How to Choose the Best Xray Technician Degree Program near Preston Connecticut
So you have made the decision to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Preston CT in order to become a radiologic technician. And now that you have made a decision to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you tackle choosing the ideal school and program so that you will obtain the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And since the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you may need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you research each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering in order to compare each program. A number of students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and typically settle on the lowest cost. But while expense and location should be considered, there are other significant qualifiers also. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the X-ray Tech schools you are reviewing are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology tech does and the degrees and education options that are offered.
X-Ray Tech Work Summary in Preston CT
There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the identical principal job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some opt to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They may work in Preston CT hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech may work with 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 frequently analyze its functionality and safety. They are also required to keep complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
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Radiology Technician Degrees Available near Preston CT
The basic prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, generally takes 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to complete and is more comprehensive in scope. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be appropriate as well. Something to bear in mind is that radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may frequently be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which many colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in Preston CT or their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Connecticut or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification
Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, based on the state where you will be working you might need to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites differ so contact your state. Presently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but several approve additional alternatives for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, numerous Preston area employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it could improve your career options in and around Preston CT to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online Radiology Tech Degrees
As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree schools. So while you can still obtain your degree online, a considerable amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is often provided in Preston CT hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online portion of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Preston home. Students who continue working while earning their degree usually discover that the online approach to learning is much more practical with their active schedules. Plus online schools are generally cheaper than conventional options. Along with lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be decreased as well. But just be sure that the online college you choose is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online school may be the right option for you.
Subjects to Ask Radiology Tech Schools
After you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of locating and evaluating x-ray tech colleges near Preston CT. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be important. The price of tuition and secondary expenses will be a determining variable also. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you look at when comparing colleges? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details before you make your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are considering.
Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? The majority of radiology tech colleges have obtained some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still imperative to make sure that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed assessment of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial aid and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Preston CT employers will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry level jobs.
Are Internships Offered? Ask if the xray technician programs you are reviewing have relationships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific way to get practical experience in a clinical environment, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist students and graduates establish professional connections in the Preston CT medical community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in Preston CT in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Connecticut healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the school they select will have to be within commuting distance of their Preston CT home. Students who have chosen to attend online classes naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit far in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Preston CT colleges you are reviewing what the average teacher to student 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 speak with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program also.
Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the xray tech program you finally pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in the Preston CT area, verify that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Compare Weekend X Ray Technician Schools Preston CT
Choosing the best radiology tech school is a crucial first step toward beginning a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs typically stand for the greater part of the working day and position and at times lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best available care to patients. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Compare Weekend X Ray Technician Schools and wanting more information on the topic Guide to Part Time Radiology Technician Schools. However, as we have discussed in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each program you are looking at prior to making your final decision. This is equally true whether you opt for an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each program so you can focus your options and make your final choice. And with the right training and your commitment to succeed, you can realize your goal to practice as a radiographer in Preston CT.
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Preston, Connecticut
In 1686, Thomas Parke, Thomas Tracy, and several others petitioned for and were granted by the Connecticut General Court authority to establish a plantation seven miles square to the east of Norwich and north of New London and Stonington. Owaneco, son of the Mohegan sachem Uncas, gave a confirmatory deed for the land in 1687. In October of that same year, the town was formally incorporated as Preston, named for the English city of Preston, Lancashire.[2][3]
The Ecclesiastical Society of Preston was first organized in 1698, with the first meetinghouse located in present-day Preston City. At the request of residents in the northern part of Preston (now the town of Griswold), the North Society was established in 1716. A splinter group, the Separate Church of Preston, was established in 1747 and continued until 1817. The Preston City Baptist Church (now the Preston City Bible Church) was established in 1812.[5][6] The town of Griswold separated from the town of Preston in 1815.[7][8]
On August 4, 1954, an Air France Lockheed L-1049C Super Constellation flying from Orly Airport, Paris, to Idlewild Airport, New York City, crash-landed in a farm field in Preston. There were no deaths.[9]
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