How to Select the Right Radiologic Tech Course near Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Pittsburgh PA in order to train to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have chosen to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you set about selecting the ideal college and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And since most states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you may need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you research each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering in order to compare each program. Most students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and frequently settle on the lowest cost. But while cost and location need to be taken into consideration, there are other critical qualifiers as well. For example, you must ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you should ask the X-ray Tech schools you are considering are provided later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and training options that are available.
X-Ray Tech Career Description in Pittsburgh PA
There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, each has the same principal job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some elect to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, such as mammography. They can work in Pittsburgh PA hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may 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 plus frequently evaluate its functionality and safety. They are additionally required 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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X-Ray Tech Degrees Available near Pittsburgh PA
The standard requirement for attending a radiology tech program 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 techs, generally requires 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to finish and is more extensive in scope. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are appropriate also. Something to consider is that radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may typically be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which many schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in Pittsburgh PA or their region. 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 practicing in as applicable.
X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification
Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, depending on the state where you will be employed you may need to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites differ so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but several offer other alternatives for testing also. Several states also require certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. However, many Pittsburgh area employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it might increase your career options in and around Pittsburgh PA to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online Radiology Technologist Degrees
As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree programs. So while you can still obtain your degree online, a large portion of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is usually provided in Pittsburgh PA family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Pittsburgh home. Students who continue working while earning their degree often find that the online style of learning is much more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are generally less expensive than on-campus options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be lessened also. But just make sure that the online school you choose is accredited (more on the advantages 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 right option for you.
Questions to Ask X Ray Tech Schools
After you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of looking for and assessing x-ray tech colleges near Pittsburgh PA. You will also have to decide if you want to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be critical. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a material variable also. But along with location and cost, what more should you consider when reviewing schools? Well, you need to check out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these important details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are reviewing.
Are the Radiology Technician Colleges Accredited? The majority of radiology technician colleges have earned some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still important to confirm that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed review of their teachers and course materials. If the college is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Pittsburgh PA employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level openings.
Are Internships Offered? Find out if the radiology tech colleges you are assessing have associations with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent means to obtain hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist students and graduates establish professional connections in the Pittsburgh PA healthcare community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in Pittsburgh PA in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the radiographer programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Pennsylvania healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they pick will need to be within driving distance of their Pittsburgh PA home. Students who have chosen to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry 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 choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually 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 likes to sit far in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Pittsburgh 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 ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program as well.
Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the xray tech program you ultimately pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in the Pittsburgh PA area, check that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Online Radiology Technician Schools Pittsburgh PA
Selecting the ideal x-ray technician degree program is an important first step toward starting a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs regularly stand for the greater part of the day and position and in some cases lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to 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 necessity 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 Online Radiology Technician Schools and wanting more information on the topic Radiology Technician 2 Year Programs. However, as we have covered in this report, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are reviewing before making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you opt for an online program or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each program so you can narrow down your choices before making your decision. And with the right education and your dedication to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiographer in Pittsburgh PA.
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Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh (/ˈpɪtsbɜːrɡ/ PITS-burg) is a city in the state of Pennsylvania in the United States, and is the county seat of Allegheny County. A population of about 301,048 residents live within the city limits, making it the 66th-largest city in the U.S. The metropolitan population of 2,324,743 is the largest in both the Ohio Valley and Appalachia, the second-largest in Pennsylvania (behind Philadelphia), and the 27th-largest in the U.S.
Pittsburgh is located in the southwest of the state, at the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers.[4] Pittsburgh is known both as "the Steel City" for its more than 300 steel-related businesses and as the "City of Bridges" for its 446 bridges.[5] The city features 30 skyscrapers, two inclined railways, a pre-revolutionary fortification and the Point State Park at the confluence of the rivers. The city developed as a vital link of the Atlantic coast and Midwest, as the mineral-rich Allegheny Mountains made the area coveted by the French and British empires, Virginians, Whiskey Rebels, and Civil War raiders.[6]
Aside from steel, Pittsburgh has led in manufacturing of aluminum, glass, shipbuilding, petroleum, foods, sports, transportation, computing, autos, and electronics.[7] For part of the 20th century, Pittsburgh was behind only New York City and Chicago in corporate headquarters employment; it had the most U.S. stockholders per capita.[8] America's 1980s deindustrialization laid off area blue-collar workers and thousands of downtown white-collar workers when the longtime Pittsburgh-based world headquarters moved out.[9] This heritage left the area with renowned museums, medical centers,[10]parks, research centers, and a diverse cultural district.[11]
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