How to Choose the Right Xray Technician College near Huntingdon Pennsylvania
So you have made the decision to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Huntingdon PA in order to learn to be a radiology technician. And now that you have chosen to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you go about choosing the ideal school and program so that you will receive the proper training to become a qualified professional? And since the majority of states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you might need preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you research each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering so that you can compare each program. A number of students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and frequently gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while cost and location should be considered, there are other critical qualifications as well. For example, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you must ask the X-ray Tech schools you are considering are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and training choices that are available.
Radiology Tech Work Description in Huntingdon 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. Irrespective of the name, each has the same primary job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many choose to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They may practice in Huntingdon PA clinics, hospitals, private 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 must maintain their equipment and also routinely assess its performance and safety. They are also expected to retain in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
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X-Ray Technician Degree Options near Huntingdon PA
The basic prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, generally requires 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to finish and is more extensive in nature. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be appropriate also. Something to consider is that radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may frequently be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in Huntingdon PA or their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing mandates in Pennsylvania or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification
When you have graduated from an Radiologist college, based on the state where you will be practicing you may have to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so contact your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number offer other options for testing as well. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, numerous Huntingdon area employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it could improve your career options in and around Huntingdon PA to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Tech Schools
As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree colleges. So while you can still earn your online degree, a significant amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is usually carried out in Huntingdon PA family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online portion of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Huntingdon home. Students who keep working while earning their degree often find that the online style of education is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are frequently cheaper than conventional alternatives. Along with lower tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting can be reduced also. But just be sure that the online program you choose is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then online classes may be the best option for you.
What to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs
After you have decided on the type of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of locating and assessing x-ray tech schools near Huntingdon PA. You will also have to decide if you want to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be an important factor also. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you consider when comparing schools? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details prior to making your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are considering.
Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? A large number of radiology technician schools have obtained some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still imperative to make sure that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed review of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. All accrediting agencies 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 acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Huntingdon PA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level positions.
Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Inquire if the xray tech colleges you are interested in have associations with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent means to get practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist graduates and students form professional relationships in the Huntingdon PA medical community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in Huntingdon PA in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Pennsylvania healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the college they pick will have to be within driving distance of their Huntingdon PA residence. 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 consider is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or even 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 for those students that don’t reside within their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit far in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Huntingdon PA colleges you are looking at what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program also.
Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the radiographer school you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in the Huntingdon PA area, check 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, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family obligations.
Best Accredited X Ray Technician Courses Huntingdon PA
Selecting the appropriate radiology technician college is a critical first step toward launching a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs regularly stand for the majority of the day and position and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and provide the best possible patient care. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Best Accredited X Ray Technician Courses and wanting more information on the topic Compare Online Radiology Tech Schools. However, as we have 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 just as true whether you enroll in an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each program so you can focus your choices and make your final choice. And with the appropriate education and your commitment to be successful, you can realize your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Huntingdon PA.
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Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
Huntingdon is a borough in (and the county seat of) Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is located along the Juniata River, approximately 32 miles (51 km) east of Altoona and 92 miles (148 km) west of Harrisburg. With a population of 7,093 at the 2010 census,[3] it is the largest population center near Raystown Lake, a winding, 28-mile-long (45 km) flood-control reservoir managed by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The borough is located on the main line of the Norfolk Southern (formerly Pennsylvania) Railway, in an agricultural and outdoor recreational region with extensive forests and scattered deposits of ganister rock, coal, fire clay, and limestone. Historically, the region surrounding Huntingdon was dotted with iron furnaces and forges, consuming limestone, iron ore and wood (for charcoal production) throughout the 19th century. Dairy farms dominate the local agriculture. The town is a regular stop for the Amtrak passenger service which connects Harrisburg with Pittsburgh.
In 1768, Rev. Dr. William Smith began selling lots on the Standing Stone Tract along the Juniata, land he had recently acquired. The tract's two prior owners had not attempted to lay out a town, so Dr. Smith is considered the founder. Huntingdon (the name by which he eventually called his town) sits at the site of corn fields that had been cultivated at a date now unknown, next to where Standing Stone Creek flows into the Juniata River. The 100th anniversary of its incorporation was marked by the erection of a "Standing Stone Monument" on Third Street, modeled on a tall, narrow shaft known to have existed before 1750, whose purpose is unclear but may have served as a trail marker. It may be significant that natural sandstone formations (popularly called Pulpit Rocks), which "stand erect", are on a nearby ridge. A story surfaced during the early 19th century that Smith had renamed Standing Stone Settlement to honor an Englishwoman, Selina Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon. Smith's descendants vehemently denied the story, and there exists no evidence to support it, despite a wide circulation in published sources. More likely, the Anglican cleric named it after the town of the same name in England; doing so had become a pattern for naming Pennsylvania settlements, Bedford, Carlisle and York being nearby examples of the trend. In 1796, the little village was incorporated as a borough.
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