How to Find the Best Radiologic Technician College near Portland Maine
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Portland ME in order to learn to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have made a decision to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you set about choosing the right college and program to ensure that you will receive the proper training to become a skilled professional? And because the majority of states do require that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you may require preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you investigate each of the X-ray technician schools you are looking at in order to compare each program. A number of potential students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and frequently gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while cost and location need to be taken into account, there are additional important qualifiers as well. For example, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the X-ray Tech schools you are examining are provided later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and training options that are available.
Radiology Tech Career Summary in Portland ME
There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, they all have the same principal job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They can practice in Portland ME clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech 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 frequently evaluate its functionality and safety. They are additionally required to keep complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
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X-Ray Tech Degree Options near Portland ME
The standard prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, normally requires 18 months to two years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to complete and is more comprehensive in scope. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are acceptable also. One thing to keep in mind is that radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may frequently be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in Portland ME or their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification requirements in Maine or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
Radiographer Certification and Licensing
Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, based on the state where you will be practicing you may have to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria differ so contact your state. Presently, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number accept additional alternatives for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is optional. However, many Portland area employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it may improve your career options in and around Portland ME to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online Radiology Tech Colleges
As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree colleges. So while you can still earn your degree online, a considerable amount of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is often provided in Portland ME family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online section of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Portland residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually find that the online style of learning is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are generally cheaper than traditional alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be reduced as well. But just make certain that the online school you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online school may be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask X Ray Tech Programs
As soon as you have chosen the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of locating and assessing x-ray technician schools near Portland ME. You will also have to decide if you want to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be critical. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be an important factor as well. But along with cost and location, what else should you factor in when reviewing schools? Well, you need to check out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details before you make your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are assessing.
Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? A large number of xray tech schools have acquired some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still crucial to confirm 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). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive assessment of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Portland ME health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level jobs.
Are Internship Programs Offered? Ask if the xray technician schools you are evaluating have partnerships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to receive practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help graduates and students form professional connections in the Portland ME medical community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in Portland ME in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Maine healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the College Located? For many students, the college they select will have to be within travelling distance of their Portland ME home. Individuals who have chosen to attend classes online obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. One thing to bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit far in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Portland ME colleges you are researching what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the xray technician program also.
Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the radiographer school you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Portland ME area, verify that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Free Info on Accelerated Radiologic Tech Schools Portland ME
Choosing the right x-ray technician school is a critical first step toward initiating a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs typically stand for the greater part of the workday and move and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and furnish the best available patient care. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Free Info on Accelerated Radiologic Tech Schools and wanting more information on the topic Affordable Weekend Schools For X Ray Techs. However, as has been discussed in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are assessing prior to making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online program or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each program so you can focus your choices before making your decision. And with the proper training and your commitment to succeed, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Portland ME.
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Portland, Maine
Portland is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Maine and the seat of Cumberland County. Portland's population was 67,067 as of 2017.[5] The Greater Portland metropolitan area is home to over half a million people, more than one-third of Maine's total population, making it the most populous metropolitan area in northern New England (an area comprising the states of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont). Portland's economy relies mostly on the service sector and tourism. The Old Port district is known for its 19th-century architecture and nightlife. Marine industry still plays an important role in the city's economy, with an active waterfront that supports fishing and commercial shipping. The Port of Portland is the largest tonnage seaport in New England.[6]
The city seal depicts a phoenix rising from ashes, which is a reference to the recoveries from four devastating fires.[7] Portland was named after the English Isle of Portland, Dorset. In turn, the city of Portland, Oregon was named after Portland, Maine.[8] Portland itself comes from the Old English word Portlanda, which literally means "land surrounding a harbor".[9]
Native Americans, originally called the Portland peninsula Machigonne ("Great Neck").[10] Portland was named for the English Isle of Portland, and the city of Portland, Oregon, was in turn named for Portland, Maine.[11] The first European settler was Capt. Christopher Levett, an English naval captain granted 6,000 acres (2,400 ha) in 1623 to found a settlement in Casco Bay. A member of the Council for New England and agent for Ferdinando Gorges, Levett built a stone house where he left a company of ten men, then returned to England to write a book about his voyage to bolster support for the settlement.[12] Ultimately, the settlement was a failure and the fate of Levett's colonists is unknown. The explorer sailed from England to the Massachusetts Bay Colony to meet John Winthrop in 1630, but never returned to Maine. Fort Levett in the harbor is named for him.
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