How to Select the Best X-Ray Tech School near Lewistown Pennsylvania
So you have made the decision to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Lewistown PA in order to become a radiology technician. But now that you have decided to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you go about selecting the ideal school and program to ensure that you will get the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that most states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you might need training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering in order to evaluate each program. A number of potential students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and usually settle on the lowest cost. But while expense and location must be considered, there are additional significant qualifications also. For instance, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you must ask the X-ray Tech schools you are considering are provided later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic technician does and the degrees and training choices that are available.
X-Ray Technician Job Description in Lewistown PA
There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the same principal job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for example mammography. They may practice in Lewistown PA clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist 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 take care of their equipment and also frequently assess its performance and safety. They are also required to retain complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
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Radiology Tech Degrees Offered near Lewistown PA
The standard requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech school is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, generally requires 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to finish and is more comprehensive in scope. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are acceptable as well. 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 may often be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which a large number of schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in Lewistown PA or their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Pennsylvania or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing
When you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, based on the state where you will be working you may need to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements vary so contact your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but a number approve other options for testing also. Several states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, many Lewistown area employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it might increase your career options in and around Lewistown PA to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Tech Degrees
As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree programs. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a considerable amount of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is usually provided in Lewistown PA family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online portion of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Lewistown home. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually find that the online style of education is far more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are generally less costly than traditional options. Along with reduced tuition, costs for study materials and commuting can be lessened also. But just be sure that the online program you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online school may be the best option for you.
Points to Ask Radiology Tech Programs
When you have chosen the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of locating and evaluating x-ray technician schools near Lewistown PA. You will also have to decide if you want to attend classes online or drive to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be critical. The price of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a determining factor also. But along with location and cost, what else should you look at when reviewing colleges? Well, you need to ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these important details prior to making your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are looking at.
Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? The majority of xray tech colleges have acquired some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to confirm that the school and program 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). Programs earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed evaluation of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Lewistown PA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level openings.
Are Internship Programs Offered? Inquire if the radiology tech schools you are reviewing have relationships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great way to get hands on training 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 students and graduates develop professional connections in the Lewistown PA medical community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in Lewistown PA in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Pennsylvania healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? For many students, the school they select will have to be within travelling distance of their Lewistown PA residence. Individuals who have chosen 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. Something to bear 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 may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit far in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Lewistown PA colleges you are looking at what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to speak with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program as well.
Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the xray tech school you finally choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in the Lewistown 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 courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Compare Local X Ray Technician Courses Lewistown PA
Choosing the right radiology technician school is a crucial first step toward initiating a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the greater part of the day and position and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best available patient care. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Compare Local X Ray Technician Courses and wanting more information on the topic Guide to Fast Track Radiology Tech Schools. However, as we have covered in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are reviewing before making your final decision. This is equally true whether you participate in an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each school so you can narrow down your options and make your final choice. And with the proper education and your motivation to be successful, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Lewistown PA.
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Lewistown, Pennsylvania
Lewistown is a borough in the county seat of Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, United States.[3] It is the principal city of the Lewistown, PA Micropolitan Statistical Area, which encompasses all of Mifflin County.[4] It lies along the Juniata River, 61 miles (98 km) northwest of Harrisburg. The number of people living in the borough in 1900 was 4,451; in 1910, 8,166; in 1940, 13,017; and in 2000, 8,998. The population was 8,338 at the 2010 census. Of the four communities in the United States named "Lewistown", this borough is the largest.
The borough was incorporated in 1795 and was named for William "Bill" Lewis, a Quaker and a member of the legislature, who was responsible for the designation of the borough, which was then known as the Village of Ohesson, as the county seat of Mifflin County.
Early roads crisscrossed the region, but it was the eventual construction of the Pennsylvania Canal and the railroads that followed that truly positioned Mifflin County as an economic force in the state.
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