How to Find the Right X-Ray Technician Degree Program near West Point New York
So you have made the decision to enroll in an X-ray tech school near West Point NY so you can learn to be a radiology technician. And now that you have decided to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you set about picking the ideal college and program to ensure that you will receive the proper training to become a skilled professional? And considering that most states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you might need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the X-ray technician schools you are looking at in order to compare each program. Most potential students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and frequently settle on the lowest cost. But while expense and location should be taken into account, there are other important qualifications as well. For instance, you must find out whether or not 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 presented later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology technician does and the degrees and education options that are available.
X-Ray Tech Occupation Summary in West Point NY
There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the same principal job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They can work in West Point NY clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may utilize include:
- Traditional and specialized X-Rays
- Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Sonography or ultrasound
- Fluoroscopy
Radiographers must maintain their equipment and routinely assess its performance and safety. They are also expected to keep complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
Click Here For Free Information on X-Ray Tech Schools Near You!
X-Ray Technician Degrees Offered near West Point NY
The standard prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, generally requires 18 months to two 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 extensive in scope. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable as well. One thing to bear in mind is that radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may typically be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in West Point NY or their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing mandates in New York or the state you will be working as applicable.
Radiographer Licensing and Certification
When you have graduated from an Radiologist school, depending on the state where you will be working you might have to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites differ so check with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but several accept other alternatives for testing as well. Some states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, numerous West Point area employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might improve your career options in and around West Point NY to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Technician Classes
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 the same for online degree schools. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is usually provided in West Point NY hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training may be attended in the privacy of your West Point home. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically discover that the online approach to education is much more practical with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently less costly than traditional options. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting can be reduced also. But just make sure that the online college you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then online classes may be the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Radiology Tech Colleges
As soon as you have chosen the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of searching for and assessing x-ray technician schools near West Point NY. You will also need to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or travel to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the college will be critical. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a material variable also. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you look at when evaluating schools? Well, you need to find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are looking at.
Are the Radiology Tech Colleges Accredited? Most radiology tech colleges have acquired some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still important to make sure that the school and program 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). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous review of their teachers and course materials. If the college is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of West Point NY health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level openings.
Are Internships Provided? Inquire if the xray tech programs you are evaluating have associations with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent way to get practical training in a clinical environment, they are also a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help students and graduates form professional connections in the West Point NY health care community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in West Point NY in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the radiographer programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with New York healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the College Located? For many students, the college they choose will have to be within driving distance of their West Point NY residence. Those who have opted 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 importance. One thing to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit far in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the West Point NY 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 decision. This will also give you a chance to speak with some of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program as well.
Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the xray tech program you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the West Point NY area, make sure 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 carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family obligations.
Top Evening Radiologic Technologist Schools West Point NY
Enrolling in the ideal x-ray tech school is a critical first step toward launching a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the majority of the day and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain 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 medical team and the patient. 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 deliver the best possible care to patients. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Top Evening Radiologic Technologist Schools and wanting more information on the topic Compare Local X Ray Technician Courses. However, as has been covered in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are reviewing before making your final decision. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each program so you can narrow down your options and make your decision. And with the appropriate training and your motivation to be successful, you can realize your goal to work as a X-ray tech in West Point NY.
Other New York Diagnostic Locations
West Point, New York
West Point is the oldest continuously occupied military post in the United States. Located on the Hudson River in New York, West Point was identified by General George Washington as the most important strategic position in America during the American Revolution. Until January 1778, West Point was not occupied by the military. On January 27, 1778, Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons and his brigade crossed the ice on the Hudson River and climbed to the plain on West Point and from that day to the present, West Point has been occupied by the United States Army. It comprises approximately 16,000 acres (6,500 ha) including the campus of the United States Military Academy, which is commonly called "West Point".
It is a Census Designated Place (CDP) located in the Town of Highlands in Orange County, New York,[2][3] located on the western bank of the Hudson River. The population was 6,763 at the 2010 census. It is part of the New York–Newark–Jersey City, NY–NJ–PA Metropolitan Statistical Area as well as the larger New York–Newark, NY–NJ–CT–PA Combined Statistical Area.
West Point (then Fort Clinton), was a fortified site during the Revolutionary War. Originally picked because of the abnormal S-curve in the Hudson River at this point, the defenses of West Point were designed by Polish military engineer Tadeusz Kościuszko, who served as a brigadier general in the Continental Army.
Business Results 1 - 10 of 35
6 Reviews 
6 Reviews 
3 Reviews 
4 Reviews 
4 Reviews 
16 Reviews 
11 Reviews 
2 Reviews 7 Reviews 
4 Reviews 