How to Choose the Right Xray Technician Program near Drexel Hill Pennsylvania
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Drexel Hill PA so you can learn to be a radiology technician. And now that you have made a decision to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about choosing the right college and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And because the majority of states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you may need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you investigate each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering so that you can compare each program. A number of potential students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and typically settle on the lowest cost. But while location and cost should be considered, there are other significant qualifications as well. For instance, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you must ask the X-ray Tech schools you are reviewing are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology technician does and the credentials and education options that are available.
Radiology Tech Occupation Description in Drexel Hill PA
There are multiple 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, each has the identical fundamental job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for example mammography. They may work in Drexel Hill PA hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician might utilize include:
- Traditional and specialized X-Rays
- Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Sonography or ultrasound
- Fluoroscopy
Radiographers have to care for their equipment and routinely evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also required to keep in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
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Radiology Tech Degrees Available near Drexel Hill PA
The basic requirement for attending an x-ray tech college is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, usually takes 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to finish and is more expansive in scope. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are appropriate also. One thing to consider is that radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may often be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which many colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in Drexel Hill PA or their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Pennsylvania or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification
After you have graduated from an Radiologist program, depending on the state where you will be working you might need to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements differ so check with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many offer additional options for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, many Drexel Hill area employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it may enhance your career options in and around Drexel Hill PA to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Technician Degrees
As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree colleges. So even though you can still obtain your online degree, a significant amount of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is often performed in Drexel Hill PA hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online section of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Drexel Hill home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online style of learning is much more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are generally more affordable than traditional options. In addition to lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials may be decreased also. But just be sure that the online college you select is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then online classes may be the best option for you.
Points to Ask Radiologic Tech Schools
When you have selected the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of locating and evaluating x-ray tech schools near Drexel Hill PA. You will also need to determine if you want to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be critical. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a determining variable also. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you consider when comparing colleges? 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 essential details before you make your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are reviewing.
Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? Most xray technician schools have earned some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still imperative to confirm 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). Schools earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive evaluation of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. 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 offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Drexel Hill PA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level openings.
Are Internships Provided? Find out if the radiology technician colleges you are reviewing have relationships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent means to get practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Drexel Hill PA medical community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in Drexel Hill PA in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the radiographer schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Pennsylvania healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the school they decide on will have to be within travelling distance of their Drexel Hill PA residence. Those who have chosen to attend online classes obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit far in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Drexel Hill PA colleges you are reviewing what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to converse with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program also.
Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the radiographer program you finally choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in the Drexel Hill PA area, verify that they are available. 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 need to carry. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
How to Enroll in Online Radiologic Technologist Schools Drexel Hill PA
Picking the best x-ray tech degree program is a critical first step toward initiating a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs frequently stand for the majority of the working 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 follow the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a necessity 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 Online Radiologic Technologist Schools and wanting more information on the topic Top Night X Ray Technician Courses. However, as has been covered in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate selection. This is just as true whether you opt for an online program or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each program so you can narrow down your choices before making your final choice. And with the right education and your commitment to be successful, you can reach your goal to work as a X-ray tech in Drexel Hill PA.
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Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania
Drexel Hill is a census-designated place (CDP) largely located in Upper Darby. Drexel Hill is located 7 miles (11 km) west of Center City, Philadelphia, and is part of the Philadelphia metropolitan area. The population was 28,043 at the 2010 census,[1] down from 29,364 at the 2000 census.
Drexel Hill is located in the western part of Upper Darby Township at 39°57′00″N 75°18′7″W / 39.95000°N 75.30194°W / 39.95000; -75.30194 (39.949962, -75.301841).[2] The CDP is bordered to the north by Haverford Township, to the east by the Kirklyn, Highland Park, Beverly Hills, and Bywood neighborhoods of Upper Darby, to the southeast by the borough of Lansdowne, to the south by the borough of Clifton Heights and the Westbrook Park neighborhood of Upper Darby, and to the southwest by Springfield Township.[3]Darby Creek forms the southwestern/southern border of the CDP. U.S. Route 1 (Township Line Road) runs through the northwest corner of the CDP and forms most of its northern border with Haverford Township.
The Lower Swedish Cabin on Creek Road alongside Darby Creek is possibly the oldest log house in North America. The cabin is believed to have been built by early Swedish settlers who were part of the New Sweden colony. The cabin was most likely built between 1638 and 1655, but the exact year is not known. Log cabin architecture was a major contribution of the colonial Swedes. European settlers from other countries copied this style of housing, and the log cabin became popular all across America.[4]
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