Tag Archives: Accredited Radiology Technician Programs Plymouth CT 06782

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Plymouth CT 06782

How to Select an Xray Technician Degree Program near Plymouth Connecticut

Plymouth CT x-ray tech internship programCongrats on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Plymouth CT in order to become a radiologic technologist. But now that you have decided to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle selecting the ideal school and program to ensure that you will get the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And considering that most states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you might need preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you research each of the schools you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Many potential students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and typically settle on the lowest cost. But while location and cost should be considered, there are additional critical qualifiers as well. For example, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are evaluating are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and education options that are available.

X-Ray Technician Occupation Summary

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have the same fundamental job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many choose to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, such as mammography. They may work in Plymouth CT clinics, hospitals, family 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 care for their equipment plus routinely evaluate its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to keep detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Plymouth CT health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degree Options

x-ray machine in Plymouth CTThe standard requirement for attending an x-ray tech school is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, usually requires 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to finish and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are appropriate also. Something to keep in mind is that Plymouth CT radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can typically be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification mandates in Connecticut or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiographer Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an Radiologist college, depending on the state where you will be working you may have to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites differ so check with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but several provide additional options for testing as well. Some states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Plymouth CT employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technician Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Plymouth 06782As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical 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 considerable amount of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is typically conducted in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online segment of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Plymouth CT home. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically discover that the online style of learning is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online programs are often less expensive than traditional alternatives. Along with lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be decreased also. But just confirm that the online college you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online school may be the ideal option for you.

Questions to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges

As soon as you have chosen the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of finding and assessing Plymouth CT x-ray tech schools. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the college will be relevant. The price of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a determining variable as well. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you look at when reviewing colleges? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details prior to making your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Technician Schools Accredited? A large number of radiology technician colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still imperative to make sure 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 undergone a detailed evaluation of their instructors and educational materials. If the program is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. 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 premium education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Plymouth CT health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level jobs.

Are Internships Offered? Inquire if the Connecticut radiology technician colleges you are reviewing have relationships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific means to get practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist graduates and students form professional relationships in the Plymouth CT health care community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Plymouth CT healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For many students, the college they select will have to be within commuting distance of their Plymouth CT residence. Students who have opted to attend classes online obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might have 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.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that likes to sit far in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Plymouth CT colleges you are looking at what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program also.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the x-ray tech  program you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Plymouth CT, check that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Choose to Be a Radiology Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to review questions you might be asked. One of the questions that interviewers often ask radiographer candidates is "What made you pick radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not just the personal reasons you might have for becoming a radiology technician, but additionally what qualities and abilities you have that make you good at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, as well as a significant number of standard interview questions, so you must prepare some ideas about how you would like to answer them. Considering there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you in addition to the talents you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down some ideas and talking points that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.

Choose the Right X-Ray Technician School near Plymouth CT

Selecting the ideal radiology technician college is a critical first step toward beginning a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the majority of the workday and position and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best available care to patients. As has been covered in this report, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are assessing before making your ultimate selection. This is just as true whether you participate in an online program or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each program so you can narrow down your options before making your final choice. And with the proper training and your commitment to be successful, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Plymouth CT.

Some Background on Plymouth Connecticut

Plymouth, Connecticut

Plymouth is a town in Litchfield County, Connecticut, United States. It is named after Plymouth, Devon, England. The population was 12,243 at the 2010 census. The town of Plymouth includes the villages of Terryville and Pequabuck.

The community was incorporated in 1795,[4] and became known nationally for the manufacture of clocks.[1] The town was named after Plymouth, Massachusetts.[5] Plymouth (formerly Northbury, a section of Waterbury]) was originally used as a burying ground for Waterbury. History records show that it was founded by a group of people who believed they found a large deposit of lead. This fabled "lead mine" never actually existed (or is still yet to be discovered). The oldest home in the community is on Route 6, and dates to 1690-1700. In the 1790s, George Washington traveled through here, both to visit relatives and to stay away from the coastline. The Terry family participated in a great deal of Plymouth's history. Eli Terry became partners with Seth Thomas (clockmaker) and Silas Hoadley to manufacture clocks in the Greystone section of town. Eli gave the factory to Hoadley and Thomas, and opened his own clock factory near Carter Road in Plymouth Center, while Thomas moved to Plymouth Hollow. Eli Terry, Jr. (son of Eli Terry) joined with another man who was interested in the cabinet and lock industry and they opened Eagle Lock Company. In the 1880s, the Plymouth Hollow section of Plymouth decided to split off and become their own town called Thomaston, Connecticut, named after Seth Thomas (clockmaker). The Eagle Lock Company closed in the 1970s and later, in 1975, the entire abandoned site burned, leaving one building left undamaged. The rest of the buildings were torn down or had floors removed.

The Main Street School was located on the green, or Baldwin Park, in Terryville. It was demolished in the 1930s and the new Terryville High School was constructed behind the green on North Main Street. In the mid-2000s, Prospect Street School and Main Street School (previously called East Main Street) were left abandoned, so the construction of the new Terryville High School could begin in the Holt section of town. The Harry S. Fisher Middle School was turned into the Harry S. Fisher Elementary School and the old Terryville High School was turned into the Eli Terry Jr. Middle School.[6]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 22.3 square miles (58 km2), of which 21.7 square miles (56 km2) is land and 0.6 square miles (1.6 km2), or 2.69%, is water. The town contains the Mattatuck State Forest.

As of the census[9] of 2000, there were 11,634 people, 4,453 households, and 3,228 families residing in the town. The population density was 535.6 people per square mile (206.8/km²). There were 4,646 housing units at an average density of 213.9 per square mile (82.6/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 97.34% White, 0.78% African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.42% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.32% from other races, and 0.97% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.26% of the population.

 

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