How to Select the Right Xray Tech Program near Naugatuck Connecticut
So you have made the decision to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Naugatuck CT so you can train to be a radiology technician. But now that you have chosen to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you undertake picking the right school and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And because the majority of states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you might need training to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering in order to evaluate each program. Many prospective students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and usually gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while cost and location must be considered, there are other significant qualifiers as well. For instance, you should find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. 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 radiologic tech does and the credentials and education choices that are offered.
Radiology Technician Career Summary in Naugatuck CT
There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, they all have the identical fundamental job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some opt to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for instance mammography. They can practice in Naugatuck CT hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist might 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 also frequently evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also required to retain complete records of all 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 Naugatuck CT
The basic requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, usually takes 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to finish and is more extensive in nature. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be appropriate also. One thing to consider is that radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in Naugatuck CT or their area. Once 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 Technician Licensing and Certification
Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, based on the state where you will be working you might need to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria differ so check with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but a number offer other alternatives for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, many Naugatuck area employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it might improve your career options in and around Naugatuck CT to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Tech Programs
As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree programs. So although you can still earn your online degree, a considerable amount of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is usually performed in Naugatuck CT hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Naugatuck home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree often discover that the online approach to learning is much more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are frequently cheaper than conventional options. Along with lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be lessened as well. But just confirm that the online school you select is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online degree may be the best choice for you.
Subjects to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges
Once you have chosen the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of looking for and evaluating x-ray tech colleges near Naugatuck CT. You will also need to determine if you want to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a material factor also. But along with cost and location, what else should you look at when reviewing colleges? Well, you need to check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are considering.
Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? Most radiology technician schools have acquired some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still important to make sure that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly respected 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 undergone an extensive assessment of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Naugatuck CT employers will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry-level positions.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask if the xray tech colleges you are reviewing have relationships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent means to get hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help graduates and students develop professional connections in the Naugatuck CT medical community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in Naugatuck CT in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Connecticut healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the college they decide on will have to be within commuting distance of their Naugatuck CT residence. Those who have opted to attend classes online naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit far in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Naugatuck CT schools you are researching what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the xray tech program also.
Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the xray tech college you finally choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Naugatuck CT area, check that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family obligations.
Compare Accredited Schools For X Ray Techs Naugatuck CT
Enrolling in the appropriate x-ray technician degree program is an important first step toward initiating a fulfilling new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the majority of the day and move and at times lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians 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 good work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Compare Accredited Schools For X Ray Techs and wanting more information on the topic Guide to Accelerated X Ray Tech Schools. However, as we have discussed in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each college you are looking at before making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you participate in an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each college so you can narrow down your options before making your decision. And with the appropriate education and your dedication to be successful, you can realize your goal to work as a X-ray tech in Naugatuck CT.
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Naugatuck, Connecticut
Naugatuck is a consolidated borough and town in New Haven County, Connecticut, United States. The town spans both sides of the Naugatuck River just south of Waterbury, and includes the communities of Union City on the east side of the river, which has its own post office, Straitsville on the southeast (along Route 63), and Millville on the west (along Rubber Avenue). As of the 2010 census, Naugatuck had a population of 31,862.[2]
Naugatuck was settled in 1701 as a farming community in rural western Connecticut. As the Industrial Revolution commenced, Naugatuck was transformed into a hardscrabble mill town like its neighbors in the Naugatuck Valley.
Rubber was the chief manufactured product. Charles Goodyear worked at his brother's rubber company, the Goodyear Metallic Rubber Shoe Company & Downtown Naugatuck, until the company was consolidated into the United States Rubber Company. The United States Rubber Company (renamed Uniroyal Inc. in 1961) was founded in Naugatuck in 1892 as a consolidation of nine rubber companies, and maintained their corporate headquarters there until the 1980s. Their Footwear Division manufactured Keds sneakers in Naugatuck from 1917 until the 1980s. U.S. Rubber also produced Naugahyde in a Naugatuck factory, but it is no longer produced there.
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