How to Find the Best X-Ray Tech College near New Britain Connecticut
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near New Britain CT so you can become a radiology technician. And now that you have made a decision to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you set about choosing the ideal college and program to ensure that you will receive the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And since most states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you might need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you research each of the X-ray technician schools you are looking at so that you can compare each program. Most students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and typically settle on the lowest cost. But while cost and location should be taken into account, there are other significant qualifications as well. For example, you must find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you must ask the X-ray Tech schools you are examining are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and education options that are available.
X-Ray Tech Occupation Summary in New Britain CT
There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, each has the identical primary job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, such as mammography. They can work in New Britain 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 have to maintain their equipment plus regularly evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally required to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
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X-Ray Tech Degrees near New Britain CT
The basic requirement for attending an x-ray tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, generally requires 18 months to two years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to complete and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable as well. Something to keep in mind is that radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which many colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in New Britain CT or their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Connecticut or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing
Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, depending on the state where you will be working you may need to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their requirements differ so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but a number accept other alternatives for testing also. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. However, numerous New Britain area employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it could improve your career options in and around New Britain CT to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Technician Schools
As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree schools. So although you can still earn your degree online, a considerable portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is often performed in New Britain CT family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online segment of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your New Britain residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically find that the online style of learning is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently cheaper than conventional options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting can be decreased also. But just make certain that the online college you choose is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then online classes may be the right choice for you.
Points to Ask Radiographer Colleges
Once you have chosen the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the process of looking for and evaluating x-ray tech schools near New Britain CT. You will also have to decide if you want to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be important. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be an important variable as well. But along with location and cost, what else should you factor in when evaluating schools? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details before you make your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are assessing.
Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? The majority of radiology tech schools have obtained some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, 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 receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive review of their teachers and course materials. If the college is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of New Britain CT health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level positions.
Are Internships Provided? Ask if the radiology tech schools you are interested in have associations with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific manner to obtain practical training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist graduates and students form professional connections in the New Britain CT healthcare community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in New Britain CT in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Connecticut healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the school they select will need to be within commuting distance of their New Britain CT residence. Those who have decided to attend online classes obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. One thing 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 may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that likes to sit far in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the New Britain CT colleges you are considering what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the xray tech program as well.
Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the xray tech college you ultimately pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the New Britain CT area, check that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Compare Fast Track X Ray Tech Schools New Britain CT
Enrolling in the appropriate x-ray tech degree program is a critical first step toward beginning a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs often stand for the majority of the working day and move and at times lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best possible care to patients. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Compare Fast Track X Ray Tech Schools and wanting more information on the topic Guide to Accelerated X Ray Technician Schools. However, as we have covered in this report, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each program you are looking at before making your final selection. This is just as true whether you decide on an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each college so you can narrow down your options before making your decision. And with the proper training and your dedication to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as a X-ray tech in New Britain CT.
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New Britain, Connecticut
New Britain is a city in Hartford County, Connecticut, United States. It is located approximately 9 miles (14 km) southwest of Hartford. According to 2010 Census, the population of the city is 73,206.[1]
Among the southernmost of the communities encompassed within the Hartford-Springfield Knowledge Corridor metropolitan region, New Britain is home to Central Connecticut State University and Charter Oak State College.
The city's official nickname is the "Hardware City" because of its history as a manufacturing center and as the headquarters of Stanley Black & Decker. Because of its large Polish population, the city is often playfully referred to as "New Britski."[3]
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