How to Find an X-Ray Technician School near Katonah New York
Best wishes on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Katonah NY so you can learn to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have made a decision to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you set about selecting the right school and program so that you will get the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And because the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you might need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering in order to compare each program. Many potential students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and often settle on the lowest cost. But while location and cost should be taken into consideration, there are other important qualifications as well. For instance, you should ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the schools you are considering are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and training options that are offered.
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Radiology Technician Career Description
There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, they all have the same principal job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many choose to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They may work in Katonah NY hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist may work with include:
- Traditional and specialized X-Rays
- Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Sonography or ultrasound
- Fluoroscopy
Radiographers must take care of their equipment plus routinely analyze its functionality and safety. They are additionally required to retain complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Katonah NY health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
X-Ray Tech Degrees Available
The standard requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech college 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 prevalent among techs, generally takes 18 months to two years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to complete and is more expansive in scope. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are appropriate as well. Something to consider is that Katonah NY radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can frequently be fulfilled by taking part in an externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification mandates in New York or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification
When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, based on the state where you will be working you might have to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria differ so check with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many provide other alternatives for testing also. Several states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, many Katonah NY employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it may increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Technologist Programs
As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree programs. So while you can still earn your degree online, a considerable amount of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is often performed in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online portion of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Katonah NY home. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually find that the online approach to learning is far more practical with their active schedules. Plus online schools are frequently less costly than traditional alternatives. Along with lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be reduced as well. But just make sure that the online school you pick 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 degree may be the right option for you.
Subjects to Ask X Ray Tech Programs
Once you have decided on the type of degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of looking for and evaluating Katonah NY x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to determine if you want to attend classes online or travel to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a determining variable as well. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you factor in when comparing schools? 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 essential details before you make your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are considering.
Are the Radiology Technician Schools Accredited? Most xray tech colleges have obtained some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still crucial to confirm 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 obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive review of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged 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 acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Katonah NY health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry-level positions.
Are Internships Provided? Find out if the New York xray technician programs you are assessing have partnerships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific way to get practical experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may help students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Katonah NY medical community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. 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 a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Katonah NY healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For many students, the college they select will need to be within commuting distance of their Katonah NY home. Students who have opted to attend classes online naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. 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 have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit far in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Katonah NY schools you are reviewing what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program as well.
Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the radiographer school you ultimately pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Katonah NY, check that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Why Did You Desire to Become a Radiologic Technologist?
When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to consider questions you could be asked. Among the questions that recruiters typically ask radiographer prospects is "What made you pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not only the personal reasons you might have for being an Xray technician, but also what attributes and talents you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, as well as a significant number of typical interview questions, so you need to organize several strategies about how you would like to answer them. Because there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the abilities you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the ideal candidate for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but jot down several concepts and talking points that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can help you to develop your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.Enroll in the Best X-Ray Technician College near Katonah NY
Enrolling in the ideal x-ray tech school is a crucial first step toward initiating a fulfilling new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs typically stand for the greater part of the day and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate 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 technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and furnish the best available care to patients. As we have discussed in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each program you are looking at prior to making your final selection. This is equally true whether you decide on an online school or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each college so you can focus your options and make your decision. And with the proper education and your dedication to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Katonah NY.
Some Background on Katonah New York
Katonah, New York
Katonah is one of three hamlets and census-designated places (CDP) within the town of Bedford, Westchester County, in the U.S. state of New York, specifically northern Westchester. The Katonah CDP had a population of 1,679 at the 2010 census.[1]
Katonah is named for Chief Katonah,[2] an American Indian from whom the land of Bedford was purchased by a group of English colonists. Founded with the name Whitlockville, the town changed its name, and later was moved to its present site in 1897, when its former site (Old Katonah) was flooded by the construction of the Cross River Reservoir. More than 50 buildings were moved from the old site to New Katonah, rolled on logs pulled by horses. The move was originally ordered to start in 1894, but litigation delayed the process by almost three years.
Eleven-year-old child named B. Robertson wrote the following to a children magazine on March 2, 1897:
Katonah was not the only village affected by New York City's growing demand for water. The villages of Kirbyville and New Castle Corners were also condemned by the city but were never moved.[4]
During the American Revolution military battles or skirmishes did not take place in the area that is now the Village of Katonah. However, most local men joined the Continental side, with some joining the New York 4th Regiment of the Line and most joining the local Militia. Though the Bedford Township lay in what was called "Neutral Ground", supposedly not molested by military of either side, its inhabitants were preyed on by the lawless of both sides. Actually, this area suffered less from lawless depredations than other areas in the Neutral Ground, because of the proximity of the Croton River and the "Westchester Lines", a sparse string of outposts defended by units of the Continental Army.[5]
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