that radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can often be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in North Berwick 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 practicing in as applicable.
X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification
After you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, depending on the state where you will be employed you may have to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so check with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but several approve additional options for testing as well. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. However, many North Berwick area employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it could improve your career options in and around North Berwick ME to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Technician Programs
As a part 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 colleges. So even though you can still obtain your online degree, a significant amount of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is often carried out in North Berwick ME family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online section of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your North Berwick home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually discover that the online approach to education is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are generally less costly than traditional options. In addition to reduced tuition, costs for commuting and study materials can be reduced as well. But just confirm that the online program you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then online classes may be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Radiologic Tech Schools
After you have chosen the type of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of finding and evaluating x-ray technician schools near North Berwick ME. You will also have to determine if you want to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the school will be important. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a determining factor also. But along with cost and location, what more should you look at when comparing colleges? Well, you need to check out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details prior to making your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are considering.
Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? A large number of xray technician colleges have earned some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to confirm that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly regarded 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 gone through a rigorous examination of their teachers and course materials. If the college is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous North Berwick ME employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry-level jobs.
Are Internships Provided? Inquire if the xray technician programs you are interested in have relationships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent way to get hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help students and graduates develop professional connections in the North Berwick ME health care community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in North Berwick ME in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Maine healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they choose will have to be within commuting distance of their North Berwick ME residence. Students who have decided 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 concern. Something to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually 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.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit way in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the North Berwick ME schools you are researching what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the xray tech program also.
Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the radiographer program you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the North Berwick ME area, make sure that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Free Info on Local Radiology Tech Schools North Berwick ME
Picking the right x-ray tech college is an important first step toward beginning a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the majority of the day and move and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay close 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 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. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Free Info on Local Radiology Tech Schools and wanting more information on the topic Affordable Fast Track Radiology Tech Programs. However, as has been covered in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are reviewing before making your final selection. This is equally true whether you decide on an online school or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices before making your final choice. And with the proper education and your dedication to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a radiographer in North Berwick ME.
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North Berwick, Maine
Originally a part of Kittery called Kittery Commons, the area was first settled in 1693 by John Morrell, a Quaker who built a log cabin on Wells Street. It was set off from Kittery in 1713 as part of Berwick, named for Berwick-upon-Tweed on the Anglo-Scottish border. Doughty Falls in the Great Works River provided water power for a sawmill, gristmill and carding mill. After the Revolutionary War, the small mill town grew rapidly. It was set off and incorporated as North Berwick on March 22, 1831.[2][6] The town was named after Berwick, England.[7]
Development was spurred in 1842 by the arrival of the Portland, Saco & Portsmouth Railroad, joined by the Boston & Maine Railroad in 1873. North Berwick became a railroad hub from which its manufactured goods were shipped, including lumber, shingles, clapboards, wooden boxes, firewood, bricks, carriages, caskets, clocks, stove and shoe polish, toboggans and sleds. Also loaded aboard the boxcars were barrels of apples, blocks of ice cut from frozen ponds, granite from quarries, and tins of corn packed at a canning factory. But the 2 biggest North Berwick businesses during the 19th-century made woolens and farm implements.[8]
In 1834, the Maine Legislature incorporated Lang, Hill & Company to manufacture woolen blankets, called "printing blankets," at a mill beside the Great Works River. Renamed the North Berwick Company, by 1850 its principal owner was "Friend" William Hill, who trained as a machinist at the Great Falls Manufacturing Company in Somersworth, New Hampshire. The wooden mill was destroyed by fire in 1861 but rebuilt in brick in 1862. It produced blankets for Civil War troops. The factory had 40 looms turning out 1,500 yards of flannel daily, in addition to blankets. In 1955, the North Berwick Company would close. Its landmark Greek Revival building was used as the Parrish Shoes factory in the 1995 movie Jumanji, and has since been renovated and adapted as housing.[9]
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