How to Choose the Best Radiology Technician School near Custer City Pennsylvania
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Custer City PA in order to train to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have chosen to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you undertake choosing the ideal school and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And because most states do require that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you may need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you research each of the X-ray technician schools you are looking at so that you can compare each program. Many potential students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and typically settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location should be taken into consideration, there are additional important qualifiers also. For example, you need to ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the X-ray Tech schools you are reviewing are provided later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray tech does and the degrees and education choices that are available.
Radiology Tech Job Summary in Custer City PA
There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, they all have the identical principal job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many elect to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for example mammography. They may practice in Custer City PA clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech might 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 regularly analyze its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to keep in-depth 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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X-Ray Tech Degrees near Custer City PA
The primary requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech school is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, usually takes 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to finish and is more extensive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are appropriate as well. Something to bear in mind is that radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can frequently be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in Custer City PA or their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Pennsylvania or the state you will be working as applicable.
X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing
Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, based on the state where you will be working you might have to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites vary so contact your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many accept additional options for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Custer City area employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it might increase your career options in and around Custer City PA to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Technician Programs
As a component 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 colleges. So while you can still obtain your degree online, a substantial amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is often conducted in Custer City PA hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online portion of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Custer City home. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually find that the online style of education is far more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are often less costly than conventional options. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be decreased as well. But just confirm that the online program you choose is accredited (more on the benefits 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 right choice for you.
Topics to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges
When you have selected the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of finding and assessing x-ray tech colleges near Custer City PA. You will also have to determine if you want to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a determining factor also. But along with location and cost, what else should you consider when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these important details before you make your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are looking at.
Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? A large number of xray tech colleges have received some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still imperative to verify that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly regarded 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 assessment of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also help in getting financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Custer City PA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry level jobs.
Are Internships Sponsored? Inquire if the xray technician schools you are interested in have associations with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific means to receive hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Custer City PA healthcare community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in Custer City PA in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Pennsylvania healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? For many students, the college they decide on will need to be within commuting distance of their Custer City PA residence. 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 concern. One thing to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit far in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Custer City PA schools you are researching 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 final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with a few of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the xray technician program also.
Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the radiographer school you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Custer City PA area, confirm that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.
How to Enroll in Local Radiology Tech Schools Custer City PA
Picking the appropriate x-ray technician school is a crucial first step toward launching a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the majority of the working day and move and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and furnish the best available patient care. You originally came to this website due to an interest in How to Enroll in Local Radiology Tech Schools and wanting more information on the topic Top Fast Track Radiology Tech Programs. However, as has been covered in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are considering prior to making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you decide on an online school or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each school so you can focus your options and make your final choice. And with the right training and your motivation to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as a X-ray tech in Custer City PA.
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George Armstrong Custer
Custer graduated from West Point in 1861 at the bottom of his class, but as the Civil War was just starting, trained officers were in immediate demand. He worked closely with General McClellan and the future General Pleasonton, both of whom recognized his qualities as a cavalry leader, and he was brevetted brigadier general of volunteers at age 23. Only a few days after his promotion, he fought at Gettysburg, where he commanded the Michigan Cavalry Brigade and despite being outnumbered, defeated J. E. B. Stuart's attack at what is now known as the East Cavalry Field. In 1864, Custer served in the Overland Campaign and in Sheridan's army in the Shenandoah Valley, defeating Jubal Early at Cedar Creek. His division blocked the Army of Northern Virginia's final retreat and received the first flag of truce from the Confederates, and Custer was present at Robert E. Lee's surrender to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox.
After the war, Custer was appointed a lieutenant colonel in the Regular Army and was sent west to fight in the Indian Wars. On June 25, 1876, while leading the 7th Cavalry Regiment at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in Montana Territory against a coalition of Native American tribes, he was killed along with over one third of his command during an action later romanticized as "Custer's Last Stand".
His dramatic end was as controversial as the rest of his career, and reaction to his life and career remains deeply divided. Custer's bold leadership in battle is unquestioned, but his legend was partly of his own fabrication through his extensive journalism, and perhaps more through the energetic lobbying of his wife Libbie Custer throughout her long widowhood.
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