How to Select the Right X Ray Tech Program near South Thomaston Maine
So you have made the decision to enroll in an X-ray tech school near South Thomaston ME so you can learn to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have made a decision to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about picking the ideal school and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And considering that most states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you may require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you assess each of the X-ray technician schools you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. Most students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location need to be taken into consideration, there are other critical qualifiers also. For example, you should ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the X-ray Tech schools you are evaluating are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and education choices that are available.
X-Ray Technician Occupation Description in South Thomaston ME
There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, each has the same principal job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for example mammography. They can work in South Thomaston ME clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist might 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 regularly evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally required to keep complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
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X-Ray Tech Degree Options near South Thomaston ME
The standard prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, usually takes 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to complete and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be appropriate as well. Something to keep in mind is that radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can frequently be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which many schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in South Thomaston ME or their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification requirements in Maine or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing
When you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, based on the state where you will be employed you may need to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but a number offer additional options for testing also. Several states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, numerous South Thomaston area employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it might enhance your career options in and around South Thomaston ME to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Technician Programs
As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree schools. So while you can still obtain your degree online, a significant amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is typically provided in South Thomaston ME family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training may be attended in the privacy of your South Thomaston home. Students who continue working while earning their degree typically discover that the online style of education is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are often less expensive than traditional options. Along with lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be reduced also. But just be sure that the online program you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then online classes may be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Radiology Tech Colleges
After you have selected the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of finding and evaluating x-ray tech colleges near South Thomaston ME. You will also need to determine if you want to attend online classes or travel to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a material variable also. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you factor in when evaluating schools? Well, you need to check out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details before you make your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are considering.
Are the X-Ray Tech Schools Accredited? Most xray tech schools have obtained some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still imperative to confirm that the school and program 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). Programs earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive assessment of their teachers and course materials. If the college 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 recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial aid and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of South Thomaston ME employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level positions.
Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Inquire if the radiology technician programs you are interested in have associations with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific way to obtain practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can help graduates and students establish professional connections in the South Thomaston ME health care community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in South Thomaston ME in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the radiographer programs you are assessing 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 good relationships with Maine healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the school they choose will have to be within commuting distance of their South Thomaston ME residence. Those who have chosen 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 concern. One thing to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit far in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the South Thomaston ME schools you are reviewing what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to speak with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.
Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the radiographer program you ultimately pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in the South Thomaston ME area, verify that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Affordable Local Radiologic Technologist Schools South Thomaston ME
Choosing the appropriate radiology tech school is an important first step toward launching a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs typically stand for the majority of the day and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and furnish the best possible patient care. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Affordable Local Radiologic Technologist Schools and wanting more information on the topic Low Cost Fast Track X Ray Technician Courses. However, as has been covered in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are reviewing before making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you decide on an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each college so you can focus your options and make your decision. And with the right education and your dedication to be successful, you can realize your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in South Thomaston ME.
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South Thomaston, Maine
Abenaki Indians called it Wessaweskeag, meaning "tidal creek" or "salt creek," a reference to what is now known as the Weskeag River. Thomas Lefebvre from Quebec, Canada owned a huge tract of land at the Weskeag River, where his stay began in 1704. He built a large gristmill, with a house on the shoreline. Although he would eventually return to Quebec, the area retained his name — Thomas' Town. But the adjacent St. George River was the uneasy dividing line between land controlled by New England and New France. Permanent settlement would be delayed by the French and Indian Wars, which ended with the 1763 Treaty of Paris.[4]
In 1767, Wessaweskeag was settled by Elisha Snow, who built a sawmill operated by tidal power. In 1773, Joseph Coombs arrived and built another sawmill nearby, and together they built a gristmill. The village of South Thomaston grew around the mills, which would include three granite polishing machines to process stone cut from the town's numerous quarries. On July 28, 1848, South Thomaston was set off from Thomaston and incorporated as a separate town.[5]Owl's Head would be set off from South Thomaston on July 9, 1921.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 17.97 square miles (46.54 km2), of which, 11.44 square miles (29.63 km2) of it is land and 6.53 square miles (16.91 km2) is water.[1] South Thomaston is located on the Weskeag River inlet.
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