The Pennsylvania Center for Workforce Information and Analysis predicts that the demand for radiology technologists within the state will increase by more than 11 percent from 2006 through 2016. A number of schools in Pennsylvania offer programs designed to prepare students for entry into the field. Carrying the accreditation of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, these schools enable graduates to qualify for the state licensing exams required for working as a tech.
Community College of Philadelphia
Located north of downtown Philadelphia, the Community College of Philadelphia is a public, two-year institution with more than 34,000 credit and non-credit students. The school offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in medical imaging, which includes instruction in the radiography techniques of fluoroscopy, computed tomography (CT scans), and mobile x-rays. To qualify for admission, students must have a high school diploma or GED, pass a criminal background check, have previous course experience in high school-level biology, pass an entry examination and show evidence of six to eight hours of observations in a radiography clinic. The school can direct applicants to hospitals that will allow them to come in and watch testing being performed with patient consent.The program starts each year in the summer term and requires two years of full-time study to complete. Federal and state financial aid are available as well as a limited number of institutional scholarships. The college's Career Services Center provides assistance with resume-writing, interview preparation and job searches.
Community College of Philadelphia
1700 Spring Garden St.
Philadelphia, PA 19130
215-751-8382
ccp.edu
The Washington Hospital School of Radiologic Technology
Established in 1897, the Washington Hospital is a 265-bed general medical center in Washington, Pennsylvania, a community 30 miles southwest of Pittsburgh. The hospital sponsors a School of Radiologic Technology that awards a certificate of completion. Admissions requirements for the program include a high school diploma or GED, an entry examination and previous coursework in medical terminology, mathematics, English, humanities and social sciences. Students with GEDs or high school diplomas who have not fulfilled these prerequisites may take the required classes at any accredited community, junior or traditional college prior to applying. Applicants must also be at least 18 years of age. The program lasts for 24 months and features 800 hours of classroom instruction and 2,500 hours of clinical experience. Students in the program learn techniques for administering x-rays, CT scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI's). Eligible students can take advantage of federal and state loan and grant programs while taking classes at the school.
The Washington Hospital School of Radiologic Technology
155 Wilson Ave.
Washington, PA 15301
724-223-3326
washingtonhospital.org
Northampton Community College
Situated in Eastern Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley, Northampton Community College, in Bethlehem, is a public institution with more than 35,000 students. The college offers a 21-month associate degree program in radiography. In addition to a high school diploma or GED, applicants must take classes in biology and algebra prior to admission. Students have the opportunity to complete a specialty clinical intenship in bone densitometry, CT scans, MRIs, interventional radiology or mammography. The college also awards course credit to students who complete volunteer work or community service projects through its service learning program. In addition to federal and state financial aid, the school participates in veterans education benefit programs and work-study programs. Approximately 90 percent of graduates from Northampton Community College report finding a job in their field within one year of graduation, the college's web site reported in May 2010.
Northampton Community College
3835 Green Pond Road
Bethlehem, PA 18020
610-861-5300
northampton.edu
Tags: Community College, high school, Northampton Community, Northampton Community College, College Philadelphia, Community College Philadelphia, high school diploma
