How to Find the Right Radiology Technician College near Folcroft Pennsylvania
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Folcroft PA so you can learn to be a radiologic technologist. But now that you have decided to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you tackle picking the right school and program so that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And because most states do require that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you may need training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the X-ray technician schools you are looking at so that you can compare each program. A number of students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and often gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while location and cost must be considered, there are other critical qualifiers as well. For instance, you must ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the X-ray Tech schools you are considering are provided later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray tech does and the degrees and education choices that are available.
X-Ray Technician Career Description in Folcroft PA
There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, they all have the identical fundamental job description, which is to use 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. Some opt to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They may work in Folcroft PA hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician 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 plus routinely assess its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to keep detailed 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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Radiology Technician Degree Options near Folcroft PA
The basic requirement for attending a radiology tech school is to have attained 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 technicians, generally takes 18 months to two years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to finish and is more expansive in scope. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable as well. Something to bear in mind is that radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may often be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which many schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in Folcroft PA or their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by 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 Radiologist program, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might have to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their requirements vary 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 several provide additional options for testing as well. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. However, numerous Folcroft area employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it may improve your career options in and around Folcroft PA to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Technologist Programs
As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree programs. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a large amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is typically performed in Folcroft PA hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online segment of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Folcroft home. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually discover that the online approach to education is much more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are generally less expensive than conventional options. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be lessened as well. But just make sure that the online school you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online school may be the best choice for you.
Questions to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs
When you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of searching for and assessing x-ray technician schools near Folcroft PA. You will also need 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 school will be important. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a determining variable also. But along with cost and location, what more should you look at when reviewing colleges? Well, you should check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor 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 programs you are considering.
Are the Radiology Tech Colleges 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 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 evaluation of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Folcroft PA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level positions.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out if the xray tech colleges you are evaluating have associations with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great manner to receive practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Folcroft PA healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in Folcroft PA in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the radiographer programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success 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 substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the college they decide on will need to be within driving distance of their Folcroft PA home. Students who have opted to attend classes online 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 decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit way in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Folcroft PA schools you are researching what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the xray technician program as well.
Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the xray tech college you ultimately pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Folcroft PA area, verify that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Top Local X Ray Technician Courses Folcroft PA
Enrolling in the best radiology tech degree program is a crucial first step toward beginning a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical condition. 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. Candidates must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social 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 Top Local X Ray Technician Courses and wanting more information on the topic Best Fast Track Radiology Tech Schools. However, as has been addressed in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each college you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate selection. This is similarly true whether you opt for an online program or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each program so you can narrow down your choices and make your decision. And with the right education and your motivation to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as a X-ray tech in Folcroft PA.
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Folcroft, Pennsylvania
The origin of Folcroft can be traced back to the mid 1600s and early settlements of New Sweden. Delmar Drive was once part of Calcon Hook Road. Calcon is the Swedish word for "turkey," and Hook is the Swedish word for "road". The original road was a Leni Lenape trail called "Turkey's Neck Trail" by the settlers, and was no more than 4 feet (1.2 m) wide.
Originally productive farmlands, it became a residential suburb of Philadelphia with the construction of the Pennsylvania Railroad through the area in 1874. A passenger stop was built and named Folcroft, or "leafy fields".
Folcroft is located in southeastern Delaware County at 39°53′36″N 75°16′51″W / 39.89333°N 75.28083°W / 39.89333; -75.28083 (39.893212, -75.280881).[5] It is bordered to the south by Darby Creek and to the west by its tributary, Muckinipattis Creek. To the south across Darby Creek is Tinicum Township. Neighboring boroughs are Norwood to the west, Glenolden to the northwest, Collingdale to the north, and Sharon Hill to the northeast. Darby Township is also to the northeast, and the city of Philadelphia is to the east, across Darby Creek.
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