How to Pick the Right X-Ray Tech College near New Bethlehem Pennsylvania
So you have made the decision to enroll in an X-ray tech school near New Bethlehem PA in order to learn to be a radiology technician. But now that you have decided to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about picking the right school and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And because most states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you might need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you investigate each of the X-ray technician schools you are looking at so that you can compare each program. A number of prospective students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and often gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location should be considered, there are other critical qualifications as well. For instance, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the X-ray Tech schools you are evaluating are presented later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and training choices that are available.
X-Ray Technician Job Description in New Bethlehem PA
There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, each has the same principal job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some elect to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They can work in New Bethlehem PA clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech might utilize 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 evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to keep 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 near New Bethlehem PA
The basic prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech college is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, normally takes 18 months to two years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to complete and is more expansive in nature. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are acceptable as well. Something to bear in mind is that radiographer schools have a clinical 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 colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in New Bethlehem PA or their region. Once 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 Licensing and Certification
When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, based on the state where you will be employed you may have to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria differ so get in touch with your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but many provide additional options for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, many New Bethlehem area employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it might increase your career options in and around New Bethlehem PA to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Tech Degrees
As a part 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 colleges. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is usually provided in New Bethlehem PA family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online section of the training may be attended in the comfort of your New Bethlehem residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online style of education is much more practical with their active schedules. Plus online schools are often cheaper than on-campus alternatives. Along with lower tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be decreased also. But just make certain that the online school you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then online classes may be the right option for you.
Points to Ask Radiographer Schools
After you have decided on the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the process of looking for and assessing x-ray technician schools near New Bethlehem PA. You will also need to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the school will be important. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be an important factor as well. But along with cost and location, what else should you factor in when reviewing colleges? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these crucial details before you make your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are looking at.
Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? The majority of xray technician schools have earned some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still crucial to verify that the program and school 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 earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous assessment of their teachers and educational materials. If the college is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also help in getting financial aid and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous New Bethlehem PA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level jobs.
Are Internships Provided? Find out if the xray technician schools you are interested in have associations with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great manner to obtain practical training in a clinical environment, they are also a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist students and graduates develop professional relationships in the New Bethlehem PA health care community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in New Bethlehem PA in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the radiographer schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Pennsylvania healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the college they choose will have to be within travelling distance of their New Bethlehem PA home. Those who have opted to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. 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 might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit way in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the New Bethlehem PA schools you are considering what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. 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 also.
Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the radiographer school you finally select can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in the New Bethlehem PA area, make sure that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Guide to Online X Ray Technician Schools New Bethlehem PA
Choosing the best x-ray technician college is an important first step toward beginning a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs often stand for the majority of the workday and move and in some cases lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best available care to patients. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Guide to Online X Ray Technician Schools and wanting more information on the topic Radiology Tech Education. However, as we have discussed in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are assessing prior to making your final selection. This is similarly true whether you decide on an online school or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each college so you can narrow down your options and make your decision. And with the proper training and your commitment to succeed, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in New Bethlehem PA.
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New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
New Bethlehem is located along the southern border of Clarion County at 41°0′12″N 79°19′51″W / 41.00333°N 79.33083°W / 41.00333; -79.33083 (41.003302, -79.330935).[6] It is in the valley of Redbank Creek, which separates the borough from South Bethlehem, Armstrong County to the south.
Pennsylvania Route 28 passes through the borough, crossing Redbank Creek into South Bethlehem, then leading southwest 20 miles (32 km) to Kittanning on the Allegheny River. To the northeast, PA 28 leads 20 miles (32 km) to Brookville and Interstate 80. Pennsylvania Route 66 intersects PA 28 in the center of New Bethlehem and leads north 13 miles (21 km) to I-80 and 16 miles (26 km) to Clarion, the county seat. PA 66 travels with PA 28 southwest to Kittanning. Pennsylvania Route 861 leads west from New Bethlehem 12 miles (19 km) to Rimersburg.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough of New Bethlehem has a total area of 0.50 square miles (1.3 km2), of which 0.46 square miles (1.2 km2) is land and 0.04 square miles (0.1 km2), or 9.92%, is water.[5]
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