How to Enroll in the Best Radiologic Technician Course near Bethlehem Maryland
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Bethlehem MD in order to learn to be a radiology technician. And now that you have decided to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you tackle selecting the right college and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And because most states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you may require training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering so that you can compare 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 often settle on the most affordable cost. But while expense and location must be taken into account, there are other significant qualifiers also. For instance, you need to ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the X-ray Tech schools you are evaluating are presented 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 Technician Occupation Summary in Bethlehem MD
There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, they all have the identical fundamental job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many elect to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They may work in Bethlehem MD clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician 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 and also regularly evaluate its performance and safety. They are also expected to keep detailed 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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Radiology Technician Degrees Available near Bethlehem MD
The basic requirement for attending an x-ray tech college is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, generally requires 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to complete and is more comprehensive in nature. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are appropriate as well. One thing to consider is that radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may typically be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which many schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in Bethlehem MD 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 Maryland or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
Radiographer Certification and Licensing
When you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might have to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria differ so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number provide other alternatives for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, many Bethlehem area employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could improve your career options in and around Bethlehem MD to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online Radiology Tech Colleges
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 no different for online degree schools. So while you can still earn your online degree, a substantial amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is usually performed in Bethlehem MD hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online segment of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Bethlehem home. Students who continue working while earning their degree often find that the online style of learning is much more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are generally cheaper than conventional alternatives. Along with lower tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials may be reduced also. But just make certain that the online college you choose is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online degree may be the best option for you.
What to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges
Once you have chosen the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of looking for and assessing x-ray technician colleges near Bethlehem MD. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be critical. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a material factor as well. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you factor in when comparing schools? Well, you need to ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these crucial details before you make your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are assessing.
Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? Most radiology tech colleges have obtained some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still important to make sure that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting organizations 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 college is online it might also earn 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 ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Bethlehem MD employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level positions.
Are Internships Sponsored? Inquire if the xray tech schools you are evaluating have relationships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great way to receive hands on training in a clinical environment, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help graduates and students develop professional connections in the Bethlehem MD health care community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in Bethlehem MD in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the radiographer schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Maryland healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the college they pick will need to be within commuting distance of their Bethlehem MD residence. Students who have opted to attend online classes naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. Something to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit far in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Bethlehem MD colleges you are reviewing what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the xray tech program also.
Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the xray tech program you ultimately select can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Bethlehem MD area, confirm that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Affordable Part Time Radiologic Tech Schools Bethlehem MD
Selecting the ideal x-ray tech school is a crucial first step toward starting a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs regularly stand for the greater part of the day and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best available patient care. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Affordable Part Time Radiologic Tech Schools and wanting more information on the topic Requirements for Accredited Schools For X Ray Techs. However, as we have discussed in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are reviewing before making your final selection. This is similarly true whether you opt for an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each program so you can focus your choices before making your decision. And with the right training and your motivation to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiology tech in Bethlehem MD.
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Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation
Bethlehem Steel Corporation Shipbuilding Division was created in 1905 when the Bethlehem Steel Corporation of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, acquired the San Francisco shipyard Union Iron Works.[1] In 1917 it was incorporated as Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation, Limited; otherwise known as BethShip.[citation needed]
Headquarters were in Quincy, Massachusetts, after acquiring the Fore River Shipyard in 1913, and later in Sparrows Point, Maryland, southeast of Baltimore, Maryland, in formerly rural/now suburban Baltimore County, (acquired 1916), in 1964.
In 1940, it was number 1 of the "Big Three" U.S. shipbuilders who could build any ship.[2]Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock and New York Shipbuilding Corporation (New York Ship) were #2 and #3. Bethlehem had 4 yards in early 1940: Fore River, Sparrows Point, San Francisco, and Staten Island. Bethlehem expanded during World War II as a result of the Emergency Shipbuilding program administered under the United States Maritime Commission.
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