How to Select the Right X Ray Tech College near West Mifflin Pennsylvania
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near West Mifflin PA in order to become a radiology technologist. And now that you have chosen to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you undertake choosing the right school and program so that you will get the proper training to become a qualified professional? And because the majority of states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you may require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the X-ray technician schools you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Many prospective students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and typically gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while location and cost should be considered, there are other critical qualifications also. For instance, you should find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, 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 discuss what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and education options that are offered.
Radiology Technician Occupation Description in West Mifflin PA
There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, each has the same primary job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They can work in West Mifflin 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 have to take care of their equipment and routinely evaluate its performance and safety. They are also required to retain 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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Radiology Technician Degrees near West Mifflin PA
The primary prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech program is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the option 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 depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to complete and is more extensive in scope. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be appropriate as well. One thing to consider is that radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may frequently be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in West Mifflin PA or their region. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Pennsylvania or the state you will be working as applicable.
Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification
After you have graduated from an Radiologist college, depending on the state where you will be employed you might have to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria differ so contact your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many approve additional options for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. However, many West Mifflin area employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it may improve your career options in and around West Mifflin PA to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online Radiology Tech Colleges
As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree programs. So although you can still obtain your online degree, a considerable amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is often conducted in West Mifflin PA hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your West Mifflin home. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually discover that the online style of education is far more practical with their active schedules. Plus online schools are often less expensive than conventional options. In addition to reduced tuition, costs for commuting and study materials may be lessened also. But just make certain that the online college you select is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online school may be the best option for you.
Questions to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges
Once you have selected the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can start the process of locating and assessing x-ray technician colleges near West Mifflin PA. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a material variable as well. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you consider when reviewing schools? Well, you need to find out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are considering.
Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? The majority of radiology technician colleges have earned some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still important to confirm 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 detailed review of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. 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 premium education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous West Mifflin PA employers will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry-level positions.
Are Internships Sponsored? Ask if the radiology tech schools you are reviewing have relationships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to get hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist students and graduates develop professional connections in the West Mifflin PA health care community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in West Mifflin PA in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the radiographer programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high 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 sought after.
Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the college they choose will need to be within driving distance of their West Mifflin PA residence. Those who have chosen to attend classes online naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. One thing 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 might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the West Mifflin PA schools you are looking at 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 ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with some of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program also.
Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the radiographer college you finally choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the West Mifflin PA area, verify that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family obligations.
Where to Find Accredited X Ray Technician Schools West Mifflin PA
Choosing the right radiology tech degree program is a critical first step toward launching a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs typically stand for the majority of the working day and move and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best available patient care. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Where to Find Accredited X Ray Technician Schools and wanting more information on the topic Free Info on Online Radiology Technician Schools. However, as has been discussed in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each college you are assessing prior to making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you opt for an online program or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices before making your decision. And with the right education and your motivation to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as a X-ray tech in West Mifflin PA.
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West Mifflin, Pennsylvania
West Mifflin is a borough in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States, located southeast of downtown Pittsburgh. The population was 20,313 at the 2010 census.[4] It is named after Thomas Mifflin, 1st Governor of Pennsylvania, signer of the United States Constitution, and 1st Quartermaster General of the United States Army.[5]
Although the borough is heavily residential, it is home to one of America's oldest traditional amusement parks, Kennywood Park. Other employers include advanced naval nuclear propulsion technology research and development facility, Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory; monorail manufacturer Bombardier; US Steel's Mon Valley Works–Irvin Plant; Community College of Allegheny County's South Campus; and the Allegheny County Airport.[6]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 14.4 square miles (37 km2), of which 14.2 square miles (37 km2) is land and 0.3 square miles (0.78 km2), or 1.80%, is water. The landscape is largely hilly and wooded, and the borough's eastern boundary is contiguous with the Monongahela River three separate times. Much of the original landscape has been altered as a result of the historic dumping of steel mill byproducts such as slag and fly ash.
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