How to Find an X-Ray Tech College near Bergen New York
Congrats regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Bergen NY in order to train to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have decided to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you go about picking the right college and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And because the majority of states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you may require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the schools you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Many potential students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location need to be taken into account, there are other important qualifications also. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are evaluating are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic technician does and the degrees and education options that are offered.
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X-Ray Technician Occupation Summary
There are multiple professional designations 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, each has the identical major job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They may practice in Bergen NY hospitals, clinics, 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 maintain their equipment and frequently assess its performance and safety. They are also expected to retain detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Bergen NY health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
X-Ray Tech Degrees Offered
The standard requirement for attending a radiology tech college is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, normally takes 18 months to two years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to complete and is more comprehensive in nature. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be appropriate as well. Something to keep in mind is that Bergen NY radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can frequently be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification requirements in New York or the state you will be working as applicable.
X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing
After you have graduated from an Radiologist school, based on the state where you will be employed you may have to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so check with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but many offer additional alternatives for testing also. A number of states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. However, many Bergen NY employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it might improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Technologist Degrees
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 earn your degree online, a substantial amount of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is usually carried out in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online section of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Bergen NY home. Students who continue working while earning their degree usually discover that the online approach to education is far more practical with their active schedules. Plus online programs are frequently cheaper than conventional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be decreased also. But just be sure that the online program you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online school may be the best option for you.
What to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs
After you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of locating and evaluating Bergen NY x-ray tech schools. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be an important variable as well. But along with location and cost, what more should you look at when reviewing colleges? Well, you need to find out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details before you make your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are reviewing.
Are the Radiology Technician Colleges Accredited? The majority of radiology tech schools have obtained some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to make sure that the school and program are accredited. One of 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 a detailed assessment of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance 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 help in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Bergen NY employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level jobs.
Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask if the New York radiology technician schools you are assessing have relationships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent manner to obtain practical training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may help students and graduates establish professional connections in the Bergen NY health care community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Bergen NY healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the school they pick will need to be within commuting distance of their Bergen NY residence. Individuals who have chosen to attend classes online obviously will not have to trouble 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 program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally 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 are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the kind of student that prefers to sit way in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Bergen NY schools you are considering what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program also.
Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the x-ray tech program you ultimately choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Bergen NY, make sure that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family obligations.
Why Did You Choose to Become a Radiology Technician?
When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to reflect on questions you might be asked. Among the questions that interviewers typically ask radiographer applicants is "What made you decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not merely the personal reasons you might have for being a radiology technician, but additionally what attributes and abilities you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, in addition to a significant number of general interview questions, so you need to organize several approaches about how you would like to respond to them. Since there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you in addition to the talents you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but take down a few ideas and topics that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.Select the Ideal Radiology Technician College near Bergen NY
Selecting the appropriate radiology tech degree program is a crucial first step toward launching a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs typically stand for the greater part of the workday and move and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing social skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best available patient care. As has been covered in this report, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are assessing prior to making your ultimate selection. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online school or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can focus your choices before making your decision. And with the appropriate training and your dedication to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Bergen NY.
Some Background on Bergen New York
Ny-Ålesund
Ny-Ålesund ("New Ålesund") is a research town in Oscar II Land on the island of Spitsbergen in Svalbard, Norway. It is situated on the Brøgger peninsula (Brøggerhalvøya) and on the shore of the bay of Kongsfjorden. The company town is owned and operated by Kings Bay, who provide facilities for permanent research institutes from ten countries. The town is ultimately owned by the Ministry of Trade and Industry and is not incorporated. Ny-Ålesund has an all-year permanent population of 30 to 35, with the summer population reaching 120. Its facilities include Ny-Ålesund Airport, Hamnerabben, Svalbard Rocket Range, a port and Ny-Ålesund Town and Mine Museum, as well as fifteen permanent research stations. It is the northernmost functional civilian settlement in the world.
The town was founded in 1917 by Peter Brandal and his mining company, Kings Bay Kull Comp. Initially mining was carried out until 1929, but it was unprofitable for most of the 1920s. There were a series of air expeditions launched from Ny-Ålesund towards the North Pole. The company was nationalized in 1933 and the town was for some years used for tourism and as a fishing port. Mining resumed for some months in 1941 and then from 1945. After several other fatal incidents occurred including a mining accident on 5 November 1962 that killed 21 miners in what became known as the Kings Bay Affair, mining activity was terminated and Gerhardsen's Third Cabinet resigned. Kongsfjord Telemetry Station opened in 1967 and the town gradually transformed into a research settlement. Since 1992, foreign institutions have been permitted to build permanent stations in town.
Ny-Ålesund is located on the north shore of Brøggerhalvøya, a peninsula of Oscar II Land on the island of Spitsbergen. The town is located on the southern shore of Kongsfjorden (literally "the King's Bay"), a bay on the west coast of Spitsbergen which connects to Forlandssundet of the Greenland Sea. Across from Ny-Ålesund is the peninsula of Blomstrandhalvøya and the former settlement of Ny-London.[1]
As Ny-Ålesund is not incorporated it lacks any formal area. If the land owned by Kings Bay is used to define the town, it would have an area of 300 square kilometers (120 sq mi), which would encapsulate both the north and south shores of Kongsfjorden. Kings Bay retains ownership of all land in the area, although the mining claims are held by Store Norske.[2]
The coal deposits at Kongsfjorden were first discovered by Jonas Poole during a whaling expedition in the area in 1610. They did not receive more careful analysis until 1861, when Christian Wilhelm Blomstrand carried out surveys. A Swedish expedition looked into the coal in 1870 and in 1901 Bergen–Spitsbergen Kulgrubekompani laid claims to the deposits. Failing to follow up, Ernest Mansfield occupied claims in 1905 and 1906, which were sold to The Northern Exploration Co. Ltd. in 1910. The first test shaft was built in 1909,[3] followed by a hut in 1912.[4] The claims were sold to Peter Brandal of Ålesund in 1916, who dispatched two ships and sixty men to Kings Bay for the summer of 1916. Arriving on 21 July, they immediately started breaking surface coal. Kings Bay Kull Comp. was founded on 14 December 1916.[5] Thirty people were sent to Kings Bay for the 1917 season, and started construction of a town. By winter buildings, mines, a port and a railway were completed.[6]
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