How to Choose the Best Radiologic Tech School near Duncansville Pennsylvania
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Duncansville PA so you can become a radiology technologist. And now that you have made a decision to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you undertake choosing the ideal school and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you may require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you research each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. A number of potential students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and often settle on the most affordable cost. But while expense and location need to be considered, there are additional important qualifiers also. For instance, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the X-ray Tech schools you are evaluating are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic technician does and the degrees and training choices that are offered.
Radiology Tech Work Description in Duncansville PA
There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the identical fundamental job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many elect to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for example mammography. They may work in Duncansville PA hospitals, clinics, private 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 take care of their equipment plus regularly analyze its functionality and safety. They are additionally 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.
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Radiology Tech Degrees Available near Duncansville PA
The primary prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech college is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, usually requires 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to complete and is more expansive in nature. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be acceptable also. One thing to keep in mind is that radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may typically be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which many colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in Duncansville PA or their area. Once you have graduated from one 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 Tech Licensing and Certification
Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, depending on the state where you will be working you might need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements vary so contact your state. Presently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but many accept other options for testing also. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is optional. However, numerous Duncansville area employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it might enhance your career options in and around Duncansville PA to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.
Online Radiology Tech Programs
As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree schools. So although you can still obtain your degree online, a substantial amount of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is typically performed in Duncansville PA hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online section of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Duncansville home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree often find that the online style of learning is much more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are frequently cheaper than on-campus alternatives. Along with lower tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be decreased also. But just make sure that the online program you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then online classes may be the right option for you.
Subjects to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges
When you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of locating and assessing x-ray tech schools near Duncansville PA. You will also have to determine if you want to attend online classes or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a material variable also. But along with cost and location, what else should you consider when comparing colleges? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details before you make your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are reviewing.
Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? Most xray tech colleges have earned some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still crucial to make sure 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 receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive examination of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it might 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. In addition to ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Duncansville PA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level jobs.
Are Internship Programs Offered? Inquire if the radiology tech colleges you are assessing have relationships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to get hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist graduates and students form professional connections in the Duncansville PA medical community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in Duncansville PA in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Pennsylvania healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the college they select will need to be within driving distance of their Duncansville PA home. Individuals who have decided to attend online classes naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often 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.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit way in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Duncansville PA colleges you are considering what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to converse with a few of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the xray technician program also.
Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the radiographer college you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Duncansville PA area, make sure that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, 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 might miss due to work, illness or family obligations.
How to Enroll in Online Schools For X Ray Techs Duncansville PA
Enrolling in the ideal x-ray tech school is a crucial first step toward beginning a fulfilling new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs often stand for the majority of the working day and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best possible patient care. You originally came to this website due to an interest in How to Enroll in Online Schools For X Ray Techs and wanting more information on the topic Top Weekend X Ray Tech Schools. However, as we have covered in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are looking at prior to making your final selection. This is just as true whether you enroll in an online program or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each college 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 radiographer in Duncansville PA.
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Duncansville, Pennsylvania
Duncansville is a borough in Blair County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is part of the Altoona, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area. Duncansville is one of the communities that comprises the Altoona Urban Area. The population was 1,233 at the 2010 census.
As of the census[5] of 2000, there were 1,238 people, 580 households, and 338 families residing in the borough. The population density was 2,312.5 people per square mile (885.2/km²). There were 610 housing units at an average density of 1,139.4 per square mile (436.2/km²). The racial makeup of the borough was 98.47% White, 0.48% African American, 0.08% Asian, 0.08% from other races, and 0.89% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.48% of the population.
There were 580 households, out of which 19.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.0% were married couples living together, 10.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.7% were non-families. 38.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 21.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.13 and the average family size was 2.84.
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