How to Pick the Right Xray Technician College near Severn Maryland
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Severn MD so you can learn to be a radiologic technician. And now that you have decided to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you undertake picking the right college and program so that you will receive the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And considering that most states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you may need training to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering in order to evaluate each program. Many students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and often settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location need to be considered, there are additional critical qualifiers also. For example, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. 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 talk about what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and training options that are available.
X-Ray Technician Occupation Description in Severn MD
There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, they all have the identical fundamental job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They may work in Severn MD hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech might work with include:
- Traditional and specialized X-Rays
- Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Sonography or ultrasound
- Fluoroscopy
Radiographers have to take care of their equipment and also routinely evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally required to retain complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
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Radiology Tech Degrees Offered near Severn MD
The basic prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech school is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, 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 4 years to finish and is more comprehensive in scope. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are acceptable also. Something to consider is that radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can often be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in Severn MD or their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Maryland or the state you will be working as applicable.
X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification
Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, depending on the state where you will be employed you may need to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements differ so check with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but a number offer other alternatives for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. However, many Severn area employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might enhance your career options in and around Severn MD to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Technologist Colleges
As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree colleges. So although you can still earn your online degree, a considerable portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is often conducted in Severn MD family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online segment of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Severn home. Students who continue working while earning their degree typically find that the online approach to education is far more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are generally less costly than conventional options. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting can be decreased as well. But just confirm that the online school you select 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 school may be the ideal option for you.
Topics to Ask Radiology Tech Schools
Once you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of locating and evaluating x-ray technician colleges near Severn MD. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or travel to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be a material factor also. But along with cost and location, what more should you look at when comparing schools? Well, you should find out if the colleges 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 assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are looking at.
Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? Most radiology technician schools have earned some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still crucial to verify 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 receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive review of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Severn MD employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level positions.
Are Internships Offered? Ask if the xray technician programs you are evaluating have partnerships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent way to get hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist graduates and students establish professional connections in the Severn MD healthcare community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in Severn MD in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Maryland healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the College Located? For many students, the college they choose will have to be within travelling distance of their Severn MD home. Individuals who have decided to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Severn MD colleges you are considering what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program also.
Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the radiographer college you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Severn MD area, confirm that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.
How to Enroll in Fast Track X Ray Technician Schools Severn MD
Choosing the ideal x-ray technician school is an important first step toward initiating a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs regularly stand for the majority of the day and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology 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 productive work environment and provide the best available care to patients. You originally came to this website due to an interest in How to Enroll in Fast Track X Ray Technician Schools and wanting more information on the topic Top Accelerated Radiology Technician Schools. However, as we have discussed in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are reviewing before making your final selection. This is equally true whether you opt for an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each school so you can narrow down your options before making your final choice. And with the appropriate education and your motivation to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiology tech in Severn MD.
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Severn, Maryland
Severn is a census-designated place (CDP) in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, United States. The population was 44,231 at the 2010 census,[1] a 26% increase from its population of 35,076 at the 2000 census. The zip code is 21144.
Severn is located at 39°7′58″N 76°41′38″W / 39.13278°N 76.69389°W / 39.13278; -76.69389 (39.132841, −76.694002)[2] in northwestern Anne Arundel County. It is bordered by Hanover to the north, Glen Burnie to the east, Odenton and Millersville to the south, and Fort George G. Meade to the west. The Baltimore–Washington Parkway (Maryland Route 295) forms the northwestern edge of the CDP, Maryland Route 176 (Dorsey Road) forms the northern edge, and Interstate 97 forms the eastern edge. Part of the southern boundary of the CDP is formed by the non-tidal portion of the Severn River. The Maryland Route 100 freeway runs through the northern part of the CDP, connecting the B-W Parkway and I-97.
As of the census[3] of 2000, there were 35,076 people, 12,003 households, and 9,506 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 2,511.3 people per square mile (969.4/km²). There were 12,362 housing units at an average density of 885.1 per square mile (341.7/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 56.25% White, 34.56% Black, 0.42% Native American, 4.29% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 1.36% from other races, and 3.02% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.96% of the population.
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