How to Choose the Right Radiology Tech College near Riverdale Maryland
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Riverdale MD so you can become a radiologic technologist. But now that you have made a decision to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about selecting the right school and program so that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And because the majority of states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you may need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you investigate each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. Many prospective students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and frequently settle on the lowest cost. But while location and cost need to be taken into account, there are additional critical qualifiers as well. For example, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you must ask the X-ray Tech schools you are considering are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiology technician does and the credentials and training choices that are available.
X-Ray Technician Job Description in Riverdale MD
There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, each has the identical fundamental job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some opt to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They can work in Riverdale MD hospitals, clinics, 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 routinely evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also expected to retain in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
Click Here For Free Information on X-Ray Tech Schools Near You!
Radiology Technician Degree Options near Riverdale MD
The basic requirement for attending a radiology tech school is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, usually takes 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to complete and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be acceptable also. One thing to consider is that radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can frequently be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which many colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in Riverdale MD or their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification requirements in Maryland or the state you will be working as applicable.
Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification
When you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, depending on the state where you will be practicing you may need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their prerequisites 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 exam for the purpose of licensing, but many offer other alternatives for testing also. Some states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, numerous Riverdale area employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it might increase your career options in and around Riverdale MD to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Technologist Programs
As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree programs. So while you can still obtain your degree online, a significant portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is usually provided in Riverdale MD family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Riverdale residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree typically find that the online style of learning is much more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently less costly than on-campus alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials may be lessened as well. But just be sure that the online program you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online degree may be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Radiology Tech Programs
Once you have chosen the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of searching for and assessing x-ray technician colleges near Riverdale MD. You will also have to determine if you want to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a determining factor as well. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you consider when evaluating schools? Well, you need to find out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are assessing.
Are the Radiology Technician Schools Accredited? Most xray technician schools have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still imperative to verify that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive examination of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also help in getting financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Riverdale MD employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level jobs.
Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask if the xray technician colleges you are interested in have associations with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent means to get practical training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help students and graduates form professional relationships in the Riverdale MD health care community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in Riverdale MD in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Maryland healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the school they decide on will have to be within driving distance of their Riverdale MD residence. Students who have decided to attend classes online obviously will not have to worry 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 choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or even 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 typically charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit way in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Riverdale MD colleges you are considering what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with some of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.
Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the xray tech school you ultimately pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Riverdale MD area, make certain that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.
How to Enroll in Accredited Radiologic Technologist Schools Riverdale MD
Selecting the best x-ray technician degree program is a crucial first step toward starting a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the majority of the working day and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow 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 social skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and furnish the best available care to patients. You originally came to this website due to an interest in How to Enroll in Accredited Radiologic Technologist Schools and wanting more information on the topic Top Online X Ray Technician Courses. However, as has been discussed in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are reviewing prior to making your final decision. This is similarly true whether you decide on an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each program so you can narrow down your options before making your decision. And with the right education and your commitment to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiographer in Riverdale MD.
Other Maryland Diagnostic Locations
Riverdale Park, Maryland
Riverdale Park, formerly known and often referred to as Riverdale, Maryland is a semi-urban town in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States, a suburb in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.[5] The population was 6,956 as of the 2010 U.S. Census.[6] The population as of 2018 is approximately 7,225, according to the US Census Bureau[7] and other entities[8].
Riverdale Park and the neighboring community of West Riverdale developed in the late 19th century as streetcar suburbs in central Prince George’s County. The town is located approximately seven miles northeast of downtown Washington, D.C., and is bounded to the north by East-West Highway. The area is also bisected by the heavily traveled Baltimore Avenue (U.S. Route 1). The city of College Park is located to the north, the town of University Park to the east across Baltimore Avenue, and Hyattsville is located to the south and southwest.
The area was first developed in 1801 when a Belgian aristocrat, Henri Joseph Stier, purchased 800 acres situated between two tributaries of the Anacostia River, known as the Paint and Northwest branches. Stier and his family moved to the United States several years earlier to escape the French Revolution (1788–1789). Upon purchase, he named his holdings Riversdale, and began constructing his residence that same year. The mansion was modeled after the Stier family’s Belgian home, Chateau du Mick, and when completed in 1807, the building stood as a two-story stuccoed-brick dwelling in the style of late Georgian architecture.
Business Results 1 - 10 of 190
6 Reviews 
4 Reviews 
2 Reviews 
11 Reviews 
6 Reviews 
2 Reviews 
8 Reviews 
2 Reviews 
22 Reviews 
25 Reviews 