How to Choose the Right Xray Tech Program near Baltimore Maryland
So you have made the decision to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Baltimore MD so you can become a radiology technologist. But now that you have decided to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you go about selecting the right college and program to ensure that you will get the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And because the majority of states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you may require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you research each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering in order to compare each program. Most prospective students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and typically gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location should be taken into consideration, there are other critical qualifiers as well. For instance, you must find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the X-ray Tech schools you are examining are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic technician does and the degrees and training options that are available.
X-Ray Tech Job Description in Baltimore MD
There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the identical fundamental job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some choose to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for instance mammography. They may work in Baltimore MD hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist may utilize include:
- Traditional and specialized X-Rays
- Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Sonography or ultrasound
- Fluoroscopy
Radiographers must care for their equipment and also routinely analyze its performance and safety. They are also expected to retain 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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Radiology Technician Degrees Available near Baltimore MD
The primary prerequisite for attending a radiology tech school is to have earned 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 common among techs, generally takes 18 months to two years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to finish and is more expansive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be acceptable also. One thing to bear in mind is that radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may typically be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which many colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in Baltimore MD or their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Maryland or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing
Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might have to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so contact your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many approve other alternatives for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Baltimore area employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may improve your career options in and around Baltimore MD to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Technician Classes
As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree programs. So although you can still obtain your online degree, a significant portion of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is often carried out in Baltimore MD hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online section of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Baltimore residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree usually discover that the online style of education is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are often less costly than conventional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be reduced also. But just confirm that the online college you select 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 an online school may be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Radiographer Programs
When you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of looking for and evaluating x-ray technician colleges near Baltimore MD. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or travel to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the school will be important. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a material variable also. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you consider when reviewing colleges? Well, you should ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these important details before you make your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are reviewing.
Are the Radiology Technician Schools Accredited? The majority of xray tech schools have obtained some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still crucial to confirm that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting agencies 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 an extensive assessment of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Baltimore MD employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level positions.
Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask if the xray technician programs you are evaluating have relationships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent means to obtain hands on 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 assist students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Baltimore MD health care community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in Baltimore MD in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the radiographer programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Maryland healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the school they pick will have to be within commuting distance of their Baltimore MD home. Those 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 importance. Something to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the sort of student that likes to sit far in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Baltimore MD colleges you are reviewing what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. 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 a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the xray tech program as well.
Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the xray tech college you ultimately choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Baltimore MD area, make certain that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Affordable Part Time X Ray Technician Schools Baltimore MD
Enrolling in the right x-ray technician degree program is an important first step toward initiating a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the majority of the workday and move and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. 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 productive work environment and deliver the best available care to patients. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Affordable Part Time X Ray Technician Schools and wanting more information on the topic Requirements for Accredited Radiology Technician Schools. However, as we have covered in this report, there are a number of questions that you should ask each college you are looking at before making your ultimate selection. This is just as true whether you participate in an online school or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each school so you can focus your choices and make your final choice. And with the proper training and your commitment to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as a X-ray tech in Baltimore MD.
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Baltimore
Baltimore (/ˈbɔːltɪmɔːr/ BAWL-tih-mor) is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Maryland. Baltimore was established by the Constitution of Maryland[9] as an independent city in 1729. With a population of 602,495 in 2018, Baltimore is the largest such independent city in the United States. As of 2017[update], the population of the Baltimore metropolitan area was estimated to be just under 2.802 million, making it the 21st largest metropolitan area in the country.[10] Baltimore is located about 40 miles (60 km) northeast of Washington, D.C.[11], making it a principal city in the Washington-Baltimore combined statistical area (CSA), the fourth-largest CSA in the nation, with a calculated 2018 population of 9,797,063.[12]
Baltimore is also the second-largest seaport in the Mid-Atlantic.[13] The city's Inner Harbor was once the second leading port of entry for immigrants to the United States. In addition, Baltimore was a major manufacturing center.[14] After a decline in major manufacturing, heavy industry, and restructuring of the rail industry, Baltimore has shifted to a service-oriented economy. Johns Hopkins Hospital (founded 1889) and Johns Hopkins University (founded 1876) are the city's top two employers.[15]
With hundreds of identified districts, Baltimore has been dubbed a "city of neighborhoods." Famous residents have included writers Edgar Allan Poe, Edith Hamilton, Frederick Douglass, W.E.B. Du Bois, Ogden Nash, Gertrude Stein, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Dashiell Hammett, Upton Sinclair, Tom Clancy, Ta-Nehisi Coates, and H. L. Mencken; musicians James "Eubie" Blake, Billie Holiday, Cab Calloway, Tori Amos, Frank Zappa, Tupac Shakur, Robbie Basho, Bill Frisell, and Philip Glass ; actors and filmmakers John Waters, Barry Levinson, Divine, David Hasselhoff, Jada Pinkett Smith; artist Jeff Koons; baseball player Babe Ruth; radio host Ira Glass; Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall; Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi; and United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson. During the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key wrote "The Star-Spangled Banner" in Baltimore after the bombardment of Fort McHenry. His poem was set to music and popularized as a song; in 1931 it was designated as the American national anthem.[16]
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