How to Pick the Right Radiologic Technician College near Coopersburg Pennsylvania
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Coopersburg PA so you can train to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have decided to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle selecting the right college and program so that you will receive the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And because the majority of states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you might require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering in order to compare each program. Most potential students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and frequently settle on the most affordable cost. But while location and cost should be considered, there are additional important qualifications also. For example, you must ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the X-ray Tech schools you are reviewing are provided later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology tech does and the credentials and training choices that are available.
X-Ray Tech Job Description in Coopersburg PA
There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the identical primary job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some elect to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They can work in Coopersburg PA clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist might utilize include:
- Traditional and specialized X-Rays
- Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Sonography or ultrasound
- Fluoroscopy
Radiographers must maintain their equipment and routinely evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also expected to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As medical 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 Tech Degrees Available near Coopersburg PA
The standard prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils 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 based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to complete and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable as well. One thing to bear in mind is that radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may often be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in Coopersburg PA or their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Pennsylvania 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 school, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might have to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so check with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but a number provide other options for testing as well. A number of states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. However, many Coopersburg area employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may increase your career options in and around Coopersburg PA to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Technologist Colleges
As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree programs. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a substantial amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is typically provided in Coopersburg PA hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online segment of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Coopersburg home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically discover that the online style of learning is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are frequently less costly than traditional alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, costs for study materials and commuting can be lessened as well. But just be sure that the online program you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online degree may be the ideal choice for you.
Points to Ask Radiology Tech Schools
As soon as you have chosen the type of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of searching for and evaluating x-ray technician colleges near Coopersburg PA. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be important. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a material variable as well. But along with cost and location, what more should you factor in when comparing schools? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are reviewing.
Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? A large number of radiology tech colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still crucial to verify that the program and school are accredited. One of 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 examination of their teachers and educational materials. If the program is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting organizations 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 offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Coopersburg PA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry level openings.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask if the radiology tech colleges you are reviewing have associations 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 way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help students and graduates form professional relationships in the Coopersburg PA healthcare community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in Coopersburg PA in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the radiographer programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Pennsylvania healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Program Located? For many students, the school they decide on will need to be within commuting distance of their Coopersburg PA residence. Students who have opted to attend online classes naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. One thing to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit far in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Coopersburg PA colleges you are considering what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with a few of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program as well.
Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the xray tech school you finally select can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in the Coopersburg PA area, verify that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family obligations.
Requirements for Evening Radiology Tech Schools Coopersburg PA
Picking the best radiology tech degree program is an important first step toward beginning a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs often stand for the greater part of the working day and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct 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 patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best available care to patients. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Requirements for Evening Radiology Tech Schools and wanting more information on the topic Top Local Radiology Tech Programs. However, as has been addressed in this report, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are reviewing before making your ultimate decision. This is equally true whether you decide on an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each school so you can narrow down your choices and make your decision. And with the appropriate training and your motivation to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as a X-ray tech in Coopersburg PA.
Other Pennsylvania Diagnostic Locations
Coopersburg, Pennsylvania
Coopersburg is a borough in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is a suburb of Allentown in the Lehigh Valley region of the state. It is 40 miles (64 km) north of Philadelphia, 7 miles southeast of Allentown, and 76 miles (122 km) west of New York City. Lehigh County is included in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the New York City-Newark, New Jersey, NY-NJ-CT-PA Combined Statistical Area.
As of the census[5] of 2010, there were 2,386 people residing in the borough. The racial makeup of the borough was 95.7% White, 0.6% African American, 0.1% Native American, 1.1% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 0.9% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.5% of the population.
As of the census[5] of 2000, there were 2,582 people, 983 households, and 671 families residing in the borough. The population density was 2,780.7 people per square mile (1,072.0/km²). There were 1,050 housing units at an average density of 1,130.8 per square mile (435.9/km²). The racial makeup of the borough was 96.01% White, 0.70% African American, 0.08% Native American, 1.70% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.46% from other races, and 1.01% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.78% of the population.
Business Results 1 - 10 of 7
2 Reviews 
3 Reviews 
30 Reviews 
5 Reviews 
15 Reviews 
25 Reviews 