How to Select the Best Xray Technician School near Exton Pennsylvania
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Exton PA so you can learn to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have chosen to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you go about picking the ideal school and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And since the majority of states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you may require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you assess each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. Most prospective students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and frequently gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location need to be considered, there are other significant qualifications also. For instance, you must find out 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 considering are provided later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and education options that are offered.
Radiology Tech Job Description in Exton PA
There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the same principal job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, such as mammography. They can practice in Exton PA clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist 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 care for their equipment and frequently assess its performance and safety. They are also expected to retain in-depth records of all 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 Exton PA
The basic prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech school is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, normally requires 18 months to two years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to complete and is more extensive in nature. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are appropriate as well. Something to consider is that radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can typically be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which many colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in Exton PA or their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification requirements in Pennsylvania or the state you will be working as applicable.
Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing
When you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might need to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites differ so check with your state. At present, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but a number accept additional alternatives for testing also. Several states also require certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, many Exton area employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it might improve your career options in and around Exton PA to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.
Online Radiology Technologist Programs
As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree programs. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a considerable portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is often performed in Exton PA hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Exton residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually discover that the online style of education is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are generally less costly than conventional options. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials may be lessened also. But just make certain that the online program you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then online classes may be the ideal option for you.
Topics to Ask Radiographer Schools
When you have decided on the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can start the process of locating and evaluating x-ray tech schools near Exton PA. You will also need to determine if you want to attend classes online or travel to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a material variable also. But along with location and cost, what else should you consider when comparing colleges? Well, you need to find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details before you make your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are reviewing.
Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? Most radiology technician schools have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, 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 undergone a detailed examination of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. 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 superior education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial aid and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Exton PA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level openings.
Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out if the radiology technician programs you are evaluating have partnerships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific way to get hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help graduates and students establish professional connections in the Exton PA health care community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in Exton PA in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the radiographer schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Pennsylvania healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For many students, the college they select will need to be within travelling distance of their Exton PA residence. Those who have chosen 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. One thing to consider is that if you decide 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 usually charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit far in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Exton PA schools you are researching what the average student to teacher 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 converse with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program also.
Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the radiographer school you finally select can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in the Exton PA area, make sure that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family obligations.
How to Enroll in Evening Radiologic Tech Schools Exton PA
Enrolling in the appropriate radiology technician degree program is an important first step toward initiating a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs regularly stand for the greater part of the day and position and at times lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians 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 possible patient care. You originally came to this website due to an interest in How to Enroll in Evening Radiologic Tech Schools and wanting more information on the topic Best Local Schools For X Ray Techs. However, as has been addressed in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each college you are looking at before making your ultimate selection. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each program so you can focus your choices and make your decision. And with the appropriate training and your motivation to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiographer in Exton PA.
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Exton, Pennsylvania
Exton is a census-designated place (CDP) in West Whiteland Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, United States. Its population was 4,842 at the 2010 census. The Exton Square Mall and Main Street at Exton are both located within Exton along with several other shopping centers, making Exton the major shopping district in Chester County.
Exton lies at the intersection of U.S. Route 30 (formerly the Lancaster Road, and later the Lincoln Highway) and Pennsylvania Route 100 (Pottstown Pike). Beginning in the late 18th century, the Lancaster Road became a major transportation route between Philadelphia and the west, while what is now Route 100 was a regional north-south route to Pottstown. A theory exists that Exton was named as the "X" on the map, denoting this intersection, though more likely the village was named after one of the several Extons in the United Kingdom.
In the late 1940s, Exton became home to the Newcomen Society of the United States. The campus of the learned society was built overlooking farmland on Newcomen Road, and featured offices, a printing shop, library and museum, guest houses, a chapel and a belltower with a carillon. The Newcomen Society (since dissolved) sold the property in the late 1990s, but its campus remains an Exton landmark serving as the headquarters of another business.
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