How to Find the Right Radiology Technician Degree Program near Leetsdale Pennsylvania
So you have made the decision to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Leetsdale PA in order to learn to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have chosen to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle choosing the ideal school and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And since the majority of states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you may require training to pass a licensing exam. 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. Many students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and frequently gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while cost and location need to be taken into account, there are additional significant qualifiers as well. For instance, you must ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the X-ray Tech schools you are evaluating are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology tech does and the credentials and education choices that are offered.
X-Ray Tech Career Description in Leetsdale PA
There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the identical major job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They may work in Leetsdale PA hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist might utilize 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 regularly analyze its functionality and safety. They are also required to keep in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
Click Here For Free Information on X-Ray Tech Schools Near You!
X-Ray Tech Degrees Offered near Leetsdale PA
The basic requirement for attending a radiology tech program is to have attained 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 technicians, usually takes 18 months to two years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to finish and is more extensive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be appropriate also. One thing to keep in mind is that radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can frequently be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in Leetsdale PA or their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any licensing or certification mandates in Pennsylvania or the state you will be working as applicable.
X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification
After you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, based on the state where you will be practicing you might need to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites differ so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but many provide other alternatives for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. However, many Leetsdale area employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might increase your career options in and around Leetsdale PA to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Technologist Classes
As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree colleges. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a substantial portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is usually conducted in Leetsdale PA family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Leetsdale home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online style of learning is much more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are often more affordable than traditional options. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be reduced as well. But just make certain that the online school you choose is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online degree may be the ideal choice for you.
Topics to Ask Radiographer Programs
As soon as you have selected the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of locating and assessing x-ray tech schools near Leetsdale PA. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or travel to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a material factor also. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you factor in when evaluating schools? Well, you should find out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details prior to making your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are reviewing.
Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? Most xray technician schools have earned 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 respected accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive evaluation of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also help in securing financial aid and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Leetsdale PA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level jobs.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Inquire if the radiology technician schools you are evaluating have relationships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great manner to get hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Leetsdale PA medical community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in Leetsdale PA in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Pennsylvania healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the school they decide on will have to be within driving distance of their Leetsdale PA home. Those who have decided to attend classes online obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. One thing to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Leetsdale PA schools you are looking at what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to converse with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program as well.
Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the xray tech school you ultimately pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you decide to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Leetsdale PA area, confirm that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family obligations.
Best Part Time X Ray Tech Schools Leetsdale PA
Picking the right radiology tech degree program is an important first step toward launching a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs often stand for the greater part of the day and move and sometimes lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity 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 Best Part Time X Ray Tech Schools and wanting more information on the topic Guide to Accredited X Ray Technician Schools. However, as we have covered in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each program you are assessing before making your final decision. This is just as true whether you opt for an online program or drive to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each college so you can narrow down your options and make your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your commitment to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Leetsdale PA.
Other Pennsylvania Diagnostic Locations
Leetsdale, Pennsylvania
Leetsdale was incorporated on March 28, 1904. Leetsdale at one time had a formidable industrial manufacturing base, with a Bethlehem Steel mill that closed in the late 1970s. The site of the mill on the shore of the Ohio River is now the Leetsdale Industrial Park, or the Port of Leetsdale, and is home to facilities leased to a number of companies of varying sizes.[4]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 1.1 square miles (2.8 km2), of which 1.0 square mile (2.6 km2) is land and 0.2 square miles (0.52 km2), or 13.91%, is water.
Leetsdale is bordered by Ambridge in Beaver County to the north, Leet Township to the northeast, and Edgeworth to the southeast. The borough includes the former town of Shields. The Ohio River forms the southwest border of the borough; across the river is Crescent Township.
Business Results 1 - 10 of 11
1 Reviews 
1 Reviews 
8 Reviews 
3 Reviews 
2 Reviews 
35 Reviews 
21 Reviews 
45 Reviews 
33 Reviews 2 Reviews 