How to Choose the Best Radiologic Tech College near Thomaston Connecticut
So you have made the decision to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Thomaston CT so you can become a radiology technician. But now that you have chosen to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about choosing the ideal school and program so that you will get the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you may require training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the X-ray technician schools you are looking at so that you can compare each program. Many prospective students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and frequently gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location need to be taken into account, there are other important qualifiers also. For instance, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the X-ray Tech schools you are examining are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and education options that are offered.
Radiology Tech Job Summary in Thomaston CT
There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have the same major job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They may work in Thomaston CT clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician 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 take care of their equipment plus frequently analyze its functionality and safety. They are also required to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
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Radiology Technician Degrees near Thomaston CT
The primary requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, generally takes 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to finish and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be appropriate also. One thing to bear in mind is that radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may typically be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in Thomaston CT or their region. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with 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 technician college, depending on the state where you will be working you might need to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so check with your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but many offer other alternatives for testing as well. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Thomaston area employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it might increase your career options in and around Thomaston CT to earn certification. 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 other year, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Technologist Schools
As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree schools. So although you can still obtain your online degree, a substantial portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is usually provided in Thomaston CT hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Thomaston home. Students who continue working while earning their degree usually find that the online style of education is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are generally more affordable than on-campus options. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be reduced as well. But just confirm that the online college 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 school may be the best option for you.
What to Ask Radiographer Programs
Once you have selected the type of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of searching for and assessing x-ray tech schools near Thomaston CT. You will also have to decide if you want to attend online classes or drive to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be an important factor also. But in addition to cost and location, 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 crucial details prior to making your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are considering.
Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? Most xray technician schools have acquired some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still important to confirm that the program and school 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). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive review of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Thomaston CT employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level positions.
Are Internship Programs Offered? Inquire if the xray tech colleges you are assessing have partnerships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent means to get hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist students and graduates develop professional relationships in the Thomaston CT medical community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in Thomaston CT in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the radiographer schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Connecticut healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the college they pick will need to be within driving distance of their Thomaston CT residence. Individuals who have chosen to attend classes online naturally will not have to trouble 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 college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit way in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Thomaston CT schools you are reviewing what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. 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 talk with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.
Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the radiographer program you ultimately choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Thomaston CT area, check that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss due to work, illness or family obligations.
Guide to Accredited Radiologic Tech Schools Thomaston CT
Selecting the right radiology tech college is a critical first step toward beginning a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs typically stand for the greater part of the day and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best possible patient care. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Guide to Accredited Radiologic Tech Schools and wanting more information on the topic X Ray Technician Colleges. However, as we have discussed in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are looking at prior to making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you participate in an online school or travel 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 final choice. And with the appropriate training and your motivation to be successful, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Thomaston CT.
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Thomaston, Connecticut
Thomaston is a town in Litchfield County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 7,887 at the 2010 census. The urban center of the town is the Thomaston census-designated place, with a population of 1,910 at the 2010 census.[4]
The town, originally part of Plymouth, Connecticut, and referred to as 'Plymouth Hollow' was first settled by Henry Cook ("the soldier in the wilderness," 1683–1750) around 1728.[5][6] The town is known for clockmaking, which started in 1803, when Eli Terry established a factory in the town. Terry brought mass production to the clockmaking industry, helping to reduce the cost of clocks. He introduced and patented the shelf clock in 1814,[5] which reduced the cost of a clock from $25 to $5. His clocks were sold throughout the US.[5] It was incorporated in its own right and under the name "Thomaston" in 1875.[7] The name derives from Seth Thomas, the early clockmaker, who established a factory in town in 1812.[8][7] The Seth Thomas clock factory building still exists; however, the clockmaking industry has long since left the state as well as the country.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total size of 12.2 square miles (31.7 km²). 12.0 square miles (31.1 km²) of it is land and 0.2 square miles (0.6 km²) of it (1.80%) is water.
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