How to Select the Right Radiology Technician Degree Program near Littlestown Pennsylvania
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Littlestown PA so you can train to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have made a decision to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you set about selecting the right school and program to ensure that you will receive the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And since most states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you might need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the X-ray technician schools you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Many prospective students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and often settle on the lowest cost. But while cost and location need to be considered, there are other important qualifications as well. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. 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 talk about what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and training options that are offered.
X-Ray Technician Occupation Summary in Littlestown PA
There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the identical fundamental job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some opt to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, such as mammography. They can practice in Littlestown PA clinics, hospitals, family 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 take care of their equipment and regularly analyze its functionality and safety. They are also required to keep complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
Click Here For Free Information on X-Ray Tech Schools Near You!
Radiology Technician Degrees Offered near Littlestown PA
The primary prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree 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 program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to complete and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable as well. Something to keep in mind is that radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may typically be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which many schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in Littlestown PA or their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification requirements in Pennsylvania or the state you will be working as applicable.
X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification
When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, based on the state where you will be practicing you may need to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites differ so check with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number accept additional options for testing also. Several states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is optional. However, many Littlestown area employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it could enhance your career options in and around Littlestown PA to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Technologist Programs
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 schools. So although you can still earn your degree online, a substantial amount of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is usually performed in Littlestown PA hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Littlestown home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically discover that the online style of education is far more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online programs are generally less expensive than conventional options. Along with reduced tuition, costs for study materials and commuting may be lessened also. But just confirm that the online college you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online degree may be the best option for you.
Topics to Ask X Ray Tech Schools
When you have selected the type of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of locating and assessing x-ray technician colleges near Littlestown PA. You will also have to decide if you want to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be important. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be a material factor as well. But along with location and cost, what more should you factor in when reviewing schools? Well, you need to find out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details before you make your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are looking at.
Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? A large number of radiology tech schools have acquired some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still important to make sure that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive assessment of their instructors and educational materials. If the program is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Littlestown PA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry-level openings.
Are Internships Provided? Inquire if the xray tech programs you are evaluating have partnerships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great means to obtain practical experience in a clinical environment, they are also a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist students and graduates develop professional relationships in the Littlestown PA healthcare community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in Littlestown PA in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the radiographer schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Pennsylvania healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For many students, the college they choose will need to be within travelling distance of their Littlestown PA home. Individuals who have decided to attend online classes obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may have 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 kind of student that prefers to sit way in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Littlestown PA colleges you are researching what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to converse with a few of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the xray tech program also.
Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the xray tech program you finally select can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Littlestown PA area, make certain that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of illness, work or family obligations.
Compare Accredited X Ray Technician Schools Littlestown PA
Selecting the ideal x-ray tech college is an important first step toward beginning a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs frequently stand for the majority of the day and position and in some cases lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and provide the best available patient care. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Compare Accredited X Ray Technician Schools and wanting more information on the topic Guide to Online Radiology Technician Schools. However, as has been discussed in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each college you are assessing prior to making your final selection. This is similarly true whether you opt for an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each school so you can narrow down your options before making your final choice. And with the right education and your commitment to be successful, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Littlestown PA.
Other Pennsylvania Diagnostic Locations
Littlestown, Pennsylvania
Originally laid out by Peter Klein in 1760, the town was first named "Petersburg". German settlers in the area came to call the town "Kleine Stedtle". As confusion between the town and a neighboring town (also named "Petersburg", now York Springs[3]) grew, the town officially changed its name to Littlestown (essentially a translation of "Kleine Stedtle" from German) in 1795.[4]
Littlestown is located at 39°44′37″N 77°5′21″W / 39.74361°N 77.08917°W / 39.74361; -77.08917 (39.743749, -77.089240).[5] According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 1.6 square miles (4.1 km2), all of it land.
As of the census[7] of 2000, there were 3,947 people, 1,586 households, and 1,113 families residing in the borough. The population density was 2,517.0 people per square mile (970.7/km²). There were 1,692 housing units at an average density of 1,079.0 per square mile (416.1/km²). The racial makeup of the borough was 97.26% White, 0.56% African American, 0.10% Native American, 0.43% Asian, 0.51% from other races, and 1.14% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.27% of the population.
Business Results 1 - 10 of 16
7 Reviews 
4 Reviews 
2 Reviews 
1 Reviews 
8 Reviews 
6 Reviews 4 Reviews 
10 Reviews 