How to Find the Right X-Ray Tech College near Waterford Connecticut
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Waterford CT in order to train to be a radiology technician. And now that you have chosen to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you undertake selecting the ideal college and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And considering that the majority of states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you might need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering so that you can compare each program. A number of students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and typically gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location must be taken into consideration, there are other important qualifications also. For example, you must find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you should ask the X-ray Tech schools you are reviewing are provided later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and training choices that are offered.
X-Ray Technician Job Summary in Waterford CT
There are multiple professional designations 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 major job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for example mammography. They can work in Waterford CT hospitals, clinics, private 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 take care of their equipment and regularly assess its functionality and safety. They are also required to keep in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
Click Here For Free Information on X-Ray Tech Schools Near You!
X-Ray Technician Degrees Offered near Waterford CT
The primary prerequisite for attending a radiology tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice 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 complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to finish and is more expansive in scope. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be acceptable also. One thing to keep in mind is that radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can frequently be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which many colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in Waterford CT or their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification requirements in Connecticut or the state you will be working as applicable.
Radiographer Licensing and Certification
Once you have graduated from an Radiologist college, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might have to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so get in touch with your state. At present, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but several accept other alternatives for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, numerous Waterford area employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it could enhance your career options in and around Waterford CT to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray 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 degree online, a considerable portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is often provided in Waterford CT family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Waterford home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically discover that the online approach to learning is much more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are often more affordable than conventional options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be lessened also. But just confirm that the online school you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online degree may be the ideal choice for you.
Subjects to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs
When you have decided on the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of locating and assessing x-ray tech schools near Waterford CT. You will also need to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or travel to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a material factor as well. But along with cost and location, what else should you consider when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to check out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these important details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are assessing.
Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? The majority of xray technician colleges have acquired some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to verify that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting agencies 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 examination of their instructors and educational materials. If the program is online it can also earn 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. In addition to ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Waterford CT health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level jobs.
Are Internships Offered? Ask if the xray technician programs you are assessing have partnerships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great means to receive hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist students and graduates develop professional relationships in the Waterford CT healthcare community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in Waterford CT in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Connecticut healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the school they select will have to be within travelling distance of their Waterford CT residence. Those who have opted to attend classes online obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.
What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit way in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Waterford CT colleges you are researching what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the xray technician program as well.
Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the xray tech school you ultimately pick can offer 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 Waterford CT area, make sure that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family obligations.
Guide to Online Radiologic Technologist Schools Waterford CT
Choosing the best radiology tech school is a critical first step toward starting a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the majority of the working day and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and provide the best possible patient care. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Guide to Online Radiologic Technologist Schools and wanting more information on the topic X Ray Tech Trade School. However, as we have covered in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are assessing prior to making your final decision. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online program or commute 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 final choice. And with the proper training and your dedication to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as a X-ray tech in Waterford CT.
Other Connecticut Diagnostic Locations
Waterford, Connecticut
Waterford is a town in New London County, Connecticut, United States. It is named after Waterford, Ireland. The population was 19,517 at the 2010 census. [2] The town center is listed as a census-designated place (CDP) and had a population of 2,887 at the 2010 census.[2]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 44.6 square miles (115.4 km2), of which 32.8 square miles (84.9 km2) is land and 11.8 square miles (30.5 km2), or 26.43%, is water.[3] The town center CDP has a total area of 1.9 square miles (4.9 km2), all land. Waterford is bordered on the west by the Niantic River.
Other minor communities and geographic features are Dufree Hill, East Neck, Fog Plain, Gilead, Goshen, Great Neck, Harrisons, Lake's Pond, Logger Hill, Mago Point, Magonk, Mullen Hill, Oswegatchie, Pepperbox Road, Pleasure Beach, Ridgewood Park, Riverside Beach, Spithead, Strand, West Neck.
Business Results 1 - 10 of 0
