How to Choose the Best Radiology Technician School near Stratton Maine
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Stratton ME in order to train to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have decided to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you undertake choosing the right college and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And since most states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you might require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you assess each of the X-ray technician schools you are looking at in order to compare each program. Most students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and often gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while cost and location must be considered, there are other important qualifiers as well. For example, you need to ask if 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 presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology tech does and the degrees and training options that are available.
X-Ray Technician Job Summary in Stratton ME
There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, they all have the identical fundamental job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some opt to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They can practice in Stratton 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 care for their equipment plus regularly analyze its functionality and safety. They are also required to keep detailed 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 Tech Degrees Offered near Stratton ME
The standard requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech college is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, usually requires 18 months to two years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to complete and is more comprehensive in scope. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be appropriate as well. One thing to consider is that radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can often be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which many colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in Stratton ME or their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Maine or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
Radiographer Licensing and Certification
When you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, based on the state where you will be employed you might have to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their criteria vary so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but several approve other alternatives for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Stratton area employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it may improve your career options in and around Stratton ME to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Technologist Programs
As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree schools. So while you can still earn your degree online, a large amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is typically conducted in Stratton ME hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online segment of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Stratton residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online approach to education is far more practical with their active schedules. Plus online programs are generally more affordable than on-campus alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be decreased also. But just confirm that the online program you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then online classes may be the right choice for you.
Subjects to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges
Once you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of locating and evaluating x-ray technician colleges near Stratton ME. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a determining factor as well. But along with location and cost, what more should you look at when comparing schools? Well, you should check out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these important details prior to making your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are assessing.
Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? Most xray technician schools have obtained some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to verify that the program and school 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 earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive evaluation of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets 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 quality education, accreditation will also help in securing financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Stratton ME health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level jobs.
Are Internship Programs Offered? Ask if the xray tech programs you are interested in have associations with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific means to receive practical training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Stratton ME medical community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in Stratton ME in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the radiographer schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Maine healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the college they choose will need to be within driving distance of their Stratton ME residence. Those who have opted to attend classes online naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit way in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Stratton ME schools you are looking at 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 ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with some of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program also.
Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the xray tech college you ultimately choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Stratton ME area, confirm that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Affordable Accredited Radiology Tech Schools Stratton ME
Enrolling in the best x-ray technician degree program is a critical first step toward starting a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs often stand for the majority of the workday and move and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best possible care to patients. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Affordable Accredited Radiology Tech Schools and wanting more information on the topic Low Cost Online Radiology Tech Programs. However, as has been addressed in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are considering before making your final decision. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online school or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each program so you can focus your options and make your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your motivation to succeed, you can realize your goal to work as a radiographer in Stratton ME.
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General Tom Thumb
Charles Sherwood Stratton (January 4, 1838 – July 15, 1883), better known by his stage name "General Tom Thumb", was a dwarf who achieved great fame as a performer under circus pioneer P. T. Barnum.[1]
Born January 4, 1838,[2] in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Stratton was the son of a carpenter named Sherwood Edward Stratton, son of Seth Sherwood Stratton and Amy Sharpe. Sherwood married his first cousin Cynthia Thompson, daughter of Joseph Thompson and Mary Ann Sharpe. Charles Stratton's maternal and paternal grandmothers, Amy and Mary Ann Sharpe, were stated to be small twin girls born on July 11, 1781/83 in Oxford, New Haven, Connecticut.
Born in Bridgeport to parents who were of medium height, Charles was a relatively large baby, weighing 9 pounds 8 ounces (4.3 kg) at birth.[3] He developed and grew normally for the first six months of his life, at which point he was 25 inches (64 cm) tall and weighed 15 pounds (6.8 kg). Then he suddenly stopped growing. His parents became concerned when, after his first birthday, they noticed he had not grown at all in the previous six months. They showed him to their doctor, who said there was little chance Charles would ever reach normal height.
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