How to Pick the Best X-Ray Tech Course near South Glastonbury Connecticut
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near South Glastonbury CT so you can become a radiologic technician. But now that you have made a decision to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about selecting the right school and program to ensure that you will get the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And since most states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you might need preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you research each of the X-ray technician schools you are looking at so that you can compare each program. Many potential students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and often settle on the lowest cost. But while expense and location must be taken into account, there are other important qualifications as well. For instance, you need to ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries 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 degrees and training options that are offered.
Radiology Technician Job Description in South Glastonbury CT
There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, they all have the same major job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some elect to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They may practice in South Glastonbury CT hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may work with 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 and routinely analyze its functionality and safety. They are additionally required to keep in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
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X-Ray Technician Degrees Available near South Glastonbury CT
The basic requirement for attending an x-ray tech school is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, generally takes 18 months to two years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to complete and is more comprehensive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be appropriate also. Something to keep in mind is that radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may typically be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in South Glastonbury 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 practicing in as applicable.
Radiographer Certification and Licensing
After you have graduated from an Radiologist school, depending on the state where you will be employed you may have to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their criteria differ so contact your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but several provide other options for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is optional. However, many South Glastonbury area employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may increase your career options in and around South Glastonbury CT to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Tech Programs
As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree programs. So while you can still earn your online degree, a substantial portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is usually carried out in South Glastonbury CT family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training can be attended in the comfort of your South Glastonbury residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree often discover that the online approach to learning is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are generally cheaper than on-campus options. Along with lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials may be lessened as well. But just make certain that the online program you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online degree may be the best option for you.
Questions to Ask X Ray Tech Schools
When you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of locating and evaluating x-ray technician colleges near South Glastonbury CT. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be critical. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be a material variable as well. But along with location and cost, what more should you look at when reviewing schools? Well, you need to find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are assessing.
Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? A large number of xray tech colleges have earned some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to make sure that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous examination of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also help in securing financial aid and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many South Glastonbury CT health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level positions.
Are Internships Offered? Inquire if the radiology technician schools you are evaluating have associations with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent manner to receive practical experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist graduates and students establish professional relationships in the South Glastonbury CT healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in South Glastonbury CT in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Connecticut healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the college they pick will have to be within commuting distance of their South Glastonbury CT residence. Individuals who have chosen to attend classes online obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. One thing to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit way in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the South Glastonbury CT schools you are reviewing what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program also.
Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the xray tech school you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in the South Glastonbury CT area, verify that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Compare Part Time Radiology Tech Programs South Glastonbury CT
Picking the right radiology technician school is a critical first step toward starting a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs often stand for the majority of the workday and position and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. 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 Part Time Radiology Tech Programs and wanting more information on the topic Online Radiology Technician Schools. However, as has been discussed in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each college you are looking at prior to making your final decision. This is similarly true whether you decide on an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each school so you can focus your options before making your decision. And with the right training and your motivation to succeed, you can realize your goal to work as a X-ray tech in South Glastonbury CT.
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Glastonbury, Connecticut
Glastonbury is a town in Hartford County, Connecticut, United States, formally founded in 1693 with settlers first arriving in 1636. The town was named after Glastonbury in Somerset, England.[1] Glastonbury is located on the banks of the Connecticut River, 7 miles (11 km) southeast of Hartford. The town center is defined by the U.S. Census Bureau as a census-designated place (CDP). The population was 34,427 at the 2010 census.[2]
In 1636, thirty families were settled in Pyaug, a tract of land belonging to Wethersfield on the eastern bank of the Connecticut River, bought from the Native American chief Sowheag for 12 yards (11 m) of trading cloth. In 1672, Wethersfield and Hartford were granted permission by the General Court to extend the boundary line of Pyaug 5 miles (8 km) to the east. By 1690, residents of Pyaug had gained permission from Wethersfield to become a separate town and, in 1693, the town of Glassenbury was created.[3]
The ties have not been completely broken: the oldest continuously operating ferry in the United States still runs between South Glastonbury and Rocky Hill, also then part of Wethersfield, as it did as far back as 1655. One result of being split off from Wethersfield was that the town was built along a main road, rather than around the large green that anchors most New England towns. After part of New London Turnpike was realigned to eliminate the rotary in the middle of town during the mid-20th century, a small green was established there.
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