How to Select the Right X-Ray Technician Degree Program near Ford City Pennsylvania
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Ford City PA in order to become a radiologic technologist. And now that you have chosen to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you set about picking the ideal school and program so that you will get the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And because most states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you might require preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the X-ray technician schools you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. A number of prospective students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and often settle on the most affordable cost. But while location and cost must be considered, there are other critical qualifications as well. For example, you need to ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the X-ray Tech schools you are evaluating are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray technician does and the degrees and education choices that are offered.
Radiology Technician Career Description in Ford City PA
There are multiple 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 function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They can practice in Ford City PA clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech may work with 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 and also frequently evaluate its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to keep complete 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 Technician Degrees Offered near Ford City PA
The standard requirement for attending an x-ray tech college is to have earned 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 course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to complete and is more expansive in scope. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are appropriate also. One thing to bear in mind is that radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may often be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which many colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in Ford City PA or their region. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Pennsylvania or the state you will be working as applicable.
Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification
After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, depending on the state where you will be practicing you may have to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites differ so check with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but a number offer other options for testing also. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, many Ford City area employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it could improve your career options in and around Ford City PA to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. 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 Radiology Tech Schools
As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree schools. So even though you can still obtain your online degree, a large portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is typically performed in Ford City PA family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online portion of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Ford City home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online style of education is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are frequently less costly than conventional options. Along with lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting may be decreased as well. But just make sure that the online program you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online degree may be the best choice for you.
What to Ask X Ray Tech Programs
After you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of looking for and evaluating x-ray technician schools near Ford City PA. You will also have to decide if you want to attend online classes or travel to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be a material factor also. But along with cost and location, what more should you consider when reviewing schools? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these important details before you make your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are looking at.
Are the Radiology Tech Colleges Accredited? Most xray technician colleges have obtained some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to confirm 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). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed assessment of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in securing financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Ford City PA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level positions.
Are Internship Programs Offered? Inquire if the xray technician programs you are assessing have relationships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent manner to get hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may help graduates and students develop professional connections in the Ford City PA medical community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in Ford City PA in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the radiographer programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Pennsylvania healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the school they select will need to be within travelling distance of their Ford City PA home. Students who have chosen to attend online classes obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school 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 for those students that live outside of their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit far in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Ford City PA colleges 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 final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with some of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program also.
Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the radiographer college you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in the Ford City PA area, make sure that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option 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 as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Top Local Radiologic Tech Schools Ford City PA
Choosing the best radiology tech school is a crucial first step toward beginning a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs often stand for the greater part of the day and move and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate 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 technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best available care to patients. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Top Local Radiologic Tech Schools and wanting more information on the topic Best Fast Track Schools For X Ray Techs. However, as we have addressed in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate selection. This is similarly true whether you decide on an online school or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each college so you can narrow down your options before making your final choice. And with the proper education and your motivation to be successful, you can reach your goal to work as a radiographer in Ford City PA.
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Ford City, Pennsylvania
Ford City is a borough in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, United States, 40 miles (64 km) northeast of Pittsburgh along the east bank of the Allegheny River and 4 miles (6 km) south of Kittanning, the county seat. The population of Ford City at the 2010 census was 2,991.[3]
Ford City was founded in 1887 as a company town by the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company (now PPG Industries) as the site for its Works No. 3 glass factory. The town was named in honor of the company founder, John Baptiste Ford (1811–1903). The factory employed as many as 5,000 workers in its heyday. PPG shut down its Ford City operations in the 1990s. The once largest employer in Armstrong County, Eljer Plumbing, shut down its Ford City plant in 2008.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 0.77 square miles (2.0 km2), of which 0.66 square miles (1.7 km2) is land and 0.12 square miles (0.3 km2), or 15.28%, is water.[3]
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