How to Enroll in the Best Radiology Technician Program near Jenkintown Pennsylvania
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Jenkintown PA in order to train to be a radiology technician. But now that you have made a decision to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you undertake choosing the right school and program so that you will get the proper training to become a skilled professional? And considering that the majority of states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you may require training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you investigate each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering so that you can compare each program. A number of prospective students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and typically gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location need to be considered, there are other important qualifications as well. For instance, you should ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These questions 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 radiology tech does and the credentials and education options that are available.
X-Ray Tech Occupation Description in Jenkintown PA
There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, they all have the same major 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. Many opt to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, such as mammography. They may practice in Jenkintown PA hospitals, clinics, 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 have to care for their equipment and also regularly assess its functionality and safety. They are also expected to keep detailed 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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Radiology Technician Degrees Offered near Jenkintown PA
The basic requirement for enrolling in a radiology 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 prevalent among technicians, generally takes 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to complete and is more comprehensive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are appropriate also. One thing to consider is that radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may typically be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in Jenkintown PA or their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Pennsylvania or the state you will be working as applicable.
Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification
Once you have graduated from an Radiologist school, depending on the state where you will be working 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 licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but many provide additional options for testing also. A number of states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. However, numerous Jenkintown area employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it may increase your career options in and around Jenkintown PA to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Tech Classes
As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree schools. So while you can still obtain your online degree, a significant amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is often performed in Jenkintown PA hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online segment of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Jenkintown residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree often find that the online approach to learning is far more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are frequently more affordable than conventional options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be decreased also. But just make sure that the online school you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online degree may be the best option for you.
Questions to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges
When you have selected the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of locating and evaluating x-ray technician colleges near Jenkintown PA. You will also need to determine if you want to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a determining factor as well. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you consider when evaluating schools? Well, you should ask if the schools 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 compiled a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are looking at.
Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? The majority of radiology tech schools have acquired some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still important to verify that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous evaluation of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Jenkintown PA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level positions.
Are Internships Sponsored? Ask if the radiology technician colleges you are assessing have associations with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent manner to obtain hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist graduates and students form professional relationships in the Jenkintown PA health care community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in Jenkintown PA in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the radiographer schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Pennsylvania healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? For many students, the college they pick will have to be within travelling distance of their Jenkintown PA residence. Those who have chosen to attend classes online obviously 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 decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit way in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Jenkintown PA colleges you are considering what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to speak with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the xray technician program as well.
Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the radiographer college you ultimately select can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Jenkintown PA area, make sure that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Best Online Radiology Technician Schools Jenkintown PA
Picking the appropriate radiology technician degree program is an important first step toward beginning a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs typically stand for the greater part of the workday and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability 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 interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Best Online Radiology Technician Schools and wanting more information on the topic Compare Night Radiologic Technologist Schools. However, as has been discussed in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each program you are considering before making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you enroll in an online program or commute to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices before making your decision. And with the proper education and your dedication to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as a radiographer in Jenkintown PA.
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Jenkintown, Pennsylvania
Jenkintown is a borough in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, about 10 miles (16 km) north of Center City Philadelphia. "Jenkintown" is also used to describe a number of neighborhoods surrounding the borough, which also are known by names such as Meadowbrook, Rydal, Crosswicks, Fox Chase Manor, Jenkintown Manor, Noble, and Switchville. While the post office will deliver "Jenkintown"-addressed mail to these areas, they are not part of the political entity of Jenkintown; they are within Abington Township. Jenkintown is surrounded by Abington Township to the north, west, and east, and borders Cheltenham Township to the south.
The Borough of Jenkintown is located just outside Philadelphia along the Route 611 corridor between Abington and Cheltenham Townships. The Borough was settled in about 1697 and incorporated on December 8, 1874 when approximately 248 acres (1.00 km2) was taken from Abington Township. Today, the Borough is approximately 0.58 square miles and is home to 4,500 residents.
The Borough is a mostly residential community that is separated into East and West by the Business District that runs along and surrounds Old York Road (Route 611) corridor. On the east side of Old York Road, residential development is predominantly characterized by larger detached single-family homes on lots larger than the Borough average. On the southeast side of York Road, there is a small mixed concentration of row homes, duplexes, and single-family residences. The majority of the residential development, however, is located to the west of York Road. This area consists of a traditional small town mix of detached single-family homes, duplexes, and row homes. Located throughout this area are several multi-family apartment buildings that are residential rental properties. At the center of this residential area are the Jenkintown Elementary School and the Jenkintown High School.
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