How to Select the Right Radiologic Tech School near Southampton Pennsylvania
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Southampton PA so you can learn to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have decided to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you set about selecting the ideal school and program to ensure that you will get the proper training to become a qualified professional? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you might require preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you assess each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering so that you can compare each program. Most prospective students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and frequently settle on the lowest cost. But while cost and location should be considered, there are additional critical qualifiers also. For instance, you should ask if 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 examining are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray technician does and the degrees and training options that are offered.
Radiology Tech Career Description in Southampton PA
There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, each has the identical fundamental job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for instance mammography. They may work in Southampton PA clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician might utilize include:
- Traditional and specialized X-Rays
- Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Sonography or ultrasound
- Fluoroscopy
Radiographers must maintain their equipment plus routinely analyze its performance and safety. They are also expected to keep complete records of each 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 Technician Degree Options near Southampton PA
The standard prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, usually takes 18 months to two years to finish based upon 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 select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be acceptable also. One thing to consider is that radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may often be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in Southampton PA or their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any licensing or certification mandates 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, depending on the state where you will be employed you may have 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 licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many approve other alternatives for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, many Southampton area employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could improve your career options in and around Southampton PA to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Tech Degrees
As a component 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 schools. So although you can still obtain your online degree, a substantial portion of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is typically performed in Southampton PA hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Southampton residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree often find that the online approach to education is far more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online schools are frequently more affordable than on-campus options. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials may be reduced also. But just make certain that the online program you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online school may be the right choice for you.
Points to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges
As soon as you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can start the process of finding and evaluating x-ray tech schools near Southampton PA. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or drive to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be important. The price of tuition and secondary expenses will be a determining factor as well. But along with cost and location, what else should you factor in when comparing schools? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these important details before you make your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are looking at.
Are the X-Ray Tech Schools Accredited? A large number of radiology technician colleges have acquired some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still imperative to confirm that the program and school are accredited. One of 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 review of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial aid and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Southampton PA employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level positions.
Are Internships Offered? Ask if the xray tech colleges you are assessing have associations with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent means to receive practical experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist students and graduates develop professional connections in the Southampton PA healthcare community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in Southampton PA in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Pennsylvania healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? For many students, the college they pick will need to be within commuting distance of their Southampton PA residence. Individuals who have decided to attend classes online naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. One thing to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally 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.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit far in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Southampton PA schools you are reviewing what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the xray tech program as well.
Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the radiographer school you ultimately select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in the Southampton 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 enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family obligations.
Radiology Technician Training Schools Southampton PA
Choosing the right x-ray tech school is an important first step toward starting a fulfilling new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs regularly stand for the majority of the workday and move and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best available care to patients. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Radiology Technician Training Schools and wanting more information on the topic Where to Find Accredited Radiology Tech Programs. However, as we have discussed in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are considering prior to making your ultimate decision. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each program so you can focus your choices and make your decision. And with the proper education and your commitment to succeed, you can realize your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Southampton PA.
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Southampton, Pennsylvania
Southampton, Pennsylvania is a namesake of Southampton, England, from where the followers of William Penn set sail to the Province of Pennsylvania. By 1685, Southampton was recognized by the Provincial Council as a township, and the lands within its borders had been allocated to thirteen original purchasers: John Luff, John Martin, Robert Pressmore, Richard Wood, John Jones, Mark Betres, John Swift, Enoch Flowers, Joseph Jones, Thomas Groom, Robert Marsh, Thomas Hould and John Gilbert, whose tracts were delineated on a Map of the Improved Part of the Province of Pennsylvania, drafted by Thomas Holme, Pennsylvania's Surveyor General.
Southampton's boundaries at that time extended eastward to Bensalem, and it was not until 1929 that the township was divided into "Upper Southampton" and "Lower Southampton". Its immediate bordering towns are now Feasterville, Huntingdon Valley, Warminster, and Churchville.
In order to ensure peaceful coexistence with the Indians residing in this region, Penn purchased the land with wampum and other valuable commodities including items of clothing, fish hooks, axes, knives and other useful tools. The area between the Pennypack and Neshaminy Creeks, encompassing Southampton Township, was conveyed by the Lenni-Lenape Chief Tamanend to William Penn by Deed dated June 23, 1683.
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